December - January Community News
Discover what's happening in your local community this December-January...
'TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING AS SALVOS ANNUAL TOY DRIVE RETURNS
With Christmas approaching and more families facing financial challenges, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank have launched their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal, calling on the community to help brighten the holiday season for those in need. The initiative, now in its 36th year of partnership with Newcastle Permanent, welcomed Greater Bank as a collection point partner following a successful collaboration in 2023.
Salvation Army Auxiliary Lieutenant Bernie Muendel expects community needs to remain high this year, following last year's successful collection of nearly 5,500 gifts from the Newcastle and Hunter communities.
"Families are doing it tough, and you never know when you might need a helping hand from the Salvos," Mr Muendel said.
"We're particularly seeking gifts for babies and teenagers, who are often overlooked in toy drives."
For those looking to donate, the Salvos recommend toys, books, and games for younger children, while teenagers would benefit from gift vouchers, sports equipment, and beauty products.
"Gift vouchers are especially empowering for teenagers, giving them the freedom to choose something meaningful for themselves," Mr Muendel added.
The impact of the program is evident in stories like that of Newcastle mother Iris, who received support after becoming a single parent.
"If not for the Salvos, there wouldn't have been any presents under the tree," she shared.
"They gave me hope and dignity at Christmas time, providing not only toys for my daughter but also gift vouchers so I could buy presents for family and friends."
NGM Group Head of Community and Sustainability, Kirrah McClelland, said the customer-owned organisation supports The Salvation Army in more ways than one at Christmas time.
“Along with collecting for our Toy Drive, our people will volunteer their time at the Salvos warehouse to sort all the generous gifts. Last year, we had more than 130 people lend a helping hand.
The Christmas Toy Drive exemplifies the power of community support, with each donation potentially being the only gift a child receives on Christmas morning. Community members can donate at any Newcastle Permanent or Greater Bank branch until Friday, 13 December. Gifts should be new and unwrapped and are accepted for all ages, including teenagers.
NEW SCHEME TO BOOST AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS IN NEWCASTLE
Newcastle residents are being invited to share their views on an innovative new planning scheme that aims to increase affordable housing across the city. The Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, recently endorsed by City of Newcastle councillors, could reshape how new developments support housing accessibility for local families.
With Newcastle's population expected to grow by over 41,000 LGA residents to 202,050 by 2041, the need for affordable housing has never been more pressing. The proposed scheme would require larger residential and mixed-use developments to contribute to affordable housing initiatives, either through financial subsidy, land dedication, or completed dwellings.
"With increasing numbers of people in our community experiencing housing stress, affordable housing is crucial infrastructure that supports liveability and wellbeing," says Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of City of Newcastle's Affordable Housing Working Party.
"It enables us to maintain a strong, diverse, and inclusive community."
Under the proposed changes to the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012, developments larger than 540 square metres or those benefiting from zoning uplift would need to contribute to affordable housing initiatives. These contributions would be managed by community housing providers to maintain, build, and develop homes for households experiencing housing stress – defined as when housing costs exceed 30 per cent of gross household income after basic living costs. The scheme sets ambitious targets of 15 per cent affordable housing across the city on private land and 25 per cent on government land. According to Michelle Bisson, Executive Director of Planning and Environment, the proposal has been carefully designed to balance community needs with development viability.
“I am particularly pleased to have received endorsement from the Department’s Housing Policy Team, who commended the work of our City of Newcastle team," Ms Bisson said.
"Our planners have developed a rigorous methodology to establish appropriate contribution rates for development in different parts of the city."
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has already given the green light for the scheme to proceed to public exhibition, with their Housing Policy Team commending the work of the Newcastle team.
The scheme aligns with the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan and the community's vision for a liveable, sustainable, and inclusive city. With nearly 20,000 new homes needed to accommodate Newcastle's growing population over the next two decades, this initiative represents a significant step toward ensuring housing remains accessible to all community members.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the planning proposal and Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme via City of Newcastle’s www.haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/affordable-housing-contributions-scheme page until 2 February 2025.
MAYOR BRINGS KEY PLAYERS TOGETHER TO SOLVE HOUSING CRISIS
Mayor Adam Shultz will host a Lake Macquarie Housing Forum early next year in a bid to address ongoing supply and affordability concerns.
Councillors supported a Mayoral Minute at tonight’s meeting to bring together key stakeholders, including affordable housing providers, not-for-profit community organisations, the development industry and government to help address the housing crisis. Mayor Adam said local government had an essential role to play by increasing the supply of housing through strategic urban infill and leveraging underutilised transport corridors.
“Strategically increasing the housing supply in the right locations is a high priority for Lake Macquarie,” he said.
“The high costs of both renting and purchasing a home is a significant financial strain for many individuals and families. This limits the capacity for social mobility, widens economic inequality and displaces vulnerable members of our community.
“By taking a collaborative approach and acknowledging there is no single solution to the complex problem of housing affordability – we will have the best chance of identifying meaningful actions to help our community live, work and call Lake Macquarie home for generations.”
For more information on the Lake Macquarie Housing Forum, visit lakemac.com.au/housing-forum
TWELVE STUDENTS, ONE MISSION: TELLING AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WARTIME STORIES
The 2025 Newcastle and Hunter Combined Schools ANZAC Service was officially launched late last month, marking the commencement of the intensive research process for the twelve hand-selected Year 11 students from across the region who will be key components of the creative process for the 68th annual service.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge officially launched the 2025 service and announced the theme: “Women in War – Their Australian Story”, which will focus on the roles played by Australian women, in and out of uniform, in times of conflict.
Cr Kerridge congratulated the assembled students and told them they were about to embark in a rich and proud tradition of researching, developing and delivering a commemorative event for their fellow students, a process which is unique in Australia and uniquely Newcastle. He praised the theme of next year’s service, saying the recognition of the efforts and contributions to our nation by women in times of war is long overdue.
“Women have featured strongly and proudly in the security of our country and stand beside our men as those who are willing to lay their lives down to protect our freedoms and our peace,” said Cr Kerridge.
“It is now up to you to begin to develop and deepen your knowledge of the history and contributions of the women who have served and serve today. Then it is your challenge to compel the narratives from those stories that will engage and educate your audience.”
Artistic Director for the service, Dr Shane Bransdon, said the Newcastle and Hunter Combined Schools ANZAC Service is made possible by the generous support of the City of Newcastle, Newcastle Permanent and the Catholic Schools Office.
“Our program for developing and presenting the services is recognised nationally for its unique focus on education and collaboration. Created by a range of talented students, the annual service is designed to capture the attention of the young audience and inspire them in many ways,” said Dr Bransdon.
The 68th annual Newcastle and Hunter Combined Schools ANZAC Service will be conducted live on stage at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle on Tuesday, 1 April 2025. The service, which is free for groups of primary and high schools from across the region, is regularly booked out well in advance, attracting more than 2500 students to recognise this integral day on our national calendar.
