October Community News
Discover what's happening in your local community this October..
STELLAR LINE-UP FOR SENIORS CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
Cessnock seniors will be ringing in the festive season this November with singing sensations Amy Lehpamer from the musical & Juliet, Arlo Sims, Liz Player, Emily Kate from The Voice, and Will Skarpona from the Conservatorium of Music.
The stars will feature in two free concerts as part of the NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts taking place at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock on Thursday, 12 December, at 10am and 1pm.
The regional concerts are an annual highlight of the Christmas period and an opportunity for seniors to get together to enjoy a spectacular show and sing along to festive favourites.
Cessnock is one of three regional centres to host the NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts this year, with other shows in Broken Hill and Moree.
The concerts are part of the NSW Government’s wider celebration of seniors and their contributions, which include the annual Seniors Festival, Gala Concerts and Expo. The vision is for all people in NSW to experience the benefits of living longer and enjoy opportunities to participate in, contribute to, and be included in their communities. Free tickets to the NSW Seniors Concerts will be available from Tuesday, 15 October.
For further information, go to www.seniorsfestival.info/christmasconcerts.
NEW ANIMAL REFUGE FOR PORT STEPHENS
Port Stephens Council has opened its new animal refuge located in Millers Forest this month.
A three-year contract was awarded to Port Stephens Animal Refuge after a competitive tender process. The new refuge operator has demonstrable experience managing successful boarding kennels, making them the ideal choice for overseeing this vital community facility for Port Stephens.
Port Stephens Council’s Acting Development and Compliance Section Manager, Ryan Falkenmire, expressed confidence that the new refuge will uphold the community’s expectations for humane animal care, health, safety, and responsible pet ownership while offering the Council financial benefits.
"The tender process was thorough, ensuring Council selected the most qualified provider based on their facility, experience, service level, and competitive pricing. The new refuge aims to enhance animal welfare standards and streamline the rehoming process for dogs, cats and other animals in their care," said Mr Falkenmire.
"All animals currently under the care of the previous provider will be relocated to the new facility, with a continued focus on rehoming safe and non-aggressive animals.”
To facilitate efficient reunions with their owners, Council urges pet owners to ensure their animals are microchipped and registered. If impounded animals remain unclaimed after the initial 14-day period, the refuge will contact two animal rescue organisations, allowing for a total of four weeks for owners to reclaim their pets or for them to be rehomed through rescue channels.
The Port Stephens Animal Refuge is located at 267B Woodberry Road, Millers Forest, and can be reached on 0468 858 156.
PLANNING PROPOSAL AIMS FOR HOUSING DIVERSITY
Plans to increase housing diversity and streamline urban infill development in Lake Mac are on display for community feedback.
Lake Macquarie City Council’s housing diversity planning proposal outlines changes to allow a broader range of housing types across the city. Under the proposal, dual occupancies would be allowed in R3 medium-density residential zones, while terraces, townhouses and small apartment buildings would be allowed in R2 low-density residential zones.
“The proposal aims to support a growing population and address the housing crisis by encouraging a greater range of housing types in existing urban areas, close to transport, jobs\ and services,” said Manager Integrated Planning Wes Hain.
“More than 80 per cent of homes in Lake Mac are detached dwellings. This does not provide the diversity required of large, modern and growing regional communities, where an increasing number of couples with no children living at home, older people living alone, and families require affordable housing.”
Demographic forecasts expect couples without children and people living alone to account for almost 50 per cent of all households within 12 years.
The proposal follows a November 2023 letter from NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, explaining the state’s housing crisis and the subsequent need to increase housing supply and diversity.
“That letter asked us to review our policy settings with the aim of increasing housing stock across the city,” Mr Hain said.
“Greater housing diversity and smaller homes support more efficient use of infrastructure and makes public transport
more viable when housing is close to existing transport hubs.”
“Smaller and more diverse homes also reduce living costs, which flows on to make housing affordable to more people.”
Feedback is open until 14 October. Council staff will review all public submissions before presenting them to Council to make an informed decision. Go to www.shape.lakemac.com.au/housing-diversity to have your say.
HUNTER YOUTH URGED TO SPEAK UP WITH NEW SURVEY
The Youth Committee for the Hunter has launched the Youth Voice Hunter 2024. This is the Hunter’s most extensive online survey aimed at gathering the perspectives, ambitions and aspirations of individuals aged 18-35 living in the region. It builds on the top issues identified in the Youth Voice Hunter 2022 survey, including cost of living, housing, climate and mental health.
Open now and running until December 2024, the survey will offer young people a platform to share their voices, particularly in the lead-up to the federal election. Participate in the 2024 Youth Voice survey for a chance to win a $500 prepaid Visa Card.*
“As the Hunter’s economy changes, our most valuable resource is the people who drive this transformation—their knowledge, ideas, and ingenuity. This makes our young people one of the most vital assets in our region’s development and success,” said Youth Committee member Myles Egan.
“Things are constantly shifting for young people in the Hunter, and we must speak up now about what is important to us. Our voices need to be heard on the issues that matter to us because we’re the ones who will either benefits from, or deal with, the impact of today’s decisions by the government.”
Alice Thompson, CEO of the Committee for the Hunter, echoed her support for the Youth Committee’s initiative.
“It is vital that the voices of young people in the Hunter are front and centre in discussions about our region’s future, particularly in the lead-up to the next Federal election.”
The Survey is open to young residents aged 18 - 35 across the ten Hunter Local Government Areas: Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter.
The insights gained from the 2024 Youth Voice Hunter survey will be instrumental in identifying advocacy priorities for young people and communicating these to community leaders and government decision-makers and ensuring that the voices of young people play a pivotal role in shaping policy and planning, including in the lead-up to the Federal election.
For more information about the survey or to participate, visit www.hunter.org.au/who-weare/youth-committee-for-the-hunter.
