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City of Newcastle receives proposal for $10 million makeover of Lambton Pool

A $10 million indoor aquatic facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is part of a tender the City of Newcastle has placed on public notice, for the operation of Newcastle’s five swimming pools.

Proposed upgrades by BlueFit Pty Ltd, who have been managing Lambton Swimming Centre since 2014, will also include a gym, new kiosk and new changerooms.

An artist's impression of the 25m indoor pool proposed by BlueFit.

BlueFit has also committed to building accessibility facilities at each of the city’s five pools at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield.

Under the proposed lease of seven years with two possible seven-year extensions and currently on public notice, BlueFit would commit $5 million as part of their successful tender to operate the city’s pools.

A decision on whether to award BlueFit the contract to manage Newcastle’s local pools will not be made until August following a public notice process that invites comments on the proposed lease.

CN staff have also developed a business case for the internal operation of the pools, which will be considered alongside the external tenders, prior to a final decision by the CEO in August.

The proposed upgrades at Lambton Swimming Centre would see 10 new or improved facilities:

  1. A new 25m indoor warm water pool for improved programs and year-round operations
  2. A new indoor toddlers’ pool and changerooms for year-round operations
  3. Refurbishment of the amenities block and changerooms
  4. Accessible change facilities
  5. New health and fitness facilities
  6. New accessibility features for pool access
  7. Upgraded kiosk and cafe
  8. Upgraded Swimming Centre entrance
  9. Improved administration facilities
  10. New multi-purpose room
An artist's impression of the indoor toddlers' pool proposed by BlueFit.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said a year-round indoor facility at Lambton Swimming Centre was the key request from community consultation on its 20-year pools strategy, adopted in May.

“BlueFit has done preliminary work on an indoor aquatic facility as part of their tender proposal and we are sharing the images to help the community gain a sense of what these improvements at Lambton could look like,” he said.

“BlueFit’s proposal also includes freezing entry fees at all local pools this Summer season, ensuring that Newcastle pools remain the region’s most affordable. Beresfield Pool, which has long had the lowest entry fee of any local pool, will see its general admission fee further reduced to $2.90 when it reopens at the end of September.

“BlueFit has also confirmed that if they are awarded the contract to manage our local swimming pools, local private swimming school operator Joy Of Water will be able to continue to provide swimming lessons from Beresfield Pool as they have done for the past few years.”

Lambton, Mayfield, Wallsend and Stockton Swimming Centres have been operated by BlueFit since 2014. Beresfield has been managed under a hybrid arrangement with the pool managed in-house and BlueFit operating the turnstiles and kiosk since 2017.

Mr Bath said that the decision to place the proposed lease on public notice follows a detailed review by him of the proposal and financial modelling, as well as six weeks of further consultation with key stakeholders including councillors, unions, local MPs and staff.

“During the past six weeks I’ve reached out to multiple stakeholders, including councillors and unions. An invitation was extended to the State Member for Wallsend; however, I received no response,” Mr Bath said.

“My decision to place the lease on public notice was also influenced by the fact that the four local pools managed by BlueFit for the past nine years enjoy significantly lower entry fees than pools operated by other local councils.

“Part of my review during the past six weeks was to determine if ratepayers would be better off if City of Newcastle returned to managing its five local swimming centres, rather than BlueFit.

“This review found that if City of Newcastle were to once again manage its pools, the cost to ratepayers would be up to $39 million more than when compared to the cost of BlueFit managing them.

“This cost will send Council’s budget into deficit in at least two of the next five years. To avoid this impact, management would need to consider options such as increasing entry fees or re-prioritising other services or projects.

“The four swimming centres already managed locally by BlueFit enjoy a customer satisfaction rating of 85%, which is higher than the region’s many other public and private swimming centres.”

The decision to place the lease on public notice is detailed in a report on the City of Newcastle website. Key factors include:

  • BlueFit’s tender provides value for money to ratepayers.
  • Customer service outcomes will be enhanced via the construction of a year-round aquatic facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre including new indoor pools, a gym and new changerooms, as well as installation of accessible facilities at all five sites.
  • The contract does not involve the sale or disposal of the pools, noting Mayfield and Lambton are on Crown Land and cannot be sold.
  • BlueFit operated local swimming centres enjoy extremely high customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Pool users will financially benefit from BlueFit’s decision to freeze or reduce pool entry fees this season.
  • BlueFit’s $5 million capital investment favourably benchmarks with other outsourced pool contracts in NSW, the ACT and Queensland.
  • BlueFit’s tender is consistent with CN’s adopted Inland Pools Strategy 2043.
  • BlueFit is a responsible employer with a remuneration structure that exceeds the relevant award.
  • External management of our local pools by an industry-leading organisation reduces risk to ratepayers.
  • CN has undertaken a robust tender process, which has been overseen by an independent probity advisor.

Submissions in writing should be addressed to The City of Newcastle, Inland Pools Lease, PO Box 489, Newcastle, 2300 and be received by close of business Monday 31 July 2023.

$10.5m in grants to prevent and respond to sexual violence

Projects and organisations supporting women, children and other high priority groups who are at risk of, or experiencing sexual violence will receive a share of more than $10.5 million in joint NSW and Commonwealth Government funding.

NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said 14 projects have received between $100,000 and $1.5 million each through the Sexual Violence Project Fund grants program. This program supports the delivery of actions under the NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022-2027.

“Sexual violence has a devastating impact on victim-survivors and those around them. Early intervention is critical to reducing the prevalence of sexual violence and improving responses,” Minister Harrison said.

“These grants will fund intervention initiatives that support specific groups at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence, including women and children, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people, older women and people with disability.

“This means greater access to services and support for victim-survivors to enable a trauma-informed and inclusive response.”

One in 3 women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and 1 in 6 has experienced sexual violence. A 2021 study by Monash University indicated that 1 in 3 migrant and refugee women had experienced some form of family and domestic violence.

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the grants program was delivered as part of the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses National Partnership Agreement 2021-27 and aligned with the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.

“Sexual violence does not discriminate. It targets victims of all colours and faiths, from all backgrounds and socio-economic groups,” Minister Rishworth said.

“The Commonwealth is committed to doing everything it can to stop sexual violence, and to better support victim-survivors to ensure improved outcomes.

“We are working in partnership with the NSW Government, as well as other states and territories and community organisations, to end the cycle of violence and provide additional on the ground support.”

Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said the projects funded under the Sexual Violence Project Fund will support community organisations to deliver trauma-informed initiatives that have been co-designed with victim-survivors to enable greater inclusivity in response to sexual violence.

“As an organisation, we want to see an end not just to sexual violence but also the systemic violence that re-traumatises victim-survivors navigating their own personal road to recovery,” Ms Donovan said.

“Sexual violence is pervasive and insidious, demanding a holistic and accessible response. Every victim-survivor’s story is unique, and our systems of support must be equipped to listen and accommodate that.

“The initiatives funded through the sexual violence grant program will allow a more intersectional response across government and non-government partners to change the narrative and break the cycle.”

CEO of the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) Jorge Aroche said programs supporting refugee victim-survivors of sexual violence are vital.

“Dislocation and displacement are synonymous with the refugee experience because of this, women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, our job is to create culturally acceptable supports that resonate.

“Our team maintains strong relationships with the refugee community, this funding allows us to extend our work with young people, adults and parents, to build awareness, knowledge, and essential supports.”

Visit NSW Sexual Violence Project Fundlaunch for more information on the successful grant recipients.

Penrith to host first Community Cabinet meeting of 2023

Penrith in Sydney’s west has been selected as the location of the first Community Cabinet of the Minns Government.

The Community Cabinet meeting will provide a unique opportunity for the Penrith local community to hear directly from the NSW Government’s key decision-makers and offer insights into life in Western Sydney.

The meeting will be held on Monday 31 July at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and is open to all residents, business owners and stakeholders of the Penrith area.

Registrations are now open for the event at the Community Cabinet website or by phoning (02) 9228 5188launch.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Community Cabinet is a critical forum for us to develop a strong understanding of how to deliver services and projects that meet the needs of communities across the state.

“It has been a high priority for me to re-instate this valuable meeting swiftly since taking government.

“Penrith is only the beginning for us. I plan to hold Community Cabinet meetings regularly throughout the next 4 years to ensure we are listening to the unique challenges and strengths of communities across NSW.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“There is nowhere else in the world quite like Western Sydney – it is home to the most incredible, diverse and strong communities.

“The only way to grasp the culture or demands of the region is to actively listen to the local community on what matters most to them.

“I am thrilled to be inviting the Premier and my fellow ministers to meet in Penrith for our first Community Cabinet together to ensure our priorities align with the Western Sydney community.”

Aged care relief package to free up hospital beds in Illawarra and Shoalhaven

Elderly patients who remain in hospital waiting for aged care placements could now be discharged sooner under a plan to ease the impact of residential aged care shortages in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

Up to 35 temporary aged care beds are being made available across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region, under a joint state and federal funding agreement which will help free up beds in local public hospitals.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said the funding agreement between the NSW Government and the Commonwealth will enable additional beds in the Illawarra Shoalhaven to open under the Transitional Aged Care Program.

“This will make it possible for more patients to be safely discharged from hospital to another care facility while they wait for a residential placement to become available,” Mr Park said.

“Under the agreement, the NSW Government will contribute around 75% of the funding required to open 20 additional transition beds in Illawarra, which will equate to around $5 million annually.

“We will also jointly fund an additional 15 transitional beds in the Shoalhaven, with 4 already in place in Nowra.

“This is an exceptional result for the local community and is especially welcome news for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), which has been facing unprecedented challenges with the flow of patients through local hospitals because of the impact of residential aged care bed shortages.”

An average of 92 local hospital patients every day in the Illawarra Shoalhaven have been classified as ready for transfer to a residential aged care facility over the past 12 months.

Mr Park said that number was previously between 30 and 40 patients per day.

“This no doubt creates a level of uncertainty for patients and their loved ones because they are forced to wait in hospital,” Mr Park said.

“It also impacts access to beds for other patients needing admission to our public hospitals.

“This relief package will enable more elderly patients, who are well enough for discharge, to be cared for in a more appropriate facility while at the same time making more hospital beds available.

“This will significantly improve access to hospital beds from emergency departments.”           

Staff recruitment is underway and the Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD is currently negotiating with Figtree Private Hospital to enable the opening of a 20-bed ward within its facility.

Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes, said the collaborative agreement with Federal Aged Care Minister Annika Wells would help public hospitals transition elderly patients into more appropriate care.

“Both Minister Wells and I see it as a priority to work cooperatively with government and the sector to achieve effective solutions that will reduce pressure on our hospitals; while delivering the care that older Illawarra residents need, when they need it and in a form that meets their care needs,” Ms Byrne said.

“Locally, we are committed to developing these solutions that is why I speak regularly with Federal Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells MP, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park MP, ISLHD CEO Margot Mains and private providers about solutions.

“The Federal Government is committed to improving the attraction, retention and the sustainability of the care workforce by delivering a 15% pay rise on award wages for aged care workers, having at least 1 registered nurse available to care for residents at all times – 24 hours a day, every day of the week; and developing an Industry Labour Agreement to streamline the recruitment of qualified direct care workers to work in the aged care sector.”

The additional transition aged care beds will open over the next few months.

New Rental Commissioner to give renters a voice

NSW renters will soon have a strong voice to government with the announcement today that sector leader Trina Jones will be the first NSW Rental Commissioner.

The commissioner will work with the government to design and implement changes that rebalance the rental market, making it fairer and more modern.

In her role as NSW Rental Commissioner, Ms Jones will be a voice for renters and work with the government and stakeholders to get moving on the reforms open for consultation now, including:

  • making it easier for renters to have pets in their homes
  • ending ‘no-grounds’ evictions
  • implementing a portable bonds scheme that allows renters to transfer bonds from one property to another
  • improving the protection of renters’ information and privacy.

Beyond these proposed changes, the rental commissioner will also be responsible for identifying and investigating other issues that are impacting the NSW rental market.

The commissioner will examine rental affordability and supply, encourage longer term rental agreements, investigate ways to improve energy efficiency for renters, develop educational resources for renters and owners, and monitor current tenancy laws.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“The government’s appointment of NSW’s first rental commissioner is an important step to addressing some of the issues facing renters and importantly giving them a voice.

“Anyone who rents in NSW knows just how anxious and challenging the process can be to find suitable accommodation, not to mention the rent increases and cost of living pressures.

“I’m looking forward to working with the new commissioner to make our state a fairer place for both renters and owners.

“We can’t fix years of problems in the rental market overnight, but we have already made a start and we are determined to do more.”

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Renters are almost a third of the state and they deserve secure and fair housing, Trina’s job will be to advocate and drive meaningful change.

“The housing challenge isn’t just about affordability, it’s about amenity too – and we need rules that let renters get on with their lives with the rights and security they need.

“We’re consulting now on changes to improve stability and fairness in the rental market, I’m looking forward to working with Trina to bring this work together by the end of the year.”

Incoming NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:

“In taking on the role of rental commissioner, my mission is to amplify the voice of renters, help strengthen their rights and improve the fairness of the rental market.

“I look forward to working closely and productively with government, industry, renters and owners across our state as we collaboratively search for solutions to our housing challenges.”

$1 BILLION DEFENCE AGREEMENT SUPPORTS AUSTRALIAN JOBS AND INDUSTRY

The Albanese Government has agreed to a major defence export deal with Germany, signing an in-principle agreement for Australia to supply more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles, built in Brisbane.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessed the signing of the agreement by Ambassador to Germany Philip Green and Mr Benedikt Zimmer, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence, during his visit to Berlin.

Once finalised, the deal would see Rheinmetall leverage its production capacity at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland to supply the vehicles to Germany.

The deal represents one of Australia’s largest ever defence export contracts, worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy in the production and supply of vehicles, supporting approximately 1,000 local Australian jobs and providing a significant boost to our sovereign defence industry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This is one of the biggest defence sales in Australia’s history and is worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy in the production and supply of these vehicles.

“The agreement will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to Australia’s economic growth.

“This deal secures well-paid jobs in Queensland and across the country.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said:

“The Defence relationship between Australia and Germany is growing significantly, and we are excited about this in-principle agreement for Rheinmetall to build Boxers for the German Army in Brisbane.

“This is a significant investment for our local defence industry; securing local jobs and contributing to Australia’s economic growth.

“I look forward to seeing this significant deal between our two countries continue to progress.”

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said:

“We are excited that Boxers made in Brisbane, using Australian suppliers, will be used by the German Army.

“This export opportunity highlights the world-leading skills and capabilities within Australia’s defence industry.

“This deal will support hundreds of well-paid, high skill jobs and grow the defence relationship between Australia and Germany.”

BUILDING STRONG TIES WITH GERMANY

Prime Minister Albanese met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin today to advance the Australia-Germany relationship.
 
The leaders held positive discussions on boosting trade and investment, climate action and clean energy, and our defence and security cooperation.
 
The Australia-Germany relationship has never been stronger, and our economic partnership is increasingly important for Australia’s future prosperity and job creation in a time of global uncertainty.
 
Bilateral talks focused on drawing our countries closer, delivering growth, and investment opportunities from a prospective Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement.
 
Clean energy cooperation is at the core of the Australia-Germany relationship. Prime Minister Albanese outlined to Chancellor Scholz our ambition to become a renewable energy superpower and the commercial opportunities to help Germany decarbonise its industry. They discussed bilateral work underway to build and strengthen supply chains in both critical minerals and clean hydrogen.
 
Australia has also joined the Climate Club, joining the G7 and other high ambition countries, a German initiative to further international climate action. Membership in the club will complement Australia’s climate objectives, green economy opportunities and allow us to bring our unique regional perspectives to global emissions reductions action.
 
The Prime Minister also witnessed the signing of an in-principle arrangement for Australia to supply over 100 Rheinmetall Defence Australia Boxer Heavy Weapon Carriers to Germany, starting in 2025. This will be one of the biggest defence sales in Australia’s history – and is worth north of $1 billion dollars to the Australian economy in the production and supply of these vehicles.
 
This deal will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to our economic growth, with the vehicles being produced in Redbank, Queensland.
 
The leaders affirmed a shared commitment to supporting Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. Australia and Germany are united in our belief that we have a collective responsibility to contribute to a safe, secure and stable world.
 
At the conclusion of the visit, Prime Minister Albanese extended an invitation to Chancellor Scholz to visit Australia as a Guest of Government in 2024.
 
Prime Minister Albanese said:
 
“Australia and Germany have never been closer, and I have been honoured to visit Berlin and to meet with Chancellor Scholz today.
 
“We discussed ways to draw our countries even more closely together, with a focus on trade, clean energy, defence and regional security.
 
“Australia and Germany are forging ahead and seizing the exciting opportunities of clean energy transition while delivering new jobs and export opportunities for both countries.
 
“We have also made a significant step forward on defence cooperation, which will support jobs and industry in Australia.”

AUSTRALIA TO HELP PROTECT VITAL GATEWAY OF ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE

Australia is steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion. Ensuring Ukraine can receive international assistance is a crucial part of that.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Germany for approximately six months from October to help protect a vital gateway of international humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine. This deployment includes up to 100 crew and support personnel.

The deployment of the E-7A Wedgetail will integrate with the efforts of our partners, including the United States, and support the multi-layered protections in place for assistance into Ukraine.

The aircraft will provide early warning in the event of any threats outside of Ukraine against the gateway for humanitarian and military assistance.

ADF personnel or assets will not enter Ukraine throughout this deployment and the aircraft will not be involved in the current conflict in Ukraine. The E-7A will operate outside of Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian airspace.

We thank the German Government for hosting the aircraft and our personnel for the duration of the deployment. 

The deployment demonstrates Australia’s commitment to support our allies and partners in upholding the international rules-based order.

The Albanese Government continues to work with the Government of Ukraine and our international partners to provide assistance and calls on Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukraine. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Australia calls on Russia to withdraw its military forces from Ukrainian territory and immediately end this illegal invasion, which has caused terrible damage and loss of life in Ukraine.

“We strongly support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and are providing ongoing humanitarian and military assistance.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles said: 

“The deployment of the E-7A Wedgetail as an additional early warning capability will help ensure that vital support flowing to Ukraine by the international community is protected. 

“Australia is committed to ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity prevails against Russia’s assault on the rules-based order.”

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong said:

“Australia’s E-7A Wedgetail deployment is a further demonstration of our support for Ukraine.

“Australia stands with Ukraine to empower its people to end Russia’s illegal, immoral war.”

Girl missing from Newcastle located

A girl missing from the Newcastle area has been located.

The 16-year-old was last seen in New Lambton, about 5pm today (Tuesday 11 July 2023).

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

Following a public appeal and geo-targeted SMS campaign, she was recognised by a member of the public who contacted police.

Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.

Live sites to bring World Cup action into the heart of Newcastle

Newcastle’s Civic precinct will turn green and gold this month when City of Newcastle hosts outdoor screenings of the Matildas World Cup campaign in Wheeler Place.

There will be added home-grown pride on the line, with Novocastrians Clare Wheeler and Emily Van Egmond this week named in the 23-player squad for the much-anticipated tournament.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and Councillors Peta Winney-Baartz, Deannha Richardson and Elizabeth Adamczyk with former Mataildas players, members of the Newcastle-based Matildas Active Support group and a representative from the Newcastle BIA celebrate the announcement of live outdoor screenings of Australia's matches during the FIFA Women's World Cup this month.

Thousands of football fans are expected to converge on the live site to cheer on the Matildas, who will open the FIFA Women’s World Cup against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday 20 July.

The live site will be set up next to Civic Theatre from 7pm for each of Australia’s matches during the Group stage, which will also see the Matildas take on Nigeria on 27 July and Canada on 31 July.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the live site will bring the action of the World Cup to Newcastle, offering a family-friendly way for locals to enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on their football heroes with fellow Novocastrians.

“Novocastrians are passionate about football and turned out in droves in December when we held an open-air broadcast of the Socceroos sudden death match against Argentina during the men’s World Cup,” Cr Nelmes said.

“I know we can expect the same level of support for our much-loved Matildas, who inspired an Australian crowd attendance record for a women’s soccer match during their clash against Brazil in Newcastle just a few years ago.”

Chair of the Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz encouraged Novocastrians to join together at the City’s family-friendly live site in support of the Matildas.

“City of Newcastle is thrilled to be able to host these live screenings for the community and I invite everyone to don their green and gold and get down to Wheeler Place to soak up what is sure to be an incredible World Cup atmosphere,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“With the Matildas group matches kicking off at 8pm each time, I’d encourage everyone to show their support for our local business community, with plenty of great places to eat and drink throughout the city centre and Darby Street before and after the game.”

Novocastrian women have played a significant role in the success of the Matildas throughout their history, with more than 20 players hailing from Newcastle since the Australian women’s team was officially formed in 1978.

This includes Matildas stalwarts Cheryl Salisbury, Joey Peters and Emily van Egmond, who have pulled on the green and gold jersey more than 100 times each.

Former Matildas midfielder Shelley Youman, who represented Australia 23 times during the 1990s, welcomed the opportunity to come together at City of Newcastle’s live site screenings.

“Gathering as a community at the Newcastle live site to support the Matildas in the Women’s World Cup will ignite a power of unity and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of women’s football and women’s sport in general,” Ms Youman said.

“Newcastle has always been a fantastic sporting hub for female athletes. The Women’s World Cup on home soil will create electric atmosphere, and inspire a new generation of athletes, demonstrating that the strength and spirit of a community can transcend the boundaries of the sporting arena.”

Further details on the Women’s World Cup live site will be shared on City of Newcastle’s Facebook and What’s On websites in the lead-up to this month’s events.