November Community News
Discover what's happening in your local community this November...
LAKE MAC WELCOMES 97 NEW CITIZENS FROM 33 NATIONS
Lake Macquarie's youngest-ever Mayor, Adam Shultz, welcomed 97 new Australian citizens at a citizenship ceremony at Rathmines Theatre late last month. The group, representing 33 different nations and ranging in age from five to 88, marked one of the city's most culturally diverse ceremonies to date. The Shobowale family from Nigeria were among those who took the Australian Citizenship Pledge. Parents Samson and Oluwatosin, who moved to Australia four years ago, celebrated alongside their children Erioluwa (5) and Inioluwa (8). Their youngest child, 18-month-old Ewaoluwa, was born in Australia.
"We love everything about Australia," said Oluwatosin Shobowale. "Our dream has finally come true."
Mayor Shultz, a father of three, noted the significance of welcoming entire families to the community. "Today is not just about welcoming people from across the globe as new Australian Citizens; it's about recognising and celebrating the richness they add to our community with their diverse cultures and traditions," he said.
"As a father of young kids myself, I know what a special place Lake Macquarie is to bring up a family," Mayor Shultz added.
I'm glad people from all around the world share this sentiment."
TEEN WARRIOR'S MISSION TO COMFORT SICK KIDS GETS MAJOR BOOST
Small comforts can make a world of difference in the sterile confines of a hospital room. No one knows this better than 13-year-old Emma Walsh, who is turning her own battle with leukemia into a mission to support other young patients across the Hunter region.
Emma's initiative, aptly named Emma's Warriors, has just received a significant boost – a $22,000 donation from Newcastle Permanent employees to fund 70 specially designed care kits for teenagers facing extended hospital
stays.
"During my time in hospital, I discovered that having a few essential items could make me feel so much more comfortable and at ease," Emma explains from her Lake Macquarie home.
"It helped me focus on what really mattered – getting better."
The care kits, valued at $300 each, are thoughtfully curated based on Emma's personal experience. Packed in a backpack,
they include practical items like bed sheets, bath towels and mood-lifting additions such as fairy lights and room spray. Modern comforts aren't forgotten either, with each kit containing an Amazon Fire Stick and Uber Eats gift card – small luxuries that can make a big difference during lengthy hospital stays. Kate Steele, a Customer Relations Specialist at Newcastle Permanent, nominated Emma's Warriors for the donation after learning about the initiative through a
friend.
"Emma's story instantly resonated with me," she says. "The impact these kits can have on young patients is incredible, and I knew our staff would want to support this cause."
The donation came through Newcastle Permanent's employee giving program, where staff contribute through payroll deductions and vote on recipient charities. This grassroots support will help Emma expand her reach beyond the John Hunter Hospital. She plans to extend the program to Calvary Mater Newcastle and eventually to Maitland and the Central Coast.
But Emma's vision doesn't stop there. She's already working on designing care kits for siblings of sick children, recognising that serious illness affects the whole family.
"It's only because of my experience that I can help others. Every smile we bring to another young person's face during tough times makes it all worthwhile," says Emma.
To learn more about Emma's Warriors or to request a Care Kit for a loved one, visit The Shobowale family outside Friday's citizenship ceremony at Rathmines www.emmaswarriors.com.au
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SURGE BRINGS HOPE TO HUNTER COMMUNITY
The Hunter region has experienced a significant employment boost, with 15,800 new jobs created in September, including a big jump of 20,000 full-time positions, according to recent ABS data.
Most encouraging for the community is the sharp rise in workforce participation, climbing from 61 to 63.5 per cent – the first increase in twelve months. This means more local residents are either working or actively seeking employment, strengthening our region's economic foundation.
"This is positive news for Hunter families and businesses alike," said Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes.
While we're still below the national participation rate of 67.2 per cent, these figures show our community is becoming more engaged with employment opportunities.
The region's unemployment rate has improved to 3.8 per cent, matching NSW figures. Notably, youth employment remains strong, with just 5.4 per cent unemployment among 15–24-year-olds, compared to pre- COVID unemployment rates of over 10 per cent.
With plenty of jobs currently advertised and employment conditions favouring job seekers, the Hunter community is well-positioned for continued growth. The diverse range of opportunities spans both full-time and part-time roles, offering flexibility for local residents.
LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM MAKES A SPLASH AT CHARLESTOWN
An innovative learn-to-swim program for international women is making waves at Charlestown Swim Centre. The Splash of Colour Swimming program offers a free, 12-week, culturally sensitive course for recruits of all ages, many of whom have never had the opportunity to swim.
“For many of our participants, they’re the first people in their family who can swim,” Splash of Colour Swimming Founder and Program Lead Ennia Jones said.
“It is an empowering experience to do something no one else in your family has been able to do. Our participants go from fearful to confident.”
Nine nationalities are represented in the current Charlestown Swim Centre course, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Peru, China, Venezuela, Rwanda, Nigeria and Colombia. The Splash of Colour Swimming concept kicked off in February 2023 and has expanded to include classes in Lake Macquarie, Maitland, the Central Coast and Newcastle.
Find out more about learn to swim classes and enrolments at swim.lakemac.com.au
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