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Media releases

Find out about Council decisions, projects and activities by reading the latest media releases.

Media releases are distributed by Council's Communications Unit. The Communications Unit can be contacted during office hours on 02 4974 2264 or after hours on 0413 154 858.

The Unit can arrange interviews and provide background information as well as organise photographs.

For more of the latest media releases go the bottom of the page.

Do you want to be a councillor?

14 Jul 2008

Are you passionate about Newcastle and the community? Do you have good communication, problem solving and organisational skills? Can you provide leadership in an ethical and accountable way?

If this sounds like you, then maybe you should think about becoming a councillor for Newcastle City Council.

Acting General Manager GRAHAM CLARKE says these skills and more are essential for people interested in becoming a councillor for the City of Newcastle.

"Councillors play an important role in representative government. The decisions they make determine services council's provide and this directly impacts on the local community, local environment and the city we live in."

"Being a councillor can be both rewarding and a challenge. There is a constant need to balance conflicting priorities and make the right decisions within the constraints of a limited budget and complex set of laws."

An information session has been organised by Newcastle City Council for interested nominees who would like to find out more information about the responsibilities of being a councillor.

Topics for discussion include:

  • What is Local Government?
  • Why do I want to become a Councillor?
  • A council's charter
  • Council services and functions
  • The elected representatives – the responsibilities
  • Undertaking a community leadership role – the challenge
  • The General Manager and staff relationships
  • Making decisions – Council meetings
  • Remuneration and allowances for Councillors
  • Nomination- how do I stand for election to become a Councillor

The information session follows on from the previous workshop by the NSW Electoral which focused on the mechanics of nomination, elections and voting.

Candidate Information Seminar

5.30pm to 9pm, Thursday 17 July 2008

Mulubinba Room, City Hall

Please RSVP by Wednesday 16 July by calling 4974 2821

 



  •  Best selling crime writer to visit Newcastle - 24 Jul 2008  
    Best selling Australian crime writer and Books Alive Ambassador, Michael Robotham, will be at Newcastle Region Library on Wednesday 30 July as part of the 2008 Books Alive tour.
  •  New GM for council - 18 Jul 2008  
    Newcastle Lord Mayor JOHN TATE says Council's new General Manager brings a wide range of experience to the role.
  •  Park watering by remote control - 17 Jul 2008  
    New technology has been embraced by Newcastle City Council's park and recreation team to help with water management at No 1 and No 2 sportsgrounds at National Park.
  •  Let's green Newcastle - 17 Jul 2008  
    Newcastle City Council’s Community Greening Centre needs your to help plant more than 2000 native plants, shrubs and grasses on National Tree Day, Sunday 27 July 2008.
  •  Living with floods in Newcastle - 15 Jul 2008  
    Since the June 2007 storms the community has an increased awareness and interest in flooding issues in Newcastle. Newcastle City Council is undertaking flood modelling and mapping of flood hazards across the Newcastle Local Government area with financial assistance from the State and Federal Governments.
  •  New voter enquiry line opens - 15 Jul 2008  
    The NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) has opened an enquiry centre to assist the State’s 4.4 million voters with important information leading up to the local council elections on Saturday, 13 September.
  •  Fort grounds open today - 14 Jul 2008  
    After four years of being closed to the public and $10 million worth of restoration works, the grounds at Fort Scratchley Historic Site will reopen from today.
  •  New home for L!ve Sites - 04 Jul 2008  
    With the passing of a recent Council resolution and with agreement from funding partners Hunter Development Corporation (formerly Honeysuckle Development Corporation) and ArtsNSW Newcastle’s internationally renowned outdoor events and place activation program L!ve Sites will have a new home and production base within the Newcastle City Council’s Civic Precinct.
  •  A new life for William the Fourth - 03 Jul 2008  
    A special signing ceremony will mark an important day in the life of William the Fourth, Newcastle’s own heritage ship.
  •  Don't be a couch potato this school holidays - 01 Jul 2008  
    There are plenty of activities happening throughout the city to keep young minds busy during the school holidays including fire twirling, circus workshops and waste monster workshops.
  •  Community and Council combine at Church Walk - 01 Jul 2008  
    Local residents and staff from Newcastle City Council's Community Greening Centre and Parks and Gardens team have joined forces to beautify Church Walk Park in Newcastle.
  •  Celebrating indigenous youth culture - 01 Jul 2008  
    Traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art workshops and a NAIDOC week celebration gig are being offered to young people through The Loft Youth Venue’s relaunch of the successful Past, Present, Future program.
  •  Ordinary Council Meeting - 25 Jun 2008  
    Following is a summary of the substance of the Ordinary Council meeting of 24 June 2008. Note: This is not a record of the resolutions.
  •  Name and shame for Gregson Park vandals - 27 Jun 2008  
    Three recent early morning vandal attacks at Hamilton's Gregson Park have prompted Newcastle City Council to ask the community to name and shame offenders.
  •  Festivities at the Fort - 26 Jun 2008  
    This weekend Newcastle will celebrate the handover of Fort Scratchley Historic Site from the Australian Government back to the community, with a Community Preview Weekend.
  •  Former Newcastle Regional Museum site - 24 Jun 2008  
    Lord Mayor JOHN TATE is pleased to confirm contracts have been exchanged with Almona Pty Ltd for the sale of the former Newcastle Regional Museum site at Newcastle West.
  •  Newcastle City Council investments - 20 Jun 2008  
    Recent reports over Council’s financial exposure to the U.S mortgage crisis have at times misrepresented the true situation.
  •  Community welcome at preview of refurbished Fort - 20 Jun 2008  
    A sneak preview showcasing Fort Scratchley's restoration has been organised to coincide with the official transfer of ownership by the Commonwealth of Australia to the citizens of Newcastle on Sunday 29 June 2008.
  •  Infrastructure focus for the year ahead - 18 Jun 2008  
    Newcastle City Council is closing the gap on the city's infrastructure backlog with more funds being committed to maintenance of roads, drainage and buildings in the 2008/2009 Management Plan.
  •  Approved DAs - 16 Jun 2008  
    Council approved over 60 development applications from 31 May to 14 June 2008.
  •  Troubled trees to be removed - 13 Jun 2008  
    Seven Phoenix palms are being removed from Dangar Park Mayfield today, Friday 13 June, due to a suspected case of 'palm wilt' disease.
  •  A whale of a tale - 12 Jun 2008  
    Newcastle will celebrate Australia's first National Whale Day one day early with the official naming of the city's adopted humpback whale being held near Dixon Park Surf Club at 11am, Friday 13 June.
  •  Rock Eisteddford performance cancelled - 04 Jun 2008  
    Due to inclement weather tonight’s, Wendesday 4 June 2008, performance of the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge at the Civic Theatre Newcastle has been cancelled.
  •  Council announces support for community programs - 04 Jun 2008  
    Festivals, sporting events, community gardens and art prizes are just some of the programs earmarked to receive more than $450,000 worth of funding under Newcastle City Council’s Community Assistance Program adopted by Council last night, Tuesday 3 June 2008.
  •  Beauty of research seen Through the Lens - 02 Jun 2008  
    Biology and beauty seem an unlikely match, but a photography exhibition launched Friday 30 May at Wallsend District Library proved science can be visually stunning.
  •  Australian wildlife impresses international judges - 02 Jun 2008  
    Local photographer Elaine Argaet has been highly commended in the in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards and her image of a flock of corellas has been included in the annual exhibition on display in Newcastle from Friday 6 June, 2008.
  •  DAs approved from 17 - 30 May - 02 Jun 2008  
    Newcastle City Council granted development consent to a number of proposals between 17 - 30 May.
  •  Annuals in Civic Park - 29 May 2008  
    Stunning flowers have again been planted in Civic Park and Christe Place.
  •  Keeping beaches and baths at their best - 29 May 2008  
    Newcastle beaches are in good hands with Newcastle City Council confirming recent water quality testing achieved 100% compliance with Beach Watch guidelines.
  •  Regional Achievement and Community Awards - 22 May 2008  
    Individuals, organisations and business networks in the Newcastle community have the chance to be recognised through the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement & Community Awards.
  •  Smash-hit musical Keating! - 21 May 2008  
    The Australian smash-hit musical Keating! is coming to Newcastle, hot on the heels of a phenomenal four sold-out seasons in Sydney in 2007.
  •  Development Applications Committee - 21 May 2008  
    Summary of the Development Applications Committee and Extraordinary Strategic Policy Committee meeting of 20 May 2008.
  •  Theatre legend on Kiev ballet tour - 20 May 2008  
    The team from Civic Precinct Newcastle will be able to catch up with current Operations Manager David Grinstead as he visit's Newcastle as part of the Kiev Ballet tour. David has been on long service leave from the Precinct after promoters Act One Touring invited him to join the renowned Kiev Ballet as the Head Mechanist Flyman on their ten week national tour which began last month.
  •  Keep your business afloat at free SES business breakfast - 20 May 2008  
    Last year’s June long weekend floods damaged hundreds of businesses across the Newcastle region causing tens of millions of dollars damage. A severe flood such as that last June will come again and it important that businesses are prepared.
  •  Innovation festival celebrates schools - 16 May 2008  
    Fifteen Hunter schools will be recognised today, Friday 16 May, for their achievements in Newcastle City Council’s ClimateCam for Schools program.
  •  Fort ready to let down its guard - 16 May 2008  
    Newcastle’s most recognisable military installation and one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, Fort Scratchley will be reopened to the public on Sunday 29 June 2008.
  •  Management Plan consultation - 08 May 2008  
    Would you like to have a say about the 2008/2009 draft Management Plan? There are still two community information sessions you can attend.
  •  Turn old CDMA phones into fence posts - 08 May 2008  
    With the closure of the CDMA network on April 28, Newcastle residents who have redundant CDMA handsets can do their part for the environment and recycle them now.
  •  Proposals for Newcastle East - 06 May 2008  
    Council is proposing to install pedestrian crossings and raised thresholds around the Newcastle East area.
  •  Diverse services awarded - 06 May 2008  
    The range of Council services available to the community was highlighted last weekend with two very different projects collecting awards in their specialist areas.
  •  Hunter councils oppose pro-developer laws - 02 May 2008  
    Councils from across the Hunter will today join other local councils in NSW in calling for a Parliamentary Inquiry into the NSW State Government’s pro Developer Laws.
  •  Community input is the key to future planning - 02 May 2008  
    Feedback and consultation are an important part of any decision making and from today, Friday 2 May, Newcastle residents will be able to have a say about how the city will run during the next 12 months.
  •  Council supports tourism on international stage - 29 Apr 2008  
    The Newcastle led bid to host the annual Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Symposium in the Hunter Region will be rewarded today, Tuesday 29 April, with more than 500 delegates from Australia's tourism industry descending on Newcastle.
  •  Pools and beaches - ANZAC Day and Winter operations - 24 Apr 2008  
    Newcastle’s swimming centres and lifeguard patrol services will operate as normal this ANZAC Day public holiday but the schedules change for the winter months from Sunday 27 April 2008.
  •  ANZAC Day Services - 23 Apr 2008  
    "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."
  •  Council Update - 22 April 2008 - 23 Apr 2008  
    Find out what decisions were made at the Development Applications Committee and Extraordinary Council Meeting of 22 April 2008.
  •  Approved development applications - 22 Apr 2008  
    Newcastle City Council has granted development consent to more than 80 proposals during the period 5 April to 18 April 2008.
  •  Disrupted waste collection - 21 Apr 2008  
    Due to numerous vehicle breakdowns, a number of areas will receive an afternoon waste collection service on Tuesday 22 April 2008.
  •  Gift of appreciation for gallery - 18 Apr 2008  
    Artist Margaret Olley has announced she will purchase three paintings by artist Robert Barnes for the Newcastle Region Art Gallery collection.
  •  Council update 6 April 2008 - 09 Apr 2008  
    Following is a summary of the Strategic Policy Committee meeting held last night, Tuesday 8 April 2008.
  •  Budding bards wanted for Bell - 10 Apr 2008  
    High school age drama students are invited to auditions for the Bell Shakespeare Regional Performance Scholarship being held at the Playhouse Newcastle on Sunday 18 May 2008 from 2pm.
  •  Helping with a healthy lifestyle - 08 Apr 2008  
    Are you interested in how the community uses sporting facilities? Do you want to help shape how sportsgrounds and sporting facilities are used in the future?
  •  54th Annual Newcastle Combined Schools ANZAC Service - 08 Apr 2008  
    Primary and high school students from the Newcastle area will commemorate ANZAC Day at a special Newcastle Combined Schools Anzac Service at the Civic Theatre today, Tuesday 8 April, at 10am.
  •  Trent Parke...Minutes to Midnight - 04 Apr 2008  
    An exhibition from one of Australia’s most innovative and exciting photographers will be officially launched at Newcastle Region Library’s Lovett Gallery on Friday 4 April at 5.30 pm.
  •  Local Government Investments - 03 Apr 2008  
    Newcastle City Council welcomes the Review of NSW Local Government Investments and supports the recommendations provided by Michael Cole.
  •  Students thank Council staff - 02 Apr 2008  
    Students from Hunter Christian School will visit Newcastle City Council's Works Depot today, Wednesday 2 April, as part of their Community Service Day activities.
  •  Council Update DAC 1 Apr 08 - 02 Apr 2008  
    Summary of the Development Applications Committee and Adjourned Ordinary Council meeting of 1 April 2008.
  •  Creativity not Waste-ed in Newcastle - 01 Apr 2008  
    Renowned local artists will help people get creative with 'waste' items at a Sustainable Living at Home workshop run by Newcastle City Council on Saturday 5 April.
  •  Merewether Beach Reserves - 31 Mar 2008  
    You are invited to a community workshop to discuss: the current and desired uses of Merewether Beach Reserves.
  •  Dissecting the contents of your bin - 31 Mar 2008  
    Newcastle City Council will be conducting an audit of residents’ kerbside waste bins to see what types of waste are discarded and determine how effective recycling campaigns have been.
  •  Traffic interruptions - 27 Mar 2008  
    Council wishes to advise there will be a road closure for WESTBOUND TRAFFIC in Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle between Worth Place roundabout and Hannell Street from Friday 28 March to Monday 31 March 2008 between the hours of 7.00am and 5.00pm.
  •  William Bowmore: A tribute - 17 Mar 2008  
    An exhibition featuring works bestowed by one of the Newcastle Region Art Gallery's most generous benefactors, William Bowmore AO, OBE, will be on display at the Gallery from today. The exhibition will culminate in a tribute to Dr Bowmore on Monday 7 April at 11.30am.
  •  Councils leading the way in resource efficiency - 14 Mar 2008  
    Eighty five people representing 28 Councils from three different states will attend workshops to find out how Newcastle City Council's ECO*STAR® program can help their councils save energy, water and money.
  •  Open House day at energy and water saving home - 12 Mar 2008  
    With only 17 days till Earth Hour, local households are invited to learn how to make their home energy and water smart at the “Gaia” open day this Saturday 15 March, 2-4pm. “Gaia” is home to two Dominican Nuns, Sister Diana and Sister Anne who have turned their energy and water guzzling house into an energy and water efficient suburban oasis.
  •  Statement from Lord Mayor John S Tate - 10 Mar 2008  
    I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Edward John Merewether, great grandson of Merewether Estate founder Mr Edward Christopher Merewether.
  •  The Loft stands up for local comedy - 10 Mar 2008  
    Comedy in Newcastle has just had a great month and The Loft Youth Venue has been a strong driver of this success. The Loft hosted a heat of CLASS CLOWNS, a development program for young stand up comics run by the Melbourne Comedy festival and long time Loft member Rhys Nicholson won the Newcastle final of RAW COMEDY at the Civic Playhouse.
  •  Councils unite to improve young driver safety - 10 Mar 2008  
    Following the success of a program held in 2007, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie City Councils will continue with their efforts to address the safety of young drivers.
  •  Show Day Holiday - 07 Mar 2008  
    Show Day Holiday has been gazetted for Friday 11 April 2008.
  •  Race Day for art lovers! - 05 Mar 2008  
    1888 was a big year for the Melbourne Cup and a big year for Australia as the hundredth anniversary of British settlement. Centenary celebrations culminated in the Centennial Fair in Melbourne in the Spring of 1888 attracting visitors from all over the world and coinciding with the Melbourne Cup. One hundred and twenty years on and the Melbourne Cup has come to Newcastle.
  •  Walkley award winners come to town - 29 Feb 2008  
    A collection of images from Australia’s most prestigious competition for press photographers, the Nikon-Walkley Photographic Awards, are on exhibition at Wallsend District Library and will be officially launched today, Friday 29 February at 1pm.
  •  artNRG to inspire young people - 22 Feb 2008  
    Art will come alive for young people with hands on activities when Newcastle Region Art Gallery’s artNRG kickstarts this Saturday 23 February.
  •  Not so easy the second time around - 21 Feb 2008  
    The increasing number of grandparents raising their grandchildren has led Newcastle City Council and the Samaritans Kinship Care Program to offer a free workshop about the support services available to assist them.
  •  Wendy’s garden: a celebration of life - 20 Feb 2008  
    A series of stunning photos by Newcastle photographer Allan Chawner at Newcastle Region Art Gallery capture the tropical garden Wendy Whitely built from disused railway land at Lavender Bay following the loss of her husband Brett Whiteley and daughter Arkie.
  •  In-form Council on line - 20 Feb 2008  
    Tell Council about an issue or problem you would like help with by filling in our new online form.
  •  In and around Blackbutt Reserve - 14 Feb 2008  
    One of Newcastle’s most loved attractions, Blackbutt Reserve will be brought ‘up close and personal’ to the public, with a collection of photographs by Diane Schofield and Roy Killen to be exhibited at the Newcastle Region Library.
  •  Green fingers and big hearts at the gallery! - 13 Feb 2008  
    The garden is a subject close to many hearts and the latest exhibition at Newcastle Region Art Gallery, entitled Everlasting: The Garden in the Newcastle Region Art Gallery collection is sure to win a few hearts and turn audiences on to the art of gardening.
  •  There is no place like home - 13 Feb 2008  
    Newcastle has taken out top honours as the city with the Best Quality of Life and Best Economic Potential in the prestigious Asian Cities of the Future Competition.
  •  Apology to the Stolen Generation - 12 Feb 2008  
    The Newcastle community is invited to be a part of the history making event when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologises to the Stolen Generation on behalf of the Australian Government.
  •  Boat ramp overhauled - 11 Feb 2008  
    Carrington Boat Ramp has been given a new lease on life and will be officially opened by Minister of Ports and Waterways The Honourable Joe Tripodi today Monday 11 February at 12.15pm.
  •  Precinct on show for performing arts - 08 Feb 2008  
    Newcastle's Civic Precinct will be centre of attention during the Northern Australian Regional Performing Arts Centres Association (NARPACA) technical conference at City Hall on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 February.
  •  Early consultation gets thumbs up - 08 Feb 2008  
    A full house was on hand to begin the process of developing next year’s Management Plan when Newcastle City Council held the first of four early consultation sessions yesterday. Acting General Manager GRAHAM CLARKE says around 30 participants represented a diversity of interests.
  •  Funds get community projects up and running - 07 Feb 2008  
    What do the Newcastle Bodysurfing Challenge, the Festival of Archery and Carols by Candlelight all have in common? They are three of the 52 projects funded by Newcastle City Council's Community Assistance Program. Applications are now open to request funding for 2008-09.
  •  Capturing Carrington - 06 Feb 2008  
    Got any photos of Carrington you would like to share? They can be old photos or recent ones; pictures with people or images of street life; buildings or community events.
  •  Council ready to finish what they started - 01 Feb 2008  
    Continuing the emphasis on fixing up the city’s infrastructure will be the primary focus of the final management plan of this elected council with early community consultation starting next Wednesday, 6 February, 2008.
  •  First to fire guns at the Fort - 31 Jan 2008  
    On 1 March 2001, Professor Marie Bashir made history by being the first female to be appointed New South Wales Governor - the highest executive position in the state. Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of New South Wales will make history again tomorrow, Friday 1 February, by being the first Vice Regal person to fire the guns at Fort Scratchley.
  •  Women in local government - 30 Jan 2008  
    With an election on the horizon, the Australian Local Govenment Women's Association is encouraging women to take an active role on their local Council.
  •  Australia Day Awards 2008 - 22 Jan 2008  
    The City of Newcastle Australia Day Awards 2008 will be awarded at the Australia Day Breakfast at Cooks Hill Surf Club on Wednesday 23 January between 7.30am and 9am. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements and contribution of individuals and groups within the community of Newcastle.
  •  Lifeguard image gallery - 24 Jan 2008  
    Ever wondered what lifeguards do when the beaches are closed or what the rescue helicopter does when there are no emergencies?
  •  Diverse services for young people - 21 Jan 2008  
    From school holiday activities to gigs to education, The Loft Youth Venue is all about connecting with young people.

news & events school holidays
School holiday events

LOOKING OUT FOR something to keep the kids amused with over the next school holidays. See our list of holiday events.