Newcastle Liberals announce election team

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Newcastle Liberal Councillor Callum Pull will be running for Lord mayor as well as in Ward Four at the September Council Election.

Miss Rochelle Manning will stand in Ward One, Jenny Barrie in Ward Two, and Mr Matt Bailey in Ward Three.

Current Ward Four Councillor Callum Pull says "the city needs new leadership and that is what the Newcastle Liberals are promising at this election.

We've seen over the past decade under Labor's leadership our suburbs ignored, money poured into inner city vanity projects and not put into the critical infrastructure  that our growing city needs going forward".

Meanwhile, Newcastle Greens have announced Rebecca Watkins as their candidate for Ward Four.

She says she's "looking forward to delivering on the Greens' aims for a more accountable council, a better deal for those struggling to afford housing and achieving a clean green future in Newcastle".

The elections are scheduled to take place on Saturday 14 September.

Liberal candidates contesting the Newcastle Council Election

Push to restore Australia Day citizenship ceremonies

BY PETER HYSLOP

Two Liberal councillors are campaigning for citizenship ceremonies to be held on Australia Day.

Newcastle Council made the decision to move the ceremony to January 25 in 2022, arguing the change reflected community sentiment.

Councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull say they support the re-introduction of Federal laws, which mandated holding the ceremonies on the national holiday.

Councillor Pull argues that debates around this issue should not interfere with the rights of new citizens.

"I've spoken to a number of people who have come to this country and they tell me how important this day is."

"The January 26 debate will continue no matter when Newcastle Council holds its citizenship ceremonies."

Newcastle Councillor Jenny Barrie Picture Novo News

 

Calls to Clean Up Graffiti in Newcastle CBD

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

Newcastle Councillor Jenny Barrie will raise a motion at tonight's council meeting to propose a joint effort between council and local business owners and residents to clean up the graffiti around the city.

The proposal will suggest sending letters to residents and business owners in the Hunter Mall precinct, urging them to address graffiti on their buildings and to keep the foot path clean outside their property.

Cr Barrie said the current state of the CDB reflects a lack of civic pride among its residents.

Under the proposal, property owners will be footing the bill to clean up the graffiti so owners will either have to remove it themselves or pay someone else to do it.

Council does offer free clean up of offensive graffiti within two days of reporting which can be done on the City of Newcastle website.

"It's a beautiful city and we just need to make sure that crime doesn't take over," said Cr Barrie.

Cr Barrie is urging people to report graffiti or acts of vandalism when they see them.