Moving Forward...Together
It's fair to say that we're all happy to see this year in the rearview mirror. And whilst we can tentatively look forward to the coming year, it's also fair to say that we've all learned a lot over the past 18 months – first and foremost being that you never quite know what's around the corner. We've also learned that adversity builds community, and with that has come a whole host of projects and support that quite possibly have never seen the light of day.
Here's a small taste of what's to come in 2022 and beyond for your local area...
FUNDING SUPPORT TAKES ENTERTAINMENT OUTDOORS
Newcastle's COVID-19-disrupted performing arts and live music industries will be reinvigorated by a new initiative that will see emerging performers work with experienced professionals to deliver live events in suburban parks, with opportunities for emerging creatives who will present live music and performances at eight events held in Gregson Park, Centennial Park, Jesmond Park and Lambton Park on weekends throughout January.
City of Newcastle Interim Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said taking live music and performances outdoors this summer is a COVID safe way to bring the local community back together safely after the prolonged lockdown period.
"It's been a challenging time for the performing arts sector and live music industry in Newcastle. I hope people get a boost from visiting their local park, joining with friends and family and enjoying the energy and atmosphere of live performances while supporting Newcastle's cultural scene," Ms Hyland said.
The initiative is funded under the City of Newcastle and follows the December round of Locally Made and Played grant funding, which will see more than 80 live music, micro theatre and comedy style performances held across the city in the lead up to Christmas between 1 - 20 December 2021.
Visit the City of Newcastle's What's On page for more information.
MAYOR'S CHRISTMAS APPEAL LAUNCHES
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser has urged people to give generously to the annual Mayor's Christmas Appeal, which benefits hundreds of families through local charity Samaritans.
"It has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone, but especially for people who were already doing it tough before the pandemic. Donated toys, gifts and nonperishable items will help the Samaritans provide for families struggling to make ends meet at Christmas," Cr Fraser said.
Samaritans is the welfare arm of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, providing disability care, youth, family, mental health and community support through more than 100 services in the Hunter Region and NSW.
Anglican Bishop of Newcastle Peter Stuart said the charity would serve Christmas Day lunch, with gifts and all the trimmings, to more than 1400 people across the Hunter this year.
"Donations to the Mayor's Christmas Appeal will help us make sure local families in need have gifts to open on Christmas Day," said Bishop Peter.
Items can be dropped off at any Lake Mac Libraries branch or Council's Speers Point administration building until Thursday, 16 December.
NEWCASTLE LAUNCHES ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION
An exciting opportunity awaits inspired architects, with City of Newcastle and property developers St Hilliers and The Spotlight Property Group launching a design competition to redevelop 711 Hunter Street in the city's revitalised West-end.
The competition brief requires two towers in the design, approximately 90 metres high, with up to 250 dwellings and 1,500 square metres of commercial floor space, at an estimated construction cost of $100 million.
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the design competition signals that
Newcastle is entering a new phase with developer confidence in the city reaching an all-time high.
"The design competition is seeking innovative design entries by bringing the best creative talent to the fore, to imagine a landmark building and place that will stand the test of time," Ms Bisson said.
The competition is being run by an independent jury process under the governance of City of Newcastle, and the NSW Government Architect's Office, with Consultants Urbis administering the competition on behalf of the property developers. The independent jury will choose the winning design at the close of the competition in December.
$1000 YOUTH WEEK GRANTS UP FOR GRABS IN LAKE MAC
Lake Macquarie City Council will inject thousands of dollars into activities for young people across the city to help celebrate Youth Week 2022, with applications opening for grants of up to $1000 each for non-profit organisations hosting Youth Week events and activities.
Next year's Youth Week will be held 4-14 April, celebrating young people, helping them share ideas and having their voices heard on issues of concern to them.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said young people contributed significantly to the community.
"We're hoping these grants will support a wide range of activities and events that engage, activate, entertain and celebrate our younger generation. Past Youth Week grants had helped fund various activities, including songwriting competitions, sports and fitness sessions, youth festivals and artisan markets aimed at young people. " Cr Fraser said.
Grant applications can be lodged at lakemac.com.au/youthweekgrants before 5pm on Wednesday 22 December. Successful recipients will be notified in February.
BE POOL SAFE THIS SUMMER!
Cessnock City Council has launched a campaign urging residents to Be Pool Safe this summer.
During the year to 30 June 2021, 294 people tragically drowned in Australian waterways and backyard pools. Heartbreakingly, deaths among children aged 0-4 years increased by 108% compared with the previous year.
Cessnock City Council's General Manager, Lotta Jackson, said Council would like to remind residents it is a requirement for all pools, including portable and inflatable pools, to be separated from the house and yard by a compliant pool barrier.
"Regulations state that you must have a foursided fence around any pool or spa that can be filled with more than 30 centimetres of water. This includes inflatable and portable swimming pools. Portable or inflatable pools that have a capacity greater than 2,000 litres require Council approval. Sadly, 20 seconds and a few centimetres of water is all it takes for a child to drown. In the end, nothing can replace the constant supervision of children by a responsible adult," added Lotta.
For further information regarding pool safety and fencing, visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/BePoolSafe
