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CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY CELEBRATES HARMONY IN LAKE MAC
Almost 100 new Aussies have flown the flag for cultural diversity at a citizenship ceremony in Lake Macquarie to coincide with Harmony Week. A total of 98 people from 28 countries took the Citizenship Pledge at Rathmines Theatre on Friday morning, with friends and family watching on.
People from all walks of life and all corners of the globe were among the participants, with many dressed in their home nation's traditional outfits for the ceremony.
From Iran to Ireland and from New Zealand to Nepal, each had a different story to tell about how they ended up Down Under, but they all shared one thing in common: they're happy to call Australia home.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, who presided over the ceremony, welcomed the new citizens.
"Harmony Week is all about celebrating diversity in Australia, and what better way than to embrace new citizens and the culture, history and traditions they bring with them," said Mayor Fraser.
"I love hearing the stories of how people ended up here in beautiful Lake Macquarie and appreciate the fact they have chosen this as their place to settle."
BUDGET TO DELIVER RECORD INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST ALONGSIDE SECOND CONSECUTIVE SURPLUS
More than $137 million has been earmarked for investment into local facilities and infrastructure projects in Newcastle as part of a recordBudget balancing community needs with a $6.9 million surplus.
City of Newcastle has placed its 2023-24 Budget on public exhibition for community feedback. It includes Council's largest annual capital works program to date, with almost 270 projects planned across the city during the next financial year.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a key focus of this Budget is maintaining ongoing financial sustainability alongside the delivery of a high level of essential community services.
"Our list of projects extends across the city, with increased investments in community infrastructure, facilities and services that will help renew and reinvigorate Newcastle as we continue to build an inclusive, liveable, and sustainable city," Cr Nelmes said.
"Infrastructure renewal is a priority to deliver everyday benefits to all Novocastrians, with $26.5 million to be invested in roads, bridges, footpaths and community buildings, including $7.5 million for our citywide road resurfacing program.
"Almost $20 million will be spent delivering new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities, which provide important opportunities for the community to engage in active and healthy lifestyles.
"This includes $5 million towards the first stage of the landmark all-abilities playground and water park at Foreshore Park and construction of the reimagined playground and amenities upgrade at Hamilton's much-loved Gregson Park, as well as $7.5 million to improve inland pools and ocean baths across the city, including the continued revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths and delivery of the Lambton Park Swimming Centre grandstand upgrade in time for the new swim season.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said prudent financial management would deliver a second consecutive surplus budget without compromising our capacity to maintain services and meet community commitments.
AUSTRALIAN MILITARY STORIES TOLD THROUGH TATTOOS
Stories of service life and sacrifice inked on the skin of current and former Australian military personnel have been made into a powerful photographic exhibition now on display at Newcastle Museum.
Curated by the Australian War Memorial, Ink in the Lines features the stories and tattoos of 22 veterans from across Australia. The 76 photographic portraits are the result of an Australian War Memorial photographic commission conducted in 2018.
Audio interviews played on screens within the exhibition help capture the raw emotion of each participant as they explain why they chose to commemorate and honour their service, or the service of loved ones, through the medium of tattooing.
Australian War Memorial senior curator Stephanie Boyle says she is thrilled to bring the touring exhibition to Newcastle and hopes it resonates with local audiences and with the region's strong military heritage.
"Behind every tattoo is a story. Ink in the Lines does what no other exhibition in Australia has done – it shares stories of Australia's military veterans through their tattoos," Ms Boyle said.
Ink in the Lines is on exhibition until Sunday, 4 June 2023. Newcastle Museum opens from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday and seven days during the school holidays. Visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/exhibitions/specialexhibitions/ink-in-the-lines for more information.
