newy.com.au – In Tuesday evening’s council meeting, Newcastle councillors expressed sympathy for those injured in Saturday’s Link Road crash and thanked those who helped them. The chamber also recognised the Knights’ grand final campaign, while Councillor Callum Pull urged authorities to examine safety measures for future team farewells.
Ten people, including children, were injured when a car struck a crowd at the Transfield Drive roundabout on Newcastle Link Road at Wallsend on Saturday morning. Supporters had gathered to farewell the Knights before the team’s departure for Sydney.
Lord Mayor Gavin Morris told the chamber that the effects extended beyond those physically injured to the families and children who had witnessed what happened.
“To the people who are injured and to their families, this whole city is with you,” he said.
“And to everyone who witnessed what happened, please look after yourselves and reach out if you need support. It’s okay to be not okay.”
Morris thanked members of the public who provided immediate assistance, followed by police, paramedics, rescue crews and the doctors, nurses and other staff at John Hunter Hospital.
“Before the sirens arrived, strangers were kneeling beside strangers. People gave first aid, held hands, kept people calm, kept them warm,” he said.
During the discussion, Cr Pull called on authorities to consider additional safety measures for future team farewells. He noted that conversations with residents leading up to the event indicated large crowds would predictably line the streets.
While acknowledging it may have been difficult to barricade the entire route, Cr Pull suggested installing barriers at higher-risk locations such as roundabouts, along with signs asking motorists to slow down and warning of pedestrian activity.
“I would certainly hope that yourself, the staff, New South Wales Police, and all of the other authorities responsible for looking after motorists and pedestrian safety have a look at what we can do better,” Cr Pull told the mayor.
Councillor Jenny Barrie echoed concerns for the injured and their families, urging anyone affected by the trauma to seek counselling.
The council carried the motion extending sympathy, wishing the injured a full recovery, and thanking emergency services, hospital staff, and the public.
The chamber then moved to a separate motion recognising the Knights’ season, which ended in a 19–18 defeat by the Sydney Roosters in Sunday’s NRL grand final.
Morris praised the playing group and club staff for reaching out to the injured fans while in the middle of their own grand final preparations.
“I want to acknowledge the Knights. In the biggest week of their lives, the players and the club reached out to those who were hurt. That meant a great deal to those families and to all of us,” he said.
Despite the grand final loss, Morris highlighted the massive community backing, noting the supporters who attended open training, decorated local businesses, and turned out to welcome the team home.
“And thousands of people turning out to welcome the team home. And thousands more on the ground the next day. Not to mourn a loss, but to say thank you,” he said.
He extended the city’s thanks to Geoff Coburn, Peter Parr, Justin Holbrook, Kalyn Ponga, the broader playing squad, and local businesses.
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz acknowledged Venues NSW staff, led by Dean Mantle, for assembling Sunday’s grand final live site at McDonald Jones Stadium in about three or four days.
The sporting acknowledgement was expanded after Councillor Siobhan Isherwood proposed an amendment congratulating the Newcastle Yowies on their women’s Koori Knockout grand final victory.
Cr Isherwood said the side combined young talent with experienced NRLW players, including Caitlan Johnston.
The amended motion was carried unanimously, with council resolving to formally write to the Knights to convey congratulations on behalf of the city.
