This article arises from a presentation made by the authors, Dr Nicola Ross, Conjoint Associate Professor Newcastle School of Law University of Newcastle and John Anderson, Professor of Criminal Law and Evidence, University of Newcastle, with Mary Porter AM at the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration Second International Conference on Non-Adversarial Justice held in Sydney, NSW 6-8 April 2017.
The article contains an examination of demographics of The Hunter and Newcastle supporting the proposal of Newcastle as Restorative City. The article also contains other relevant information that validates the "the suitability of Newcastle, New South Wales as a candidate for a restorative city."
Abstract:
There is growing evidence that the experiences of restorative cities around the world, such as Hull UK, Oakland US and Whanganui New Zealand, have been positive for their citizenry. In implementing interdisciplinary restorative practices and restorative justice measures across a range of systems including education, justice, child welfare and health, restorative cities have achieved transformational change in the culture and social fabric of their communities. The focus has been on viewing children and youth (being amongst the most vulnerable in these communities) as potential future community leaders. The evidence for restorative practice is examined through vignettes of the existing models and experiences of international restorative cities before considering the suitability of Newcastle, New South Wales as a candidate for a restorative city. Lessons learned from these cities may advance the current process of urban renewal in Newcastle through developing strategies for social, cultural and economic change to address enduring forms of harm and pockets of disadvantage. A blueprint is devised for Newcastle to move towards being a restorative city.
Sections:
- Introduction
- Restorative City (What is it?)
- The concepts of restorative justice and restorative practice are integral to the development of restorative cities and these are examined.
- Models and Experiences of Restorative Cities are outlined, including Hull UK, Leeds UK, Oakland California, Whanganu New Zealand, and Canberra Australia.
- Newcastle as a Restorative City
- Demographics and crime rates
- Restorative Justice and Non-Adversarial Justice in Newcastle
- A suitable aspirant: "The demographics, crime data and restorative-type programs already operating in Newcastle make it a strong candidate for transformation into a restorative city."
- Blueprint for the future: "The transformation of Newcastle into a restorative city is an ambitious project that will require significant commitments of time and effort to garner the community support needed for this social and cultural transformation."
- Conclusion
- "The development of, and achievements attained by, restorative cities internationally has highlighted the significance of restorative processes prioritising healthy family and community relationships in underpinning a strong and cohesive social and cultural fabric. The city of Newcastle, NSW is at a crossroads in its urban renewal and its various social and economic features clearly present the city as a suitable candidate for being the first restorative city in the state. The lessons learned from other restorative cities will be instrumental in moving this project forward in the years ahead to achieve positive results and
transformational change in education, justice, welfare, culture and health. Through this restorative city project the ongoing urban renewal of Newcastle will progress and expand into all aspects of the life of the city."
- "The development of, and achievements attained by, restorative cities internationally has highlighted the significance of restorative processes prioritising healthy family and community relationships in underpinning a strong and cohesive social and cultural fabric. The city of Newcastle, NSW is at a crossroads in its urban renewal and its various social and economic features clearly present the city as a suitable candidate for being the first restorative city in the state. The lessons learned from other restorative cities will be instrumental in moving this project forward in the years ahead to achieve positive results and
Authors:
- John Anderson - University of Newcastle (Australia) - Newcastle Law School
- Nicola M. Ross - Newcastle Law School
From:
- (2018) 27(2) Journal of Judicial Administration 74-91
- 21 Pages Posted: 31 Jul 2018
The full article is available as PDF at SSRN:
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Link to A Restorative City for New South Wales - Could Newcastle Be a Model? at SSRN