Community News

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with one of the winning teams from Newcastle Rowing Club at the annual Central Districts Rowing Association Sprint Championships on Throsby Creek, which is part of a sizzling summer of events in Newcastle.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?

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SIZZLING SUMMER IN NEWCASTLE

Newcastle has launched into a sizzling Summer of events, with 150 of the state's best rowers taking to the waters of Throsby Creek today ahead of a busy period of music, sport and culture.

The Central Districts Sprint Championships hosted by Newcastle Rowing Club are part of a stacked calendar of events supported by City of Newcastle, which will see everyone from global music superstar Elton John to some of the world's best surfers descend on the city during the next four months.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle had become an events powerhouse, attracting nationally and internationally renowned acts and events to entertain audiences across the city.

"Newcastle has a vibrant calendar of major and community events, which continues to grow off the back of a strategic focus and investment by City of Newcastle," Cr Nelmes said.

"City of Newcastle is proud to support events at every level in Newcastle, from community-led activations to the attraction of major events of international renown, which offer invaluable benefits, including increased visitation and a significant boost to the local economy.

The events calendar will kick into gear on Sunday, 4 December, when more than 10,000 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts from across the east coast gather for the 45th annual Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run and community fun day at Carrington.

Festive fun in Wheeler Place, New Year's Eve along the Foreshore and the sweet sounds of the 76th Australian Jazz Convention at City Hall will wrap up the revelry for 2022.

There will be plenty of sporting action to kick off 2023 with national and international events, including Surfest, Beach 5s Rugby, Australian Water Polo League matches, the Summer of Cricket festival and the opening round of the Supercars championship.

Elton John's incredible Yellow Brick Road tour, the smash hit Broadway musical Come From Away, and the 76th Australian Jazz Convention at Newcastle City Hall will provide plenty of star power for the city's cultural events calendar.

NSW ATHLETES DIVE INTO NEW SWIMMING HUB

Elite swimmers across the Hunter can now train locally following the opening of the NUsport Performance Hub, a world-class facility created in partnership with the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS), University of Newcastle and Swimming NSW.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin, said the new partnership would create many opportunities for the next generation of athletes in the region.

"The NUsport Performance Hub is a fantastic opportunity to provide a pathway for local, talented athletes to reach the highest levels in their sport while training in their own backyard," Mr Martin said.

"The performance hub will operate from the University's recently refurbished swimming pool at NUsport, Callaghan, and athletes will be coached by internationally recognised swimmer Sander Ganzevles."

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said NSW is one of the greatest contributors to Australia's success in the pool, and the Hub will support athletes to achieve podium performances.

"This partnership cements our collective regional strategy to provide better access to world-class facilities and training environments for our future Olympians," Mr Henskens said.

YOUTH WEEK FUNDING TO FLOW IN LAKE MAC

Lake Mac's junior generations are primed to shine next April when Youth Week 2023 bursts to life across the city.

Applications are now open for grants of up to $1000 for events and activities during the annual national celebration of young people, to be held from 20 to 30 April 2023.

Lake Macquarie City Council Community Planner Youth and Safer Communities Tony Ellitt said funding was available to any incorporated non-profit organisation hosting Youth Week activities or events within the municipality aimed at young people aged 12-24.

"It's important that youth across Lake Mac have an outlet to create and engage with events and activations that represent their ideas, aspirations and values," he said.

Applications that aim to deliver social and cultural outcomes for youth in the community – in line with the objectives and actions in Council's Youth Strategy - will have a greater chance of receiving funding.

Grants have been offered for a variety of events in the past, including skate festivals, drama workshops, fitness activities and more.

Grant applications can be lodged online at www.lakemac.com.au before 5pm Friday, 16 December.

Swansea boardwalk

SWANSEA BOARDWALK OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

A new lakeside boardwalk on Pirrita Island will showcase the unique landscape and heritage of Swansea foreshore. Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Adam Shultz was joined by Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley MP on Pirrita Island to officially open the new boardwalk, which was constructed thanks to $3 million in funding from the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.

Cr Shultz said the accessible boardwalk, which spans 230 metres and winds through mangroves, would be a major drawcard for residents and visitors alike.

"Pirrita Island has been a popular recreation spot for many years, with activities largely focused around the reserve at the southern end of the island, which offers picnic and barbecue facilities and panoramic views of Swansea Channel," Cr Shultz said.

"The new boardwalk invites visitors to explore the area around Miners Point, on the island's north-western edge, and boasts uninterrupted views across Lake Macquarie – the stunning jewel of our city."

Interpretive signage will be installed along the boardwalk, showcasing the area's heritage and the unique flora and fauna that call the island home. The boardwalk is part of a suite of improvements that Lake Macquarie Council is undertaking along the foreshore at Swansea.

LIVE MUSIC IN THE PARK AT KURRI KURRI

The community is invited to reconnect with the Kurri Kurri CBD with live performances in the newly upgraded Col Brown Rotary Park. Over four big afternoons, the park will come alive with performances by homegrown talents. Bring a picnic blanket and help support Kurri Kurri local businesses by purchasing food and drinks or dining out after the show in one of the town's eateries.

Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal said the live performances were set to be fun and family-friendly events. "The Kurri Kurri town centre upgrade has seen a downturn in business, and I am encouraging the whole community to come out and enjoy these events," Mayor Suvaal said.

"The CBD upgrade works will be finished before Christmas, but until then, let's show our support for Kurri Kurri while enjoying some of our area's finest performers."

Catch the following performances live in Kurri Kurri:

• Splashing Mood, Saturday 26 November, 4.30-7.30pm

• Teasha & Mari, Saturday 3 December, 4.30-7.30pm

• Sami Cooke, Saturday 10 December, 4.30-7.30pm

• Jadily (Emily Jade), Saturday 17 December, 4.30pm -7.30pm

This event is proudly organised by Cessnock City Council and supported by the Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program.