Latest news with #Awabakal
ABC News
14 hours ago
- Health
- ABC News
What you need to know about dietary fibre and digestion
People share a lot of their lives on social media. This can even include digestion details, with content about "staying regular", bloating and fibre far from off limits on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Food and nutrition scientist Emma Beckett, based in Newcastle/Awabakal, says she is glad these conversations are bringing fibre into focus. "I feel like lately everything's about protein and prioritising protein, and we've kind of forgotten about everything else, including fibre," she says. "Talking about digestive health — particularly pooping — was very taboo for a long time." Dr Beckett says fibre falls into two major categories, soluble fibre and insoluble fibre. She says soluble fibre "forms a gel-like substance when it's mixed with water". This gel-like consistency "helps us to feel fuller for longer" and some soluble fibres can also be classified as prebiotics, which help feed beneficial gut bacteria. According to Australia's public health website Healthdirect, soluble fibre is found in oats and barley, fruit and vegetables. It's also found in legumes such as chickpeas, lentils and beans. You may have heard insoluble fibre described as roughage. "I remember at school being told that fibre is like the gut's toothbrush," Dr Beckett says. Insoluble fibre is found in high-fibre and wholegrain breads and cereals, the outer skins of fruits and vegetables and nuts and seeds. The Australian dietary guidelines recommend 30 grams of fibre a day for adult men and 25 grams for women. Dr Beckett says while fibre falls into two main categories (and even more subcategories), dietary recommendations are based on general fibre intake. Considering daily recommendations and how often we eat, she says meals with 10 grams of fibre or more are a "fibre superstar", and 6 to 10 grams is a "good source". However, Dr Beckett says prioritising ingredients with fibre is more practical than "obsessing over the grams". "If you're having vegetables in your lunch and your dinner, if you're eating as many legumes as possible, if you're eating as many whole grains as possible, then you don't even need to worry about the number." Vincent Ho is a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at Western Sydney University, and says patients are often confused about which foods are high in fibre. Dr Ho says a supplement is not enough to get your recommended daily intake, with a tablespoon of psyllium husk only containing about 2 grams of fibre. Megan Rebuli is a research dietician in health and biosecurity at the CSIRO in Adelaide, on the traditional country of the Kaurna people. If you're looking to get more fibre at mealtimes you can make some simple swaps, she says. "For example, swapping white bread for wholegrain bread [or] swapping white pasta for wholegrain pasta." You can also add legumes to salads and curries, she says. Dr Beckett says "generally speaking, Australians don't eat enough legumes" and they're a "stand-out" when it comes to high-fibre foods. Dr Beckett says these recipes contain more than 10 grams of protein per serve. Dr Beckett says "one of the immediate consequences of not having enough fibre in your diet is constipation." This could lead to extreme discomfort and even haemorrhoids from straining, she says. What's considered normal frequency for a bowel movement varies person to person and "it could be anywhere from three times a day to three times a week". Dr Ho says constipation can also lead to anal fissures (small tears around the area) "exacerbated by constipation and straining". He says eating fibre can help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer (also known as bowel cancer). If you're not getting enough, "your cholesterol levels and your blood sugar levels can be elevated", as well as your cancer risk. Ms Rebuli says being physically active and consuming dietary fibre has been shown to decrease your risk, but there are a range of lifestyle and genetic factors that may also play a part. This article contains general information only. You should consider obtaining independent professional advice in relation to your particular circumstances.
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
My motivation for restoring the Newcastle Post Office
Last century, I was an ophthalmology registrar at Royal Newcastle Hospital, well before Mirvac developed the site, to encompass the Novotel Newcastle Hotel, which I now own. Even then, I most enjoyed living in this city, and windsurfing on its beautiful harbour. Since this time, I have watched the central city trainline saga evolving and being resolved. My first involvement with the Newcastle Post Office was in the early part of this century, when Sean Ngu, a Cambodian businessman, asked me to be involved in creating a nightclub in the post office. This was because I owned three pubs at the time. This, of course, never eventuated, and when the post office came up for auction in April 2010, I placed the highest bid, although it was passed in. Even then, I had the idea of converting the top floor to a function centre. The state government paid another half a million above my price, and acquired the building, together with its 15 poker machine entitlements. In 2018, I learnt that there was a tender by the new owners, the Awabakal Aboriginal people, to sell the building, as they had gone into receivership. Because I had proposed again to put a function centre on the top floor, a colonnade of shops, and a cafe, on the ground floor, and conversion of the basement to a showpiece for the Awabakal people, my tender was accepted. From day one, I already had the overhead of unpaid bills for the removal of asbestos and lead paint, and I needed to finish this job. My architect, Michael Munro, submitted my proposed plans, and once the development application was approved, he unfortunately retired. So I thought it only fair to award the continuation of architectural work to a local firm. Let me just point out that, with 15 hotels, I am used to large projects, refurbishment, installing bars, breweries, and swimming pools. I was even the investor in the development of two Sydney CBD hotels (Sofitel Darling Harbour and Four Points by Sheraton at Central Park). I have also owned two heritage pubs. So, this is not a huge project for me. However, I feel that the project's "complications" have been magnified as a response to the high public interest. This has not only significantly drawn out the process, but proven a massive, ongoing financial impost for me that, clearly, I would have preferred to avoid. The fortunate outcome of the delay in obtaining the CC (construction certificate) is that, over this course of time, I have been able to firm up two major permanent exhibitions in the building: Miniature Newcastle, in which a display of historic Newcastle, and train lines, will occupy over half the footprint of the ground floor; and an Aboriginal Medical museum in the basement, a unique exhibition of much interest. I believe that I have persevered where others would have long given up. I am not landbanking this building; on the contrary, the holding fees are excessive for a building giving me no financial return. I also have a mandate as part of the tourism industry to provide experiences. Look at how I have developed and improved my hotels, adding facilities, especially for children to enjoy. I have become the custodian of a building that, surprisingly, the people of Newcastle are so obsessed with. I have two major hotels in this city (a sure sign of my belief in Newcastle), and want to contribute reasons for visitation by both locals and out-of-towners. With two wonderful and unique exhibitions open to the public, a unique cafe, and a conference/reception centre open for public hire, I will achieve this desire. It will take time and money and, most importantly, determination, all of which I have. Last century, I was an ophthalmology registrar at Royal Newcastle Hospital, well before Mirvac developed the site, to encompass the Novotel Newcastle Hotel, which I now own. Even then, I most enjoyed living in this city, and windsurfing on its beautiful harbour. Since this time, I have watched the central city trainline saga evolving and being resolved. My first involvement with the Newcastle Post Office was in the early part of this century, when Sean Ngu, a Cambodian businessman, asked me to be involved in creating a nightclub in the post office. This was because I owned three pubs at the time. This, of course, never eventuated, and when the post office came up for auction in April 2010, I placed the highest bid, although it was passed in. Even then, I had the idea of converting the top floor to a function centre. The state government paid another half a million above my price, and acquired the building, together with its 15 poker machine entitlements. In 2018, I learnt that there was a tender by the new owners, the Awabakal Aboriginal people, to sell the building, as they had gone into receivership. Because I had proposed again to put a function centre on the top floor, a colonnade of shops, and a cafe, on the ground floor, and conversion of the basement to a showpiece for the Awabakal people, my tender was accepted. From day one, I already had the overhead of unpaid bills for the removal of asbestos and lead paint, and I needed to finish this job. My architect, Michael Munro, submitted my proposed plans, and once the development application was approved, he unfortunately retired. So I thought it only fair to award the continuation of architectural work to a local firm. Let me just point out that, with 15 hotels, I am used to large projects, refurbishment, installing bars, breweries, and swimming pools. I was even the investor in the development of two Sydney CBD hotels (Sofitel Darling Harbour and Four Points by Sheraton at Central Park). I have also owned two heritage pubs. So, this is not a huge project for me. However, I feel that the project's "complications" have been magnified as a response to the high public interest. This has not only significantly drawn out the process, but proven a massive, ongoing financial impost for me that, clearly, I would have preferred to avoid. The fortunate outcome of the delay in obtaining the CC (construction certificate) is that, over this course of time, I have been able to firm up two major permanent exhibitions in the building: Miniature Newcastle, in which a display of historic Newcastle, and train lines, will occupy over half the footprint of the ground floor; and an Aboriginal Medical museum in the basement, a unique exhibition of much interest. I believe that I have persevered where others would have long given up. I am not landbanking this building; on the contrary, the holding fees are excessive for a building giving me no financial return. I also have a mandate as part of the tourism industry to provide experiences. Look at how I have developed and improved my hotels, adding facilities, especially for children to enjoy. I have become the custodian of a building that, surprisingly, the people of Newcastle are so obsessed with. I have two major hotels in this city (a sure sign of my belief in Newcastle), and want to contribute reasons for visitation by both locals and out-of-towners. With two wonderful and unique exhibitions open to the public, a unique cafe, and a conference/reception centre open for public hire, I will achieve this desire. It will take time and money and, most importantly, determination, all of which I have. Last century, I was an ophthalmology registrar at Royal Newcastle Hospital, well before Mirvac developed the site, to encompass the Novotel Newcastle Hotel, which I now own. Even then, I most enjoyed living in this city, and windsurfing on its beautiful harbour. Since this time, I have watched the central city trainline saga evolving and being resolved. My first involvement with the Newcastle Post Office was in the early part of this century, when Sean Ngu, a Cambodian businessman, asked me to be involved in creating a nightclub in the post office. This was because I owned three pubs at the time. This, of course, never eventuated, and when the post office came up for auction in April 2010, I placed the highest bid, although it was passed in. Even then, I had the idea of converting the top floor to a function centre. The state government paid another half a million above my price, and acquired the building, together with its 15 poker machine entitlements. In 2018, I learnt that there was a tender by the new owners, the Awabakal Aboriginal people, to sell the building, as they had gone into receivership. Because I had proposed again to put a function centre on the top floor, a colonnade of shops, and a cafe, on the ground floor, and conversion of the basement to a showpiece for the Awabakal people, my tender was accepted. From day one, I already had the overhead of unpaid bills for the removal of asbestos and lead paint, and I needed to finish this job. My architect, Michael Munro, submitted my proposed plans, and once the development application was approved, he unfortunately retired. So I thought it only fair to award the continuation of architectural work to a local firm. Let me just point out that, with 15 hotels, I am used to large projects, refurbishment, installing bars, breweries, and swimming pools. I was even the investor in the development of two Sydney CBD hotels (Sofitel Darling Harbour and Four Points by Sheraton at Central Park). I have also owned two heritage pubs. So, this is not a huge project for me. However, I feel that the project's "complications" have been magnified as a response to the high public interest. This has not only significantly drawn out the process, but proven a massive, ongoing financial impost for me that, clearly, I would have preferred to avoid. The fortunate outcome of the delay in obtaining the CC (construction certificate) is that, over this course of time, I have been able to firm up two major permanent exhibitions in the building: Miniature Newcastle, in which a display of historic Newcastle, and train lines, will occupy over half the footprint of the ground floor; and an Aboriginal Medical museum in the basement, a unique exhibition of much interest. I believe that I have persevered where others would have long given up. I am not landbanking this building; on the contrary, the holding fees are excessive for a building giving me no financial return. I also have a mandate as part of the tourism industry to provide experiences. Look at how I have developed and improved my hotels, adding facilities, especially for children to enjoy. I have become the custodian of a building that, surprisingly, the people of Newcastle are so obsessed with. I have two major hotels in this city (a sure sign of my belief in Newcastle), and want to contribute reasons for visitation by both locals and out-of-towners. With two wonderful and unique exhibitions open to the public, a unique cafe, and a conference/reception centre open for public hire, I will achieve this desire. It will take time and money and, most importantly, determination, all of which I have. Last century, I was an ophthalmology registrar at Royal Newcastle Hospital, well before Mirvac developed the site, to encompass the Novotel Newcastle Hotel, which I now own. Even then, I most enjoyed living in this city, and windsurfing on its beautiful harbour. Since this time, I have watched the central city trainline saga evolving and being resolved. My first involvement with the Newcastle Post Office was in the early part of this century, when Sean Ngu, a Cambodian businessman, asked me to be involved in creating a nightclub in the post office. This was because I owned three pubs at the time. This, of course, never eventuated, and when the post office came up for auction in April 2010, I placed the highest bid, although it was passed in. Even then, I had the idea of converting the top floor to a function centre. The state government paid another half a million above my price, and acquired the building, together with its 15 poker machine entitlements. In 2018, I learnt that there was a tender by the new owners, the Awabakal Aboriginal people, to sell the building, as they had gone into receivership. Because I had proposed again to put a function centre on the top floor, a colonnade of shops, and a cafe, on the ground floor, and conversion of the basement to a showpiece for the Awabakal people, my tender was accepted. From day one, I already had the overhead of unpaid bills for the removal of asbestos and lead paint, and I needed to finish this job. My architect, Michael Munro, submitted my proposed plans, and once the development application was approved, he unfortunately retired. So I thought it only fair to award the continuation of architectural work to a local firm. Let me just point out that, with 15 hotels, I am used to large projects, refurbishment, installing bars, breweries, and swimming pools. I was even the investor in the development of two Sydney CBD hotels (Sofitel Darling Harbour and Four Points by Sheraton at Central Park). I have also owned two heritage pubs. So, this is not a huge project for me. However, I feel that the project's "complications" have been magnified as a response to the high public interest. This has not only significantly drawn out the process, but proven a massive, ongoing financial impost for me that, clearly, I would have preferred to avoid. The fortunate outcome of the delay in obtaining the CC (construction certificate) is that, over this course of time, I have been able to firm up two major permanent exhibitions in the building: Miniature Newcastle, in which a display of historic Newcastle, and train lines, will occupy over half the footprint of the ground floor; and an Aboriginal Medical museum in the basement, a unique exhibition of much interest. I believe that I have persevered where others would have long given up. I am not landbanking this building; on the contrary, the holding fees are excessive for a building giving me no financial return. I also have a mandate as part of the tourism industry to provide experiences. Look at how I have developed and improved my hotels, adding facilities, especially for children to enjoy. I have become the custodian of a building that, surprisingly, the people of Newcastle are so obsessed with. I have two major hotels in this city (a sure sign of my belief in Newcastle), and want to contribute reasons for visitation by both locals and out-of-towners. With two wonderful and unique exhibitions open to the public, a unique cafe, and a conference/reception centre open for public hire, I will achieve this desire. It will take time and money and, most importantly, determination, all of which I have.
The Advertiser
04-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
'Biggest thing we've ever done': Awabakal move ahead with Burwood revamp
Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Kumarah Kelly said the former Burwood Bowling Club site will become a place of pride for Indigenous people in the Hunter. Lake Macquarie City Council has approved Awabakal's development application to reimagine the derelict space as a community and function centre. It's been a decade since the bowling club at 70 Burwood Road, Whitebridge - which has sweeping ocean views and is worth millions - closed its doors, and seven years since Awabakal made a successful land claim. Ms Kelly described the development as a "stepping stone" for the land council. "It's probably the biggest thing we've ever done," she said. "We have a pretty big strategic plan over the next 30 years, so hopefully 30 years down the track it will be one of the smaller developments. "It's definitely our first big one. We have spent some time being a quieter land council, and I think we're really coming into our own." Under the plan, Awabakal will move its operations from the old police station building in James Street, Hamilton, to Whitebridge. The space will also be used for cultural programs, Awabakal community meetings, and functions such as weddings and corporate events. "It's getting ourselves into a space that belongs to our community and generationally will be owned by the organisation," Ms Kelly said. "It's something we can hold on to for a really long time." However, Ms Kelly said the building would not be restricted from the wider community. Instead, she sees it as an asset to educate non-Indigenous people about Awabakal culture by displaying artefacts and art exhibitions. "We're giving ourselves space to do what we need to do as a community," Ms Kelly said. "But also the point is it will also be a place for non-Indigenous people to share in as well. "That education piece and the idea of reconciliation - that's the other side of it as well. "We want people to come here; we want them to see it and see what we do in the community and what our community is all about and learn from us about Aboriginal people in our area." Once a building certificate is issued, construction is expected to begin in five to six weeks. Ms Kelly said the best-case scenario was that the building would be completed in October, ready for a formal opening in December. Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Kumarah Kelly said the former Burwood Bowling Club site will become a place of pride for Indigenous people in the Hunter. Lake Macquarie City Council has approved Awabakal's development application to reimagine the derelict space as a community and function centre. It's been a decade since the bowling club at 70 Burwood Road, Whitebridge - which has sweeping ocean views and is worth millions - closed its doors, and seven years since Awabakal made a successful land claim. Ms Kelly described the development as a "stepping stone" for the land council. "It's probably the biggest thing we've ever done," she said. "We have a pretty big strategic plan over the next 30 years, so hopefully 30 years down the track it will be one of the smaller developments. "It's definitely our first big one. We have spent some time being a quieter land council, and I think we're really coming into our own." Under the plan, Awabakal will move its operations from the old police station building in James Street, Hamilton, to Whitebridge. The space will also be used for cultural programs, Awabakal community meetings, and functions such as weddings and corporate events. "It's getting ourselves into a space that belongs to our community and generationally will be owned by the organisation," Ms Kelly said. "It's something we can hold on to for a really long time." However, Ms Kelly said the building would not be restricted from the wider community. Instead, she sees it as an asset to educate non-Indigenous people about Awabakal culture by displaying artefacts and art exhibitions. "We're giving ourselves space to do what we need to do as a community," Ms Kelly said. "But also the point is it will also be a place for non-Indigenous people to share in as well. "That education piece and the idea of reconciliation - that's the other side of it as well. "We want people to come here; we want them to see it and see what we do in the community and what our community is all about and learn from us about Aboriginal people in our area." Once a building certificate is issued, construction is expected to begin in five to six weeks. Ms Kelly said the best-case scenario was that the building would be completed in October, ready for a formal opening in December. Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Kumarah Kelly said the former Burwood Bowling Club site will become a place of pride for Indigenous people in the Hunter. Lake Macquarie City Council has approved Awabakal's development application to reimagine the derelict space as a community and function centre. It's been a decade since the bowling club at 70 Burwood Road, Whitebridge - which has sweeping ocean views and is worth millions - closed its doors, and seven years since Awabakal made a successful land claim. Ms Kelly described the development as a "stepping stone" for the land council. "It's probably the biggest thing we've ever done," she said. "We have a pretty big strategic plan over the next 30 years, so hopefully 30 years down the track it will be one of the smaller developments. "It's definitely our first big one. We have spent some time being a quieter land council, and I think we're really coming into our own." Under the plan, Awabakal will move its operations from the old police station building in James Street, Hamilton, to Whitebridge. The space will also be used for cultural programs, Awabakal community meetings, and functions such as weddings and corporate events. "It's getting ourselves into a space that belongs to our community and generationally will be owned by the organisation," Ms Kelly said. "It's something we can hold on to for a really long time." However, Ms Kelly said the building would not be restricted from the wider community. Instead, she sees it as an asset to educate non-Indigenous people about Awabakal culture by displaying artefacts and art exhibitions. "We're giving ourselves space to do what we need to do as a community," Ms Kelly said. "But also the point is it will also be a place for non-Indigenous people to share in as well. "That education piece and the idea of reconciliation - that's the other side of it as well. "We want people to come here; we want them to see it and see what we do in the community and what our community is all about and learn from us about Aboriginal people in our area." Once a building certificate is issued, construction is expected to begin in five to six weeks. Ms Kelly said the best-case scenario was that the building would be completed in October, ready for a formal opening in December. Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Kumarah Kelly said the former Burwood Bowling Club site will become a place of pride for Indigenous people in the Hunter. Lake Macquarie City Council has approved Awabakal's development application to reimagine the derelict space as a community and function centre. It's been a decade since the bowling club at 70 Burwood Road, Whitebridge - which has sweeping ocean views and is worth millions - closed its doors, and seven years since Awabakal made a successful land claim. Ms Kelly described the development as a "stepping stone" for the land council. "It's probably the biggest thing we've ever done," she said. "We have a pretty big strategic plan over the next 30 years, so hopefully 30 years down the track it will be one of the smaller developments. "It's definitely our first big one. We have spent some time being a quieter land council, and I think we're really coming into our own." Under the plan, Awabakal will move its operations from the old police station building in James Street, Hamilton, to Whitebridge. The space will also be used for cultural programs, Awabakal community meetings, and functions such as weddings and corporate events. "It's getting ourselves into a space that belongs to our community and generationally will be owned by the organisation," Ms Kelly said. "It's something we can hold on to for a really long time." However, Ms Kelly said the building would not be restricted from the wider community. Instead, she sees it as an asset to educate non-Indigenous people about Awabakal culture by displaying artefacts and art exhibitions. "We're giving ourselves space to do what we need to do as a community," Ms Kelly said. "But also the point is it will also be a place for non-Indigenous people to share in as well. "That education piece and the idea of reconciliation - that's the other side of it as well. "We want people to come here; we want them to see it and see what we do in the community and what our community is all about and learn from us about Aboriginal people in our area." Once a building certificate is issued, construction is expected to begin in five to six weeks. Ms Kelly said the best-case scenario was that the building would be completed in October, ready for a formal opening in December.
The Advertiser
02-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Cliffhanger: no telling how long it will take to stabilise South Newcastle beach cliff
THERE is still no telling how long it will take to stabilise a section of the South Newcastle beach cliff which came unstuck after a recent deluge hit the Hunter. The unstable section is just a short distance away from where a 20-tonne rock fell 15 metres onto the Shortland Esplanade in 2002, narrowly missing a security guard. Known to locals as 'The Rock', the boulder sat unmoved for more than two years while a decision was made on whether to remove it and how to stabilise the cliff. City of Newcastle said it will work with consulting geotechnical experts and the University of Newcastle-Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering (UON-GSE) to ensure the design, method and remediation takes place in a timely manner to return Bathers Way to locals. A council spokesman said it has been managing the Newcastle South cliff line over a number of years. "This area has a long history of cliff instability and is known as 'Yirannali' by the local Awabakal community, meaning 'place of falling rocks'," he said. "Our most recent investment in 2023-24 renewed and increased the height of the full length of the rock catch fence from the southern extent of the cliff line to the rear of the skate park amenities building. "In 2024, we also remediated the face of the southern cliff line, with specialists scaling the cliff face to remove loose rocks before installing drainage, shotcrete and additional rock anchors as well as soft fall to reduce rocks bouncing into the rock catch fence." The council's contracts register shows the City of Newcastle paid Daracon some $979,000 to replace the rock catch fence in June 2024. City of Newcastle has been working with UON-GSE to undertake cliff line stability monitoring. The council spokesman said that the monitoring program identified a rock column that had moved away from the cliff face due to recent severe wet weather, which saw the council close the area off for safety. "Considering the unstable area is located behind the rock catch fence, additional temporary fencing has been installed to further extend the exclusion zone in the interest of public safety while we confirm the methodology for remediation," he said. The skate bowl, skate plaza, amenities and kiosk are still open to the public. Access is available via the lower promenade of Bathers Way between King Edward Park and South Newcastle beach. THERE is still no telling how long it will take to stabilise a section of the South Newcastle beach cliff which came unstuck after a recent deluge hit the Hunter. The unstable section is just a short distance away from where a 20-tonne rock fell 15 metres onto the Shortland Esplanade in 2002, narrowly missing a security guard. Known to locals as 'The Rock', the boulder sat unmoved for more than two years while a decision was made on whether to remove it and how to stabilise the cliff. City of Newcastle said it will work with consulting geotechnical experts and the University of Newcastle-Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering (UON-GSE) to ensure the design, method and remediation takes place in a timely manner to return Bathers Way to locals. A council spokesman said it has been managing the Newcastle South cliff line over a number of years. "This area has a long history of cliff instability and is known as 'Yirannali' by the local Awabakal community, meaning 'place of falling rocks'," he said. "Our most recent investment in 2023-24 renewed and increased the height of the full length of the rock catch fence from the southern extent of the cliff line to the rear of the skate park amenities building. "In 2024, we also remediated the face of the southern cliff line, with specialists scaling the cliff face to remove loose rocks before installing drainage, shotcrete and additional rock anchors as well as soft fall to reduce rocks bouncing into the rock catch fence." The council's contracts register shows the City of Newcastle paid Daracon some $979,000 to replace the rock catch fence in June 2024. City of Newcastle has been working with UON-GSE to undertake cliff line stability monitoring. The council spokesman said that the monitoring program identified a rock column that had moved away from the cliff face due to recent severe wet weather, which saw the council close the area off for safety. "Considering the unstable area is located behind the rock catch fence, additional temporary fencing has been installed to further extend the exclusion zone in the interest of public safety while we confirm the methodology for remediation," he said. The skate bowl, skate plaza, amenities and kiosk are still open to the public. Access is available via the lower promenade of Bathers Way between King Edward Park and South Newcastle beach. THERE is still no telling how long it will take to stabilise a section of the South Newcastle beach cliff which came unstuck after a recent deluge hit the Hunter. The unstable section is just a short distance away from where a 20-tonne rock fell 15 metres onto the Shortland Esplanade in 2002, narrowly missing a security guard. Known to locals as 'The Rock', the boulder sat unmoved for more than two years while a decision was made on whether to remove it and how to stabilise the cliff. City of Newcastle said it will work with consulting geotechnical experts and the University of Newcastle-Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering (UON-GSE) to ensure the design, method and remediation takes place in a timely manner to return Bathers Way to locals. A council spokesman said it has been managing the Newcastle South cliff line over a number of years. "This area has a long history of cliff instability and is known as 'Yirannali' by the local Awabakal community, meaning 'place of falling rocks'," he said. "Our most recent investment in 2023-24 renewed and increased the height of the full length of the rock catch fence from the southern extent of the cliff line to the rear of the skate park amenities building. "In 2024, we also remediated the face of the southern cliff line, with specialists scaling the cliff face to remove loose rocks before installing drainage, shotcrete and additional rock anchors as well as soft fall to reduce rocks bouncing into the rock catch fence." The council's contracts register shows the City of Newcastle paid Daracon some $979,000 to replace the rock catch fence in June 2024. City of Newcastle has been working with UON-GSE to undertake cliff line stability monitoring. The council spokesman said that the monitoring program identified a rock column that had moved away from the cliff face due to recent severe wet weather, which saw the council close the area off for safety. "Considering the unstable area is located behind the rock catch fence, additional temporary fencing has been installed to further extend the exclusion zone in the interest of public safety while we confirm the methodology for remediation," he said. The skate bowl, skate plaza, amenities and kiosk are still open to the public. Access is available via the lower promenade of Bathers Way between King Edward Park and South Newcastle beach. THERE is still no telling how long it will take to stabilise a section of the South Newcastle beach cliff which came unstuck after a recent deluge hit the Hunter. The unstable section is just a short distance away from where a 20-tonne rock fell 15 metres onto the Shortland Esplanade in 2002, narrowly missing a security guard. Known to locals as 'The Rock', the boulder sat unmoved for more than two years while a decision was made on whether to remove it and how to stabilise the cliff. City of Newcastle said it will work with consulting geotechnical experts and the University of Newcastle-Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering (UON-GSE) to ensure the design, method and remediation takes place in a timely manner to return Bathers Way to locals. A council spokesman said it has been managing the Newcastle South cliff line over a number of years. "This area has a long history of cliff instability and is known as 'Yirannali' by the local Awabakal community, meaning 'place of falling rocks'," he said. "Our most recent investment in 2023-24 renewed and increased the height of the full length of the rock catch fence from the southern extent of the cliff line to the rear of the skate park amenities building. "In 2024, we also remediated the face of the southern cliff line, with specialists scaling the cliff face to remove loose rocks before installing drainage, shotcrete and additional rock anchors as well as soft fall to reduce rocks bouncing into the rock catch fence." The council's contracts register shows the City of Newcastle paid Daracon some $979,000 to replace the rock catch fence in June 2024. City of Newcastle has been working with UON-GSE to undertake cliff line stability monitoring. The council spokesman said that the monitoring program identified a rock column that had moved away from the cliff face due to recent severe wet weather, which saw the council close the area off for safety. "Considering the unstable area is located behind the rock catch fence, additional temporary fencing has been installed to further extend the exclusion zone in the interest of public safety while we confirm the methodology for remediation," he said. The skate bowl, skate plaza, amenities and kiosk are still open to the public. Access is available via the lower promenade of Bathers Way between King Edward Park and South Newcastle beach.
