Record infrastructure investment, major sustainability milestones and significant cultural and community projects have capped off a successful year of collaboration and commitment to the community by City of Newcastle.
Essential upgrades were rolled out across the community with a record $143.4 million capital works program, delivered on the back of a commitment to financial sustainability, ensuring long-term benefits for Newcastle residents.
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge and City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath celebrate the end of another successful year with City of Newcastle staff.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath commended City of Newcastle staff and members of the community for their hard work, valuable feedback and dedication to delivering projects that enhance the city's liveability, sustainability, and vibrancy.
"This year has been an outstanding success, with transformative projects that are making a genuine difference in the lives of Novocastrians," Mr Bath said.
"From road resurfacing, footpath upgrades and stormwater improvements to new playgrounds, enhanced sportsgrounds and delivering incredible cultural experiences, these achievements reflect the hard work and passion of our team.
"This result is a testament to the exceptional people working at City of Newcastle and their shared pride in serving the Newcastle community.
"We've also appreciated the incredible contributions Novocastrians have made to our city, from their strategic input on consultative committees and community reference groups to their valuable feedback through the public exhibition process on key projects we're delivering for our community.
"This is just a snapshot of what we've delivered in 2024, but it highlights what's possible when we work together and support each other.
"I want to thank everyone who played a role in reaching these milestones, and I look forward to continuing along this exciting journey next year."
Looking ahead to 2025, Newcastle will continue to ride the momentum built during the past 12 months, with major projects like the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion and the western corridor road upgrades set to deliver transformational benefits for Newcastle residents and visitors alike.
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge acknowledged the progress made this year and the positive outcomes delivered for the Newcastle community.
"These achievements reflect the dedication of City of Newcastle staff, and I look forward to seeing continued efforts to deliver for the people of Newcastle in the year ahead," Cr Kerridge said.
"While I'm sure we're all looking forward to a well-earned break and time with loved ones over the festive season, this is a great opportunity to reflect on everything staff achieved this year."
As with other Hunter councils, the opening hours and operation times of some City of Newcastle services and facilities will run on an updated schedule during the Christmas and New Year period.
The City Administration Centre will close at midday on Friday 20 December 2024 and reopen on Thursday 2 January 2025.
There will be no kerbside bin collections on Christmas Day. All services between Wednesday 25 December and Friday 27 December 2024 will take place one day later than usual.
All regular bin services will resume from Monday 30 December, with collections undertaken as usual on New Year's Day.
Summerhill Waste Management Centre will be closed on Christmas Day only. Check out what can and can't be recycled at Christmas time in this handy online guide.
City of Newcastle libraries will close at 12pm on Friday 20 December and regular hours will resume from Thursday 2 January. Returns chutes will be closed at all branches except Lambton, however, due dates will be extended beyond the closure period.
Lambton Library's Open+ technology will provide access for library members aged 16 and up (and those aged under 16 accompanied by an adult or carer) anytime between 7am and 9pm, seven days a week through the holiday period.
Newcastle Museum will be closed on 20, 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January, but is open every other day during school holidays from 10am-5pm.
City of Newcastle lifeguards will maintain their regular patrol hours during the holiday period and will be on duty from 7am to 5.30pm at Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether, Newcastle, Nobbys and Stockton beaches.
Swimmers are encouraged to stay between the red and yellow flags, read the safety signs before entering the water and ask a lifeguard if they are unsure about the conditions.
Lifeguard patrols will also operate at Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths from 9am to 5.30pm. The Baths will be closed on Wednesday at Newcastle and Thursday at Merewether for weekly cleaning.
