Category: Newcastle News

Cessnock High School, Swansea High School and Hunter River High School are among the NSW public high schools that have shown most improvement in their 2023 Higher School Certificate (HSC) results.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar congratulated the schools, their leaders and students on their success.

“These are outstanding results not only for our schools, but our staff, students and their communities,” Mr Dizdar said.

“Our Plan for Public Education speaks of our ambition as a system to provide opportunities for all and transform lives through learning.

“This improvement demonstrates an ongoing commitment to student and school success in the HSC, and the support of dedicated teaching staff to sustain it.

“These achievements do not happen in isolation. It is the collective efforts of a whole school community to provide outstanding learning experiences in every classroom that challenges and grows our students.”

The Department used top two and top three band HSC data from the Centre of Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE) to recognise its most improved schools.

Top two bands include bands 5 and 6 for HSC standard courses and E3 and E4 for extension courses, while top three bands include bands 4-6 (standard) and E2-E4 (extension).

Cessnock High School had a strong improvement in the top three band results in 2023 following improved subject selection processes from Year 11 and the establishment of a dedicated senior learning area. Students have also benefitted from study skills and extra-curricula mentoring sessions.

Swansea High School’s improvement was under the two band measure. There has been a strong cultural shift at the school towards high expectation, which has also involved partner primary schools. Combined with a sharper focus on teaching quality and student growth, the shift is building the school’s reputation for high achievement.

Hunter River High School has built on its appearance in the 2022 Most Improved list with another strong showing in the top three bands. Each student’s study is tailored to their aspirations and abilities in a culture of high expectation and an environment offering high levels of teaching and resources support.

There are 2217 public schools in NSW with more than 800,000 students, including around 330,000 high school students.

City of Newcastle (CN) has finalised its assessment report for an 858-lot residential subdivision proposed for Woodford Street, Minmi, by the Winten Property Group.

The development application, DA2018/01351, which was publicly notified on two separate occasions by CN, is due to be determined by the NSW Government’s Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel next week.

CN Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the DA has been assessed by CN in accordance with legislated requirements and is considered to now be consistent with the Concept Plan approved by the NSW Government in 2013.

It is acknowledged that significant community concern has been raised in relation to the development, with the majority of submissions citing the existing heritage, bushland and semi-rural outlooks as features that would be detrimentally impacted by the proposed development.

“The community expressed concerns with the development in regards to urban sprawl and transport impacts. The community has correctly cited the development’s inconsistency with City of Newcastle’s vision and ambition, and is only possible given the State Government’s 2013 approved Concept Plan,” Ms Bisson said.

“CN largely agrees with these concerns. However, the development is on land subject to a Concept Plan approval, issued by the NSW Government Planning Assessment Commission in 2013.

“As a result, CN is unable to enforce contemporary planning principles as the parameters for the future development of this land.

“It is CN’s strong hope that as the development progresses the applicant will consider more contemporary planning principles to reduce urban sprawl and reduce footprints, noting that this would also require an amendment to the Concept Approval.”

The assessment report documents CN’s previously raised concerns regarding the approved Concept Plan and the various amendments, to the Planning Department, over many years. These concerns include (but are not limited to) traffic impacts and required road upgrades, recreation facilities, vegetation loss, impacts on the Summerhill Waste Management Facility and the proposed design guidelines.

The current DA was refused in December 2022 on the basis of 15 concerns. However, the applicant has now, in the opinion of CN planning staff, addressed all 15 concerns and has secured support from a range of NSW Government departments and organisations including Transport for NSW. The latter has supported the proposal regarding traffic considerations and recommended upgrades to the regional road network to support the development as conditions of consent. 

In December 2023, the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel approved a separate neighbouring application from Winten, located within the Lake Macquarie City Council LGA, to develop a 1079-lot housing estate on land between the location of DA2018/01351 and the Newcastle Link Road.

CN will continue to advocate for the protection of a corridor required for a future southern access road into the Summerhill Waste Management Centre, which would remove the majority of large waste trucks from Wallsend and surrounding areas. The proposed corridor would require access via a paper road owned by Winten, Lake Macquarie City Council and another developer Eden Estates.

A man has been charged after two people were allegedly hit by a car in Port Stephens last week.

About 11.40pm last Friday (15 March 2024), emergency services were called to Somerset Drive, North Arm Cove, following reports two people had been injured by a car.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have been told a white Ford Falcon was allegedly performing burnouts in front of a crowd of people, when the driver lost control, hitting a power pole then two people standing nearby.

The vehicle caught fire with the driver allegedly leaving the scene.

A 20-year-old woman and 14-year-old girl were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

A crime scene was established, and the incident was subsequently investigated with the assistance of the Crash Investigation Unit.

Following extensive inquiries, a 22-year-old man was arrested at Maitland Police Station about 7am today (Monday 18 March 2024).

There he was charged with two counts of cause bodily harm by misconduct (in charge of motor vehicle), interfere with person’s enjoyment or risk safety, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury, negligent driving, and drive motor vehicle while licence suspended.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 6 May 2024.

A Correctional officer has been charged following the alleged assault of a male inmate at Shortland Correctional Centre, Cessnock, in January this year.

The matter was referred to detectives from the Corrective Services Investigation Unit (CSIU), who commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following extensive inquiries- a 46-year-old man was arrested at Wyong Police Station today (Monday 18 March 2024).

He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and threat/cause injury/harm to prevent information to police.

He was given conditional bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 3 April 2024.

City of Newcastle (CN) has stepped up its campaign to ensure lost dogs can be more quickly reunited with their owners.

CN Rangers offered free microchipping and registration advice as part of today’s Pups in the Park event at Lambton, which encouraged Novocastrians to take the lead on keeping their four-legged friends safe.

Councillor Katrina Wark, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and Councillor Margaret Wood with City of Newcastle Rangers at the Pups in the Park event at Lambton Park.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said educational events encouraging responsible pet ownership are one of the key actions of CN’s Dogs in Open Space Plan. 

“Currently there are more than 65,000 identified canines calling the local government area home, which is one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the state,” Cr Clausen said.

“Novocastrians love their dogs and we want to help owners care responsibly for their canine family members as best we can. 

“We also want to make sure our beloved pets are as safe as possible, which is why through the provision of free microchipping and pet registry advice, we can help busy pet owners take these important tasks off their to-do list.

“Each year, our hardworking City of Newcastle Rangers are able to return around 100 lost pets to their worried owners thanks to up-to-date registration details and microchips. 

“But out-of-date registration details, a lack of collar, ID tag or microchip, all make it much harder for our Rangers to make these reunions possible.

“The heartbreak of a lost pet can be easily prevented by taking a few simple registration steps, which our rangers are very happy to help pet owners achieve.”

All cats and dogs in NSW, other than exempt animals such as working dogs, must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away. They must also be registered with a one-off lifetime fee before they reach six months of age.

The free microchipping initiative at Pups in the Park, is one of many priority actions being delivered as part of the Dogs in Open Space Plan, which was adopted by CN in 2019. 

The pet-centric plan has been used to inform community education and encourage responsible dog ownership, as well as guide the provision, improvement, and management of off-leash dog areas.

In July 2023, CN celebrated the opening of the city’s third fenced off-leash dog park in Maryland, featuring a dog bubbler, shelter with seating, informal sandstone garden beds, and extensive landscaping including trees for shade delivered under the first stage of the project.

 A full list of the city’s off leash areas is available on CN’s website, along with more information about how to register and microchip your pet.

Detectives are appealing for information after two people were hit overnight in the Port Stephens area.

About 11.40pm yesterday (Friday 15 March 2024), emergency services were called to Somerset Drive, North Arm Cove, following reports two people had been injured by a car.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived to find a white Ford Falcon sedan had been performing burn-outs in front of a crowd of people when the driver lost control and hit a power pole and two people standing next to it. The vehicle then caught fire with the driver leaving the scene.

Emergency services were called to the scene, Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the fire with the car seized for forensic examination.

A 20-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for pelvic and leg injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

Police have established a crime scene and are investigating the crash with the assistance of officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit.

As inquiries continue police are hoping to speak to the driver of the sedan who may be able to assist with the investigation.

Darling Street Oval is better equipped to cater for the growth of women’s football in our region thanks to the completion of an upgrade at Hamilton South valued at over $3 million.

The project, funded by City of Newcastle (CN), Newcastle Olympic Football Club and the State and Federal Governments, has delivered an inclusive and fully accessible grandstand for passionate spectators, as well as male and female players.

Newcastle Olympic Women’s Captain Jemma House, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Newcastle Olympic Football Club President George Sofianos, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Olympic Men’s Captain Marcus Duncan at the official opening of the new grandstand at Darling Street Oval.

Replacing the original grandstand, which was built in 1993, the facility includes a new grandstand with gender inclusive changerooms, a training room, a media room, as well as a new canteen, medical room and referee room.

The tiered seating can accommodate 340 spectators with an increased number under cover, while the new secure internal storage provides protection for sports equipment, which is used by more than 480 players.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project aligns with City of Newcastle’s Strategic Sports Plan.

“The provision of high-quality amenities within the new grandstand provides for greater female participation in sport,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is committed to investing in inclusive facilities that cater for the entire community. 

“The upgrade includes a lift and amenities for people with a disability on both levels, as well as accessible car parking and pathways to improve the approach to the grandstand.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said the new facilities will be welcomed by the whole community.

“Newcastle Olympic FC has invested proudly in growing women’s football and will finally have the facilities to support its female athletes from the most junior to the top-tier,” Ms Claydon said.

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with state and local government to support these new facilities. This will help ensure women and girls find their feet in sport and hopefully remain engaged throughout their lives.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the new grandstand would be a well-used facility. 

“You just have to look outside to know women’s sport is booming in the Hunter and these are top class facilities for both men’s and women’s teams and their supporters,” Minister Catley said.

“It’s fantastic to see all three levels of government work together with a sporting club to deliver a venue like this for Hamilton South.

“I’m proud to be part of a NSW Government that has contributed more than $1.2 million to this game-changing upgrade for the community.”

Celebrating the opening of the new grandstand at Darling Street Oval.

Newcastle Olympic Football Club President George Sofianos said the new facility offers invaluable benefits to the club.

“This new pavilion is a watershed moment for Newcastle Olympic as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2026. We are immensely proud that the club formed by a group of young boys of Greek heritage all those years ago, has grown into one of the leaders in both women’s and men’s football in this region,” Mr Sofianos said.

“Commencing our women’s program in 2020 is one of the best decisions we have ever made. We have been the women’s Club Champions in four of the past five years and we have featured in every top-flight grand final in that time. 

“Northern NSW Football has set a goal of having 30,000 female participants by 2026 and we’re well placed to welcome new players to the club. 

“This new facility means Darling Street Oval will be one of the few football facilities in the area with four changerooms and match official rooms, all of which are female friendly.”

City of Newcastle (CN) is making it easier to access design or development guidelines with the introduction of an innovative, interactive online tool. 

The user-friendly digital portal was launched to coincide with the new Newcastle Development Control Plan, which came into effect on 1 March 2024. 

Designed with intuitive features to improve the users’ experience, the new DCP tool boasts quick navigation options, robust search functionality, and has the ability to mark favourite sections for easy reference.  

Additionally, users have the convenience of downloading both the entire plan and specific sections. 

The online tool will enhance accessibility and efficiency for all stakeholders, from industry experts to community members. The DCP was updated in 2023 following community consultation, with the new provisions coming into effect on 1 March 2024.  

The enhanced provisions are informed by commitments made in the Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan, Local Strategic Planning Statement, Local Housing Strategy document, and reflect best practice guidelines for development. 

Key amendments include measures to address the impact of urban heat, liveable housing requirements, provisions to help increase walking, cycling and public transport use and revised measures for the retention or planting of street trees with a development. 

Revisions were also made in areas of flood management, Aboriginal cultural heritage, City Centre developments and density controls, as well as built and landscape heritage.  

City of Newcastle (CN) is pushing ahead with improvements at Smith Park in Hamilton North, with the contract for construction now open for tender.

The project will see new drainage and irrigation installed, as well as the realignment of the three synthetic cricket wickets.

The upgrade is being delivered by CN, with support from a $2.5 million grant secured by the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association through the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the work will form part of the Smith Park Masterplan, which is in the process of being finalised.

“City of Newcastle is committed to upgrading sporting facilities across the community for the benefit of all,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Smith Park is a popular facility that caters for a large number of sporting groups including junior and senior cricket, football clubs, and a thriving Oztag competition.

“City of Newcastle sought extensive feedback from key user groups and the broader community to make sure the needs of all users were considered during the development of the precinct’s Masterplan.

“This initial project will be consistent with the long-term vision for the park and will meet the needs of all users.”

Chair of CN’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the upgrade also aligns with City of Newcastle’s Strategic Sport Plan 2020.

“We’re committed to delivering our long-term vision for upgrading facilities across the community,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“The 10-year Strategic Sport Plan is designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing maintenance and improvements to sporting infrastructure across the Local Government Area and includes several recommendations relating to Smith Park.

“Since adopting the Plan, we’ve implemented or are progressing 84 per cent of its 93 recommendations, working collaboratively with sporting clubs across the city to ensure we cater for the needs of our community now and into the future.”

Submissions can be made via www.tenderlink.com/newcastle

Smith Park isn’t the only popular sporting precinct subject to a new long-term vision for its future, with CN recently adopting a 15-year Masterplan for the nearby Adamstown Park.

A new International Student Ambassador initiative launched today in Newcastle aims to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for all international students living and studying in the Hunter.

The program, co-facilitated by the University of Newcastle together with the City of Newcastle, Study NSW, and TAFE NSW has been developed to connect international students with the community through dedicated student ambassadors.

Professor Mark Hoffman Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) University of Newcastle, Roger Hale Director of Customer and Stakeholder Relations, TAFE NSW, Manav Arora, International Student Ambassador, Nataly Soto, International Student Ambassador, Sarthak Birani, International Student Ambassador, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Nate Henderson, Associate Director – Policy and Programs, Study NSW.

Three ambassadors have been elected to represent the voices of international students and will work closely with local government, educational institutions and the community to act as a bridge between cultures and enhance their experience living and studying in the region.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the program would promote an inclusive and interconnected University community that celebrated diversity and addressed the needs of international students.

“We want our students to experience the very best that our region has to offer and the launch of the International Student Ambassador program will be a catalyst to building vital connections and opportunities for these students to succeed in our region,” said Professor Zelinsky.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the launch of the Ambassador Program was an important step in welcoming all international students, emphasising their contributions to creating a vibrant, global community in Newcastle.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with the University of Newcastle to help forge meaningful relationships that will establish a lifelong network of cultural exchange and collaboration,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy recognises that international students help to build our global reputation for education and stimulate local business activity, while adding culture and diversity to our city.

“We hope this Ambassador Program will help international students feel more at home and gain a better understanding of all our city has to offer.”

To further support the international student experience, the NSW Government’s Study NSW has also established an international student welcome desk at Newcastle Airport, which Toshi Kawaguchi, Director Study NSW, said would provide a key first point of contact to welcome and prepare students to thrive in Newcastle.

“Newcastle brings together the best parts of NSW’s lifestyle, making it such a popular city for international students to study, work and live. Studying in a foreign city comes with its challenges, which is why Study NSW supports initiatives such as the Ambassador program. It is critical that international students feel welcome and empowered to make the most of their time studying abroad,” said Mr Kawaguchi.

“International students make incredible social and cultural contributions to Newcastle and the broader Australian community. This is one of the ways we’re giving back and providing meaningful opportunities to support their global careers.”

International Student Ambassador, Nataly Soto said she looked forward to amplifying the visibility of international students in the community and helping to build their vital connections for success in Newcastle.

“Having been an international student myself, I understand the difficulties that come with studying overseas and I firmly believe these challenges can be overcome with the right resources. I hope this program will help to create lifelong connections and make Newcastle not only a destination for education, but a true home away from home for these students,” said Nataly.