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COMMUNITY TO HAVE ITS SAY ON FUTURE OF NEWCASTLE 500
Residents, businesses and racegoers are being invited to have their say on the future of the Newcastle 500 as community consultation on the event kicks off.
Submissions are now open for the online survey, which forms the first part of a comprehensive consultation strategy prepared and implemented by KPMG to guide the decision about future Newcastle 500 events in Newcastle.
The strategy was finalised after being placed on public exhibition for six weeks throughout December and January, with the online survey launched during bump-in for the Supercars season-opener event.
The survey can be completed via the City of Newcastle website until three weeks after the event, which is being held from 10-12 March 2023.
In-person surveys around the event precinct during the race period will provide insight into attendee behaviours, including visitation to local businesses, while a random telephone survey will follow the event to capture a range of views from across Newcastle's demographic profile.
Three post-event stakeholder workshops will also be held with residents, business and industry representatives to understand the perceived benefits and challenges presented by the Newcastle 500.
CEO Jeremy Bath said the feedback would help guide any decision made by City of Newcastle should Destination NSW and Supercars Australia propose a five-year contract extension of the event in Newcastle.
"The consultation will explore themes of liveability, economic benefit or challenges and perceptions of the event, as well as its impact on the visitor economy,” said Mr Bath.
A report on the feedback and insights from the community consultation to inform the decision about any potential extension of the Newcastle 500 will be prepared for Council to consider in the coming months.
In the meantime, get along to the event and experience it for yourself. Keep track of all the details across the weekend by visiting whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au.
MITCH REVS PAINTED ELTON JOHN PIANO TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER
A unique upright piano hand painted by renowned Newcastle artist Mitch Revs to honour Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour will be auctioned at the Newcastle 500 this month to benefit women and children escaping domestic violence.
Donated by Venues NSW and Scentre Group, which commissioned the artwork for Elton John's crowd-drawing McDonald Jones Stadium appearances in January, the colourful and eclectic working piano is the centrepiece of the fourth annual charity function at Fort Scratchley on Saturday, 11 March.
The fundraiser has garnered more than $61,000 to date for City of Newcastle's charity partners, Got Your Back Sista and Nova for Women and Children, thanks to the support of community and business leaders.
For the first time, bidding on this item will be open to the public online via www.airauctioneer.com to allow keen Elton John fans and collectors to get in on the action, with the piano on display at Westfield Kotara, Level 2 near Specsavers until the event.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was thrilled to partner with both charities again for the event's highly anticipated return.
"We're proud to continue to support these local charities, which provide vital assistance to women and children in need," Cr Nelmes said.
"Unfortunately, domestic and family violence continues to affect too many people. This inaugural event was on White Ribbon Day and provided a unique opportunity to raise awareness and much-needed funds to help combat the issue. With drawcard prizes like this, we hope to raise lots of funds to support our local charities, Nova for Women and Children and Got Your Back Sista." Bidding on the piano closes at 5pm, Saturday, 11 March, with the winner to be announced following the event.
LAKE MACQUARIE VISITOR INFORMATION HITS THE ROAD
Mobile visitor information kiosks will hit the road across Lake Mac in a first for the Hunter Region this weekend, spruiking the city's events and attractions at key visitor locations.
The two brightly coloured vans, funded by the NSW Government, mark a deliberate step away from the traditional visitor centre, taking tourism staff and volunteers' passion and knowledge to places they are most needed.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said visitor information would still be available at Swansea, but the changing needs and habits of tourists meant a static service centre was no longer attracting visitors, and mobile kiosks were an effective alternative.
"We want to make visitor information in Lake Mac more accessible to everyone," she said.
"These new mobile kiosks are small enough to fit in easily at our events, markets or in high-traffic areas during peak holiday periods, but they're also large enough to provide all the tourism info and literature you'd normally find at any Visitor Information Centre."
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said mobile tourism kiosks were an industry-leading initiative and a first in the Hunter region. New 'Tourism Ambassador' volunteers will operate the kiosks.
"The combination of the kiosks and our Tourism Ambassador Education Program will help expand knowledge in Lake Macquarie's tourism and hospitality sector," Ms Hemsley said.
"It will also help operators understand how to target new visitors and capitalise on our wonderful attractions and offerings here."
Out-of-region visitation to the city has increased substantially since summer 2020, with Lake Mac now welcoming 1.35 million visitors a year. That number is expected to increase to 2.5 million visitors by 2032.
COMMUNITY FUNDING FOR VIBRANT AND LIVEABLE PLACES
More funding is now available to support a broad range of individuals and groups across Port Stephens. The Vibrant Spaces Fund and Community Support Fund close on 2 April 2023, with other funding streams open yearround.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says this funding is a chance to give back and support the Port Stephens community to create a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
"So far, we've been excited to award funding to heaps of different projects, including the Tilligerry Festival in November last year and an upcoming pathway project in Seaham," Mayor Palmer said.
"We really want to fund as many grassroots local projects that genuinely support local people across the whole LGA to bring life and vibrancy to our streets and neighbourhoods," he added.
Mayor Palmer said there's a great cross-section of funding streams available for anyone to apply, from individuals, artists, creatives, community groups, not-for-profits, businesses and students.
"It’s easy to apply, with our guidelines clearly explaining each funding program and what type of projects can be funded. Our team are also available to give you tips on ensuring your application is successful,” he said.
“We cannot wait to see some of the exciting new initiatives that will boost our communities' social, cultural, environmental and economic life,” Mayor Palmer added.
To view the full range of funds available, view the guidelines or apply, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/funding.
CESSNOCK PCYC FUNDING BOOST
A Friday night activity program called U-NITES that helps to build community connection, resilience and a sense of belonging has been announced for young people in Cessnock.
The Minister for Regional Youth, Ben Franklin, announced the program will receive $35,072 thanks to the NSW Government's Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative.
"Young people are key to maintaining vibrant regional communities, and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring regional youth have all the tools they need to grow into their best selves," Mr Franklin said.
James Frecklington from the Cessnock PCYC says the U-NITES program will engage young people through fun activities.
"Each week, for a few hours on a Friday night, we'll help provide entertainment for young people in the region with rock climbing, skating and gymnastics, and we'll also use the time to discuss important things like crime prevention and well being," Mr Frecklington said.
"It's a multifaceted program that fills a need to provide youth in Cessnock with something to do on a Friday night while also helping boost participation and build trust and social connection among our young people."
The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments' Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. For further information, visit nsw.gov.au/YouthWellbeing.
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