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NOVONEWS

ISSUE 010 FEBRUARY 2022

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Crakanthorp slams government’s new support package

City of Newcastle is calling on the community to help shape their ambitious long term vision for Newcastle in 2040, focusing on creating a liveable, sustainable and inclusive city for all..

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NovoCulture

Australia’s most prestigious art competition, the Archibald Prize, is currently calling the Maitland Regional Art Gallery home.

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp has slammed the NSW government’s new one-billion-dollar small business support package, deeming it “too little too late” for businesses across the state.

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NovoSociety

See page 3 State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp met with local hospitality business owners on January 18 to hear about their current struggles Photo source: Tim Crakanthorp MP Facebook

Architecture students at the University of Newcastle have reimagined the historic Wangi Wangi Power Station site, with a giant gin distillery, a nightclub and a dive centre among eccentric ideas for its future. .

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NovoSport

The much-anticipated Newcastle 500 was recently postponed to late 2022 following community concerns over the ongoing COVID- 19 outbreak.

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Newcastle Art Gallery closes for 2-year expansion Newcastle Art Gallery officially closed its doors for two years on January 31, following the announcement that its much anticipated $40M expansion would begin this month.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole announced a $10M grant from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments in Newcastle, officially locking in the Art Gallery upgrades.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was the beginning of an exciting new era for the Newcastle Art Gallery, after more than 16 years of effort to make the expansion a reality.

“This funding will add to the $16.5M already committed by the City of Newcastle and $10M bequeathed by the late Val Ryan,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle will now issue a

national tender to decant the Newcastle Art Gallery and securely store its 7,000 works, which are collectively valued at more than $115M.” Cr Nelmes said the City of Newcastle would partner with the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and the community to help raise the remaining funds needed.

“By doubling the size of the gallery, significantly increasing the exhibition space and delivering a suite of modern facilities, this project will deliver an expanded and upgraded gallery of international standing,” she said.

At present, only one per cent of Newcastle Art Gallery’s works can be displayed in any year due to a lack of space.

The expansion project includes an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the gallery’s collection on the lower

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level, while the upper level will cater to various travelling exhibitions.

The project will also deliver a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.

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Community’s shared vision for Newcastle 2040

The community are being invited to provide feedback on the draft plan of Newcastle 2040

City of Newcastle is calling on the community to help shape their ambitious long term vision for Newcastle in 2040, focusing on creating a liveable, sustainable and inclusive city for all.

City of Newcastle engaged with more than 5,000 people during the development of the draft Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040.

The draft plan’s four key themes include Liveable Newcastle, Sustainable Newcastle, Creative Newcastle and Achieving Together.

The community is being invited to provide feedback on the draft plan from today, after Councillors voted on Tuesday to place it on public exhibition for 28 days.

Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, said it was important to understand the community’s vision for the future of Newcastle.

“Newcastle 2040 has been developed in consultation with the community over a period of 12 months and represents

the collaboration of thousands of interactions, including face-to-face conversations, workshops, surveys, online feedback, advisory committees and stakeholder engagement,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through this extensive community consultation, we have developed four key themes that reflect the aspirations and values of our community, which are underpinned by our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“The priorities and objectives contained within this plan will enable us to celebrate our unique city, protect our natural assets, optimise opportunities, build resilience, champion inclusion and encourage innovation and creativity.

She said understanding the community’s vision would help relate the policies and projects delivered over the next decade and beyond.

The delivery of Newcastle 2040 will require shared decision-making and collaborative partnerships with government agencies, non-government

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organisations, businesses, and the local community.

“The next decade is set to be an exciting and rewarding time for all of us as Newcastle grows from a great regional city to an emerging global city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle 2040 represents the highest level of strategic planning carried out by Local Government.

Photo supplied: Darklight Creative

“It will guide our project delivery plans and annual budgets over the next decade and beyond as we work together to help make Newcastle a better place to live, work and enjoy.”

For more information or to comment on the draft plan visit www.newcastle. nsw.gov.au/yoursay.

Information source: City of Newcastle

New developments to inject $1.8B into local economy, create 3,500 jobs The City of Newcastle has reported a record $1.8B worth of development approvals over the previous 12 months, signalling an all-time high for developer confidence.

The surge in development activity is expected to generate approximately 3,500 jobs in the area, as the council predicts significant future development applications in the coming year to be strong.

In 2021, City of Newcastle recorded a 20 per cent increase in the number of development applications (DA) lodged, in addition to state significant projects.

Over 1,600 DAs were lodged with the city’s council in 2021, compared to 1,361 in 2020.

The value of lodged DAs increased by 89 per cent, highlighting the significant nature of development unfolding in the city.

The council specifically recognised the economic significance of The Store redevelopment ($118M), former Dairy Farmer’s site ($100M), and a 133-lot industrial subdivision at Black Hill ($33M).

City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson attributed the surging development activity to low-interest rates and a booming property market.

“Newcastle is surging ahead when it

comes to injecting cash into bricks and mortar, despite the pandemic, reflecting high levels of optimism amongst homeowners, investors and developers,” Bisson said.

“The highest value DAs are predominantly in Newcastle West, Adamstown, Beresfield, and Merewether, but we’ve also seen a surge in residential development in suburbs such as Wallsend, Fletcher and New Lambton for residential alterations, additions and single dwellings.

“The construction associated with this level of development (is expected to) generate approximately 3,500 direct jobs and buoy Newcastle’s economy, which is a positive as we come up against the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and look to the future.”

City of Newcastle recently announced a design competition for the $100M redevelopment of the former ‘Spotlight and Anaconda’ site at 711 Hunter Street in the city’s West-end.

“Newcastle is coming of age by transforming into a modern metropolitan city, with significant redevelopment occurring, particularly in the West-end,” she said.

“Ongoing revitalisation and development are continuing to transform Newcastle, and 2022 is set to be another exciting and busy year for our city.”

Information source: City of Newcastle

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OVONEWS

“Too little too late”: Crakanthorp slams government’s new support package State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp has slammed the NSW government’s new onebillion-dollar small business support package, deeming it “too little too late” for businesses across the state.

The new COVID support package commenced on February 1 and sought to relieve some of the financial devastations that accompanied the Omicron wave.

The new package includes $700M worth of support for small businesses, an expansion of small business fees and rebates, an extension of the commercial landlord grant and an $80M package for the performing arts sector.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet recognised the “difficult time” small businesses had recently endured and said the support package functioned to relieve financial pressures for closures associated with furloughed workforces and other COVID- 19 related hardships.

“We’ve got the backs of businesses, as we have throughout this entire pandemic, and that is not going to change,” he said.

The NSW Government revealed the Small Business Support Program, which assists businesses with an annual turnover of $75,000 to $50M and has experienced a decline in turnover of at least 40 per cent, by providing a payment covering up to 20 per cent of their weekly payroll.

Eligible businesses will receive a minimum payment of $500 per week and a maximum of $5,000 per week.

In addition, the existing Small Business Fees and Charges rebate program will be extended from $2,000 to $3,000 and can be used to subsidise the cost of rapid antigen tests by 50 per cent.

The subsidised RAT measure aims to support worker availability by helping reduce costs to small businesses and enabling healthy staff who have been exposed to COVID-19 but test negative,

The Small Business Program includes the extension of commercial lease relief to tenants

to return to work.

While the rebate cannot be used retrospectively, the NSW Government said the ability to claim subsidised tests would commence in March when national RAT supplies are bolstered.

This will ensure tests remain accessible and affordable for businesses and people in the community in the meantime.

Commercial landlord relief has been extended until March 13, meaning eligible landlords will receive $3,000 per month per property to provide rental relief to their tenants.

The NSW Government also announced that $80M has been allocated to the performing arts sector and will underwrite ticket sales for events impacted by a drop in demand over the summer period.

“We know one sector of the economy has been hit particularly hard, and that is the performing arts sector,” NSW

Treasurer Matt Kean said.

“We’ll underwrite their ticket sales so they can continue with rehearsals, continue planning their event so they can get their performances on stage for the time when this wave will pass.”

A statement from Crakanthorp’s office claimed the “half-baked support package” failed to support NSW businesses after a disastrous Christmas trading period and criticised it for its eligibility criteria.

“It will only be available to businesses who experienced a downturn of at least 40 per cent during January and expect to see that level of loss continue through February,” the statement read.

Small business applications will not open until mid-February for those who are eligible.

“This will be 10 weeks since Newcastle’s first super spreader event and nine weeks after Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp first asked the NSW

Government for help.”

Crakanthorp also criticised the lack of retrospective payments, saying, “the package does nothing for those who experienced their biggest losses in the lead up to Christmas, as no December trading is taken into account”.

“In what should have been the busiest time of the year for retail and hospitality, where they expected to recoup some of the losses from the 2021 lockdown, Newcastle was a ghost town,” he said.

Business Hunter, formerly known as the Hunter Business Chamber, has defended the State Government’s support, claiming the package would keep the doors of many local businesses open.

“Businesses have been crying out for support because of the dramatic impacts that Omicron has had on their operations, especially in what many hoped would be their busiest time,” CEO Bob Hawes said.

While he conceded that the package is “not as comprehensive as some may have wished”, he said it aimed to help a wide variety of business owners who have suffered a downturn in their operations through no fault of their own.

“It is critical for the economy that as many businesses get through this crisis as possible.”

Business Hunter encouraged local businesses to access all support available to them while promising to continue advocating for business sustainability policies at a government level.

“It really is a situation currently that every support piece counts, and we want as many businesses intact as possible, so when the community starts engaging and spending again, the recovery is a lot quicker and comprehensive,” Hawes said.

“We want the Hunter business economy to endure this continued tumultuous period.”

Maia O’Connor

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Newcastle Art Gallery closes for 2-year expansion

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton, NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Photo: City of Newcastle

From page 1 The collection will still be available online and represented across digital screen sites throughout the city during the expansion project.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the expanded gallery would be a major attraction for the city.

“The long-awaited expansion of the gallery which our foundation, society and the community have worked tirelessly towards will offer the ability to share more of our collection, displaying works of art of local, national and international importance for visitors to view and enjoy,” Morton said.

“To have all levels of government

commit, collaborate and do this for our city is just incredible.

“We are beyond thrilled; all of my team are walking on clouds!”

Morton said the project was more than just about increasing the art space but also re-imagining the gallery and launching a new era of cultural tourism.

“This project is about re-imagining the Art Gallery to redefine what we offer as a destination and launch a new era of cultural tourism that will consolidate the Hunter’s reputation as an active and vibrant centre for the arts in NSW,” Morton said.

“We have such a strong art community, and it amazes me that our gallery has

lasted for the 44 years that it has; our collection has grown by 500 per cent and values at $115M, but we can’t get any of it on display because we don’t have the physical space.

“To be able to finally get them up on the wall so that the community can come in and see their favourites is incredibly exciting.”

Morton was also recognised on the Australia Day Honours List and awarded Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for her outstanding and meritorious service to the museums and galleries sector.

She sits on multiple Industry Boards and Committees for organisations such

as Create NSW, Museums and Galleries NSW, the University of Newcastle, and the John Hunter Hospital.

“I am absolutely blown away; I just feel incredibly humbled and really proud to be recognised for what I love to do,” Morton said.

“To be recognised in an incredibly wonderful way is a huge honour, and I’m not sure it’s entirely sunk in yet!”

Morton is the first female Director in Newcastle Art Gallery’s 64-year history and, under her leadership, has helped the gallery achieve the highest audience participation in over a decade.

Hayley McMahon

The expansion is expected to inject more than $1M into annual regional revenue by attracting over 14,000 additional visitors each year Photo: City of Newcastle

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Smart art illuminates city spaces Artworks from the Newcastle Art Gallery will be a part of an interactive night-time attraction helping to liven up some of the city’s underused spaces.

City of Newcastle’s Night Spaces Project will see artworks displayed on 15 illuminated light boxes, including interactive elements and an augmented reality feature to provide information about the art.

The first group of lightboxes are already operational in Kuwami Place on Hunter Street, with additional installations to be delivered at Market Street and in Pacific Park early this year.

The light boxes are designed to be relocatable for use at other sites or major events.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said the light boxes would share the Gallery’s vast collection and would feature different displays for each location.

“The works of art selected for Kuwami Place, for example, explore the genre of portraiture from the Gallery’s collection,” Morton said.

“Iconic images include Portrait of a Strapper by William Dobell, portraits of Margaret Olley in her Church Street terrace and Rupert Bunny’s emotive portrait of muse and wife Jeanne.

(L-R): Councillor Carol Duncan, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton with Zana Kobayashi also from the Gallery Photo: Supplied

“Some works make a comment on social issues to engage those interacting with the light boxes, whilst other works depict a simple interaction between the artist and the subject in the picture.”

The light boxes were built locally using sustainable products and are solarpowered featuring an internal battery to illuminate the artworks and drive the sensor-based lighting features.

Augmented reality displays designed for each artwork will also add a further

digital interactivity layer.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the project would enhance public spaces at night for the betterment of the community.

“The purpose-built interactive light boxes are innovative solutions to activating underutilised spaces throughout our city at night,” Cr Clausen said.

“Utilising cutting-edge interactive smart city technology, City of Newcastle

partnered with the University of Newcastle and a local industrial design business to create these bespoke light boxes.

“They offer a new way for the community to interact with Newcastle Art Gallery’s nationally significant collection while also helping to illuminate and attract people to these locations at night.”

Information source: Media release, City of Newcastle

All-female line-up for Citizen of the Year Awards An exceptional line-up of Novocastrian women were recognised at the City of Newcastle 2022 Citizen of the Year Awards.

Among this year’s recipients was Silver Paralympic medallist and three-time world para-triathlon champion Lauren Parker who was awarded 2022 Citizen of the Year.

University of Newcastle law and business student Ashley Harrison was named Young Citizen of the Year, Jan Chamberlain was named Newcastle’s Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year was awarded to Hunter Peace Group.

The intimate award ceremony was held at the City Administration Centre on January 24 where Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes gifted the recipients their awards.

“These awards are for very worthy Novocastrians who have gone above and beyond in our community particularly over the last twelve months, which proved to be an exceptionally challenging year again for us all,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Often these people can be the quiet achievers in our community who have demonstrated excellence in their field whether it be through sport, community service, or activism.

“They are the everyday Novocastrians who bring recognition and pride to our city.”

Paralympian Lauren Parker was awarded 2022 Citizen of the Year following her results in Tokyo and on the world series circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Parker’s success came less than five

2022 Citizen of the Year Lauren Parker, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Jan Chamberlain, Ashley Harrison and Hunter Peace Group Members Diane Barrack, Lynda Forbes, Judy Morley and Beth Moran Photo: NovoNews

years after she was told she would never walk again after a cycling accident left her paralysed from the waist down.

“I’m honoured and humbled to be named the 2022 Newcastle Citizen of the Year and so very proud to be an ambassador for my city and for every person who faces daily challenges of any kind,” Parker said.

“I choose to live my best life despite overwhelming adversity, and I continue to make that choice every day, I hope the recognition that I have now received will encourage others to do the same.

“Every day since the accident has been a physical and mental battle but training and representing Newcastle helps me channel the pain into a positive outlet and show others that they too can achieve their dreams no matter what life

throws at them.”

Cr Nelmes said Lauren had proudly represented Australia and Newcastle on the world stage and perfectly epitomises the Citizen of the Year title.

“Lauren’s never-give-up attitude inspires countless Novocastrians, and she achieves anything she sets her mind to,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Her strength and resilience are admirable, always giving 110 per cent despite the daily battles we don’t see, managing ongoing pain from her injuries.”

Young Citizen of the Year recipient Ashley Harrison was recognised for her start-up social enterprise, Verified Associates, which advocates for and helps young women avoid exploitation through revenge porn, phishing, and

impersonation.

Senior Citizen of the year was awarded to Jan Chamberlain who leads Hamilton South Community Solutions.

The dedicated group works to improve the amenity of the area, hosts community workshops and helps to reduce the stigma surrounding social housing.

Community Group of the Year was awarded to Hunter Peace Group for its advocacy in re-affirming Newcastle as a Nuclear Free Zone—a declaration first made by late Lord Mayor Joy Cummings AM in 1982.

Hunter Peace Group is working with the City of Newcastle to establish a dedicated Hunter Peace Park in Tighes Hill.

Hayley McMahon

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100 new citizens welcomed in Australia Day ceremonies

Australia’s newest citizens were conferred at citizenship ceremonies in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle on January 26, with almost 100 new citizens welcomed from all corners of the globe.

Among those who became the country’s newest citizens at the Rathmines, Lake Macquarie ceremony were 67 women, men and children, who hailed from 24 nations, including Brazil, Tibet, Egypt and Vietnam.

In Newcastle, another 32 people from 15 countries took the citizenship pledge of commitment via Zoom and were named Australian citizens.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, who presided over the Lake Macquarie ceremony, said Australia Day was the perfect opportunity to welcome new citizens.

“Our diversity of cultures, and the way we embrace them, helps define who we are as Australians,” Cr Fraser said.

“It’s always so wonderful and touching to see people from all walks of life, backgrounds, religions and races coming together to be part of our special country.”

Born in Kenya, Elizabeth Muturi was conferred at Lake Macquarie and decided to become a citizen after first coming to Australia 25 years ago in search of a new life.

New citizens John Anieto and Elizabeth Muturi at Rathmines after the citizenship ceremony Photo source: Lake Macquarie City

Husband John Anieto, from Nigeria, is also in the process of getting citizenship.

“We have lived here so many years, and this is our home now,” Muturi said.

“We’ve had our three children here, we have close friends, and we’ve made many close relationships.”

Ajith Balasubramanian and Anusha Nair moved to Australia from India in 2014 and have since had two children: Ahalya, six, and Avyan, two.

“This is our place to call home. The kids love it, and there are so many options in

terms of things to do and the outdoors,” Balasubramanian said.

“I think getting citizenship makes it certain that this is your place.”

Almost 15 per cent of people in Lake Macquarie were born overseas, with England, New Zealand, Germany, Scotland and the Philippines the top five countries of birth.

More than 10 per cent are first-generation Aussies whose parents were both born overseas.

Cr Fraser welcomed the region’s new

citizens, whether “they’re new arrivals or have decided to become Australian after living here for many years”.

“We wish you well and look forward to you contributing to our community through your knowledge, skills, culture and traditions,” Cr Fraser said.

Citizenship celebrations at the City of Newcastle were hosted a little differently to the neighbouring locality, with the citizenship ceremony conducted over Zoom.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes congratulated the city’s newest Australian citizens, commenting that “it was an honour to preside over this morning’s online citizenship ceremony, where we officially welcomed 32 citizens from 15 different countries”.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon attended the celebration and read the Minister’s Message, while Indigenous advocate Aunty Cheryl Smith delivered an Acknowledgement of Country.

Cr Nelmes offered special thanks to Aboriginal artist Alex Nean, the didgeridoo players of Jesmond Callaghan College, as well as The Grainery Church for their “wonderful performances” at the ceremony.

More than 16,000 people from over 150 countries became citizens on Australia Day at 400 ceremonies across the country.

Maia O’Connor

Newcastle’s first female-majority council In a first for Newcastle’s 220-year history, nine women have been elected to Newcastle City Council making up almost three quarters of spots in the new 13 person council.

The NSW Electoral Commission finalised the count for the local government elections held on December 4.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes was re-elected for a third consecutive term.

Seven new councillors and five returning councillors will join her to form the 13 person council.

Of the 13 elected representatives, a majority of seven will represent Newcastle Labor, three Liberals, two Greens, and one Independent.

Returning councillors include Declan Clausen, Carol Duncan, John Church, Dr John Mackenzie, and Peta WinneyBaartz.

They will be joined by new councillors Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk, Jenny Barrie, Charlotte McCabe, Callum Pull, Deahnna Richardson, Katrina Wark and Margaret Wood.

Cr Nelmes thanked the community for their support in re-electing her for a third term.

“I’m honoured to be officially reelected to serve Newcastle for another term as Lord Mayor,” Cr Nelmes said.

The Newcastle Labor team (L-R) Cr Deahnna Richardson (Ward 4), Cr Peta Winney-Baartz (Ward 3), Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Declan Clausen (Ward 1), Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Cr Carol Duncan (Ward 2), Cr Margaret Wood (Ward 3), and Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk (Ward 4) Photo: City of Newcastle

“I’d like to thank the community for voting to support our transformational and progressive vision for Newcastle.

“I’m also proud that Novocastrians have voted for gender diversity, not just parity, with a majority and historic female voice represented on Newcastle Council in this new term.”

Cr Nelmes said her first priority would be to respond to the current Omicron strain on Newcastle and its effects.

“This city has had a tough two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to face challenges with the new Omicron strain,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Now more than ever, our community in Newcastle needs the support of a strong local government with a track record of delivering stable and consistent leadership that has innovated to provide solutions to support jobs and protect our community as we look to 2022 and

beyond.”

Newly elected Liberal councillor Jenny Barrie said that Council was a great platform to inspire women of all ages into politics.

“I’m excited to work with Nuatali and join a hardworking and dedicated team to represent ratepayers and residents across the City of Newcastle,” Cr Barrie said.

Councillor Carol Duncan who will be returning for her second term said she was excited to see greater female representation.

“Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has been a trailblazer for us all, breaking through an often harsh glass ceiling in Newcastle,” Cr Duncan said.

“Her leadership by example has paved the way for both the younger generation and women to follow. It’s not an easy path for a young woman but it has been transformational for Newcastle.

“Once we have a generation of kids growing up thinking it’s normal to have a female majority council, state or federal government, we’ll know things are improving.

“I’m enormously proud to be a member of Newcastle’s first female-majority council and I note that it’s one of the strategic priorities of the United Nations.”

Information source: Media release, City of Newcastle

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The driving force towards a zero-emission future The transition into a zeroemissions fleet is driving forward with the announcement of the City of Newcastle’s first electric truck.

Replacing a diesel vehicle used by the City of Newcastle’s Parks and Recreation team, the medium rigid Hino truck is the first of its kind.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the new electric truck was a part of a Fleet Transition Plan aiming for zero emissions from 100 per cent of the City of Newcastle fleet by 2030.

“We are really pleased to see an electric truck added to our electric vehicle fleet … this is a really important step in terms of real action the city is taking to address climate change,” Cr Clausen said.

“This new truck will reduce the city’s carbon emissions by about 20 tonnes a year, helping to make a really sizeable dint in a large amount of fuel we currently use.

“Fossil-based liquid fuels such as diesel and unleaded petrol in City of Newcastle cars, trucks, waste fleet, plant and equipment account for more than 90 per cent of our remaining operational carbon emissions.”

The launch of the electric truck follows previous trials of electric vehicles within the fleet, including the replacement of four pool cars with full-electric passenger vehicles.

(L-R) City of Newcastle Senior Field Worker Andrew Parkinson, City of Newcastle Manager Community Strategy & Innovation Ashlee Abbott, Cr Callum Pull, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, City of Newcastle Fleet Coordinator Ian Lorenz and City of Newcastle Sustainability Manager Steele Adams with the new electric truck Photo: City of Newcastle

Cr Clausen said the City of Newcastle had adopted a plan that saw the elimination of carbon emissions in its operations over the next decade.

“The City of Newcastle is working to deliver the adopted Climate Action Plan 2021-2025, which sets out a roadmap for achieving emission

reduction within CN operations,” he said.

“We are helping to support the community’s transition to electric vehicles as well with the development of a council-owned public electric vehicle charging network.”

The charging network includes seven chargers installed across four sites in Newcastle, providing 11 charging bays—additional sites are planned to be built this year.

Hayley McMahon

Dinosaur show promises a roarsome time The Great Baby Dinosaur Show is officially open at the Newcastle Museum featuring life-size animatronics and a roaring good time for the whole family to enjoy.

The Great Baby Dinosaur Show hosted by the Newcastle Museum features lifesize animatronics and promises a roaring good time for the whole family.

The never-before-seen ticketed exhibition showcases a range of animatronic dinosaurs, including pterosaurs, triceratops and velociraptors, which were all exclusively created for the Newcastle Museum.

Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan said the new exhibition would deliver a much-needed dose of family-friendly fun.

“Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the experience of the Great Baby Dinosaur Show, hearing the life-like dinosaurs roar and watching them move while carefully considering their vote for the ‘Best in Show’,” Cr Duncan said.

“The Museum’s staff have had fun preparing for this exhibition and taking on the role of judges for this giant baby competition, awarding ribbons for everything from the ‘Best Roar’ and ‘Coolest Spikes’ to the ‘Most Colourful Scales’, but now we need your help to decide who will take out the top prize,

Cr Carol Duncan, Mason Akers, aged 5, Vicente Bacani, aged 3 and Newcastle Museum Curator David Hampton check out the Great Baby Dinosaur Show at Newcastle Museum.

Photo: Supplied

with the winner to be announced when the show finishes up.”

Cr Duncan said it was the first significant family event they had offered up since COVID-19 and the lockdown.

“We are bringing families back out into events, and it’s so incredibly special,” Cr Duncan said.

“I think for a lot of people, the last two years have been really tough, so families can come into this beautiful baby dino

world and have a great time.

“And also, who doesn’t love a baby dinosaur?”

Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said dinosaur-themed exhibitions were always very popular with the community, especially the younger residents.

“Our museum staff were excited to be involved in curating this show,” Baird said.

“While they’re here, visitors can also check out our other summer exhibition, Oh yeah, I forgot about that: A decade of change seen through the eyes of Mr Trevor Dickinson, Artist, which features more than 20 works by the much-loved Newcastle artist.”

Newcastle Museum Curator and Collection Coordinator David Hampton said tickets were available online at the Newcastle Museum website.

“This is like if the Royal Easter Show had dinosaurs in it,” Hampton said.

“People can come in and see a whole range of life-sized baby dinosaurs and vote on their absolute favourite.

“It’s a fascinating exhibit for the community and for us here at the museum as well!”

The Great Baby Dinosaur Show will remain open until March 12, 2022.

Hayley McMahon

2022 OVOSOCIETYFEBRUARY ISSUE 010 P8

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Get your local laugh fix at Newcastle’s first dedicated comedy club

Newcastle’s first dedicated comedy club opened its doors to the public in December, offering open mic nights, comedy showcases and creative development opportunities for locals seeking to get involved in the craft.

Co-owners of the Newcastle Comedy Club, James Conners, Elliott Stewart, and Allan Brady, who have a collective of 20 years experience in the industry, attributed the club opening to a lacking provision of dedicated comedy in the Hunter region.

“Comedy nights at local venues were great for our development, but ultimately it’s not the best way to experience comedy in a loud pub, where people are blending margaritas and the like, so we thought why not make a dedicated space [so] it’s not just better for the comedians performing, but it’s the best possible environment for a paying audience to experience comedy,” Conners said.

To fill the gap in the local market and improve the experience of local comics and audiences, the trio invested personal capital into creating a dedicated club, a process they say has been more than two years in the making.

“Something of this frequency hasn’t been done in Newcastle – while people have run monthly gigs at other places, nothing has really been done multiple nights a week here that is comedyrelated,” Conners said.

“You normally have to go on holidays, go on a cruise or go to another city to be able to watch dedicated comedy, so

The Newcastle Comedy Club has officially opened its doors, located at 1A Darby Street, Newcastle Photo: Supplied

the whole Newcastle region has been super keen for [a local offering].”

The club, located at 1 Darby Street, is currently open three nights a week and hosts open mic nights every Tuesday and comedy showcases on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Local comedians and headliners from Sydney and interstate have been among performers thus far, with Netflix’s Hot Mess comedian Sarah Gaul recently featuring on the clubs opening weekend on January 9.

Conners revealed the club had intentions to eventually extend trading hours to include Wednesday nights, featuring comedy television trivia such as Seinfeld and South Park.

Future offerings will expand to include free comedy workshops teaching a range of comedy film basics and hosting acting classes.

“It’s all about creatively developing a bunch of Novocastrian’s and supporting

current comedians in the scene, as well as bringing in people who have always wanted to try comedy but who have never really had a place to do it.”

Conners said facilitating the local comedy scene had been rewarding but wasn’t without its challenges.

“It’s been a lot of pressure because we want people to have a good time – it comes from being a comedian in the first place and wanting to make people happy,” Conners said.

“It’s been a lot of work over a lot of months, between three guys who have never used a power tool before to get this place looking great, then watching people leaving the show talking about how awesome it was and that they’ll be returning.

“That is the biggest thing for us- the satisfaction from audiences.”

The other co-owners conceded that while they were still learning to run the club’s bar facility, which had not been “a

smooth” process, the comedy aspect was an “absolute blinder.” “[Novocastrians] have been excited, and that’s reflected in how well our shows have been selling. Last weekend was unbelievable – the show was great, and the audience was great,” they said.

“We have a lot to owe to Newcastle for embracing the concept. We’ve had so many people reach out to us or even sharing it.”

Conners encouraged local comedians to get involved, whether experienced or new to the scene.

“For established comedians, by all means, send us a message, and for people who have never done comedy before or very little of it, we do have open mic that is starting every Tuesday, weekly,” Conners said.

“The thing with comedy in Australia is that there’s only about five or six household names in comedy, but there are hundreds of really great comedians that you’ve never heard the name of, but hopefully, one day you will.

“At Newcastle Comedy Club showcases, we provide a lineup of great comedians that you’ve probably never seen or heard of before, and you’ll be walking away telling yourself you’ll write their name down because they’ll be on Netflix one day.”

Audiences can also expect locallymade beverages at the venue, with Newcastle Comedy Club championing Mayfield company Shout Brewing to supply craft beers.

Follow the club’s Facebook page to stay up to date, or head to their website for more information.

Maia O’Connor

Wotso launches new office of the future in Newcastle West A new co-working space has opened its doors in Newcastle West, offering flexible, environmentally sustainable offices designed to accommodate the modern-day workplace.

WOTSO co-working space has officially opened, located in Newcastle West on the corner of Tudor and Hunter Street.

The opening ceremony was accompanied by co-managing directors Jessie Glew and Tim Brown, as well as State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, who officially cut the ribbon.

Brown said WOTSO brought a modern take on flexible workspaces to Newcastle and contributed to Newcastle’s West end revitalisation.

“We bring a collection of small businesses to an area, and that area grows because those businesses spend in that area instead of travelling somewhere else to spend their money; this, in turn, grows lots of small microeconomies,” Brown said.

“We also want to create productive workspaces where everyone feels welcome and have a relaxed yet professional feel.

“Reuse of existing materials is a key

(L-R) Jessie Glew, State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and Tim Brown at the Newcastle WOTSO opening event Photo: NovoNews

feature of each of the spaces meaning that you will see data racks turned into tables and original furnishings being repurposed.”

Brown said each WOTSO site was unique to the local area and provided the feel of working from home but the amenity and comfort of an office.

Set across three levels, including a rooftop for lunch breaks and leisure, the Newcastle space features upcycled and recycled materials within its build.

The design also pays homage to Newcastle’s industrial heritage and Indigenous culture while creating a modern space that draws on the location and proximity to the coast.

Local Newcastle artist Ellie Hannon decorated the space with funky, immersive natural world paintings full of colour scapes and playful textures.

Each level of the building has a unique style and burst of colour, including the rooftop terrace, which includes Hannon’s colourful jungle art scape contrast against the Newcastle skyline.

“Each of our spaces primarily service the local businesses that surround it, so a great way of engaging with that community is by using locals to help give each space its look and feel,” Brown said.

“It’s something for Novocastrians to be proud of and a way for WOTSO to showcase Novocastrian talent.”

What started as an innovative and, at the time, largely unexplored approach to vacant office space, WOTSO evolved into a desk hire workplace and is now a network of sole traders and local startup businesses across Australia.

They offer flexible co-working memberships, permanent desks, offices space, and meeting rooms with zero contract terms and only month-tomonth agreements.

“Newcastle is a booming area and has always been a location we wanted to be in, but we just haven’t been able to find the right piece of real estate,” comanaging director Jessie Glew said.

“The rise of remote working will only serve to increase Newcastle’s appeal as an economic centre, and we are looking to service this growth.

“Given the recent surge of Sydney city dwellers favouring regional areas to pursue reduced costs of living and more conducive lifestyle choices, we cannot wait to add our flexible space offering to the Newcastle market.”

For more information on WOTSO, visit their website at wotsoworkspace.com. au.

Hayley McMahon

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Historic community carriageway under threat in new development proposal

The new development on Llewellyn Street has blocked access to the carriageway during construction Photo: NovoNews

While the City of Newcastle recently celebrated a surge in DA’s across the city, Merewether locals have been left infuriated by plans for a historically significant carriageway to be extinguished, making way for residential accommodation and commercial premises.

A new development application (DA) to extinguish the carriageway linking Llewellyn Street and Caldwell Street in Merewether, which has been operational for over 80 years, has attracted over 70 objections from residents.

“A number of very long-term residents are extremely upset … approval of this will anger many, many people,” said Merewether local Michael Barwell, who has resided in the suburb for over three decades.

“This right of way has been utilised by the Merewether community for access to the preschool, the park, residences and facilities in Caldwell Street like the Alice Ferguson Community Centre and the Bowling Club for decades,” Barwell said.

“Of course, the reverse is also true, allowing easy access to the commercial area of Merewether like the post office, supermarket, cafe, and pharmacy, increasing the financial viability of these businesses.”

Barwell said the park connected to the carriageway had offered local families a safe location in the area to use, and

permanently isolating the asset would reduce the ease of park access for users.

A submission to council opposing the DA also cited the impact on residents with a disability, who have previously relied on the carriageway to access key facilities in the area.

Businesses and residents alike are fearful of the enduring impacts on the Merewether community should the DA proceed further and get approved.

“Blocking the carriageway will turn the park into an island, remove vehicular access to Merewether Bowling Club’s shed, impact businesses, affect the amenity of many residents and remove the Council’s own access to maintain the park and its equipment,” Barwell said.

“This walkway is used by hundreds of people every day, maybe more. So it’s been a major inconvenience not having this available whilst construction has taken place.”

Carriageway holds community significance Some submissions to the City of Newcastle said public access to the right of way was granted to the Merewether community “pre-1938” and was gifted by the RSL when selling the carpark land adjacent to the carriageway.

As a condition of sale, the RSL said the carriageway must remain available for public use.

Barwell said the developer knew and agreed to these conditions during the

approval process.

“Additionally, they would have been clearly aware of the carriageway when they purchased the property from the disposed assets of the RSL,” he said.

In the original DA, the developer agreed to a clause stating the carriageway was to remain. However, when the boundaries were erected at the start of construction, the council agreed that it would return to a carriageway at completion.

In December, however, a late minor modification application was lodged by the local company Perception Planning to remove the clause from the DA. As the application was listed as a ‘minor modification’, neighbouring residents were not advised of the change.

Barwell said that the only reason he and other residents were aware of the changes was because of the online service Planning Alerts, which tracks development applications across suburbs.

“Not Merewether Bowling Club who has had access to a shed denied during construction, not the preschool, not the neighbouring businesses like the doctor’s surgery, not the fire station, no one,” Barwell said.

He claimed the timing of the modification was intentional, while other submissions deemed it to be an “opportunist approach” to “pass under the noses of residents”.

“I don’t think that the timing of the application to remove this right of way is a coincidence. With the preschool closed for the year, hardly any parents would be aware,” Barwell said.

Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan revealed she had been contacted by “extremely concerned” residents over the DA. “I am concerned that a proposed modification has been lodged with the council that would see the right of way extinguished and have asked staff to look at this issue on behalf of residents,” she said.

“My understanding is that council’s original development included a condition to protect this right of way, and I believe it should be adhered to, and the requested modification refused.”

Thus far, Barwell said he had made “no progress” with the council regarding his submission; however, he hoped the abundance of community submissions rejecting the modification led to the issue being discussed at a council meeting.

NovoNews reached out to planning agent Perception Planning for comment, however, we did not receive a response in time of publishing.

The City of Newcastle declined to comment on the matter, as the DA was still under assessment at the time of publication.

Maia O’Connor

2022 @novonewsau OVOSOCIETYFEBRUARY ISSUE 010 P10novonews.com.au Fundraiser for cancer awareness

Two Hunter charities are hosting a fun night full of glitter, drag bingo and trivia, all to help raise some much-needed funds and awareness for two of the community’s most common cancers.

The Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF) and Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) are hosting the 2022 Knockers & Moles event at the Peter Drayton’s IronBark Hill Brewhouse in the Hunter Valley.

Emceed by Newcastle Drag Queen, Timberlina, the night will be filled with glitz and glamour, including a range of fun activities, delicious food, and drinks.

Apart from a fantastic night with friends, the event aims to start a conversation around breast cancer and melanoma, the most common cancers in the Hunter community.

Last year the two charities came together for the first-ever Knockers & Moles event, raising a total of $24,000,

General Manager of HBCF Ellie Wells, Timberlina and Executive Officer of HMF Claudia Tolhurst Photo: Supplied

a result that Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation general manager Ellie Wells hopes to see again.

“The community really got behind our first Knockers & Moles event,” Wells said.

“The event sold out within a few days, and we had a number of local businesses supporting us every step of the way.

“Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation is proud to have continued to work alongside another incredible

organisation to raise as much awareness about breast cancer and melanoma within the local community as possible.

“I think one thing COVID-19 has taught us is that we are better together than apart.”

Hunter Melanoma Foundation executive officer Claudia Tolhurst said the event was just the beginning of the collaboration between the two Hunter charities.

“This event helped launch this collaboration so that we can help even more people in our community whilst encouraging other charities to do the same,” Tolhurst said.

Knockers & Moles will begin at 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 5, at the IronBark Hill Brewhouse Pokolbin.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices ranging from $75 to $95 per person.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit the Hunter Melanoma Foundation website.

Hayley McMahon

University of Newcastle awarded $2.1M for cystic fibrosis research University of Newcastle respiratory disease expert Professor Peter Wark is currently leading a new $2.1M project to develop targeted treatments for the rare and life-threatening disease cystic fibrosis.

The research project seeks to target individuals who suffer from rare genetic mutations of the disease and adopt a precision medicine approach by considering individual genetic variations when tailoring treatments for people with cystic fibrosis.

Nationally, cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disorder affecting citizens, and around 3,500 people across the country live with the disease.

Caused by more than 2,000 gene defects, cystic fibrosis primarily damages the lungs and digestive system because

of a malfunction in the exocrine system, which produces saliva, sweat, tears and mucus.

Although medications have been developed to help patients manage cystic fibrosis, they improve outcomes for only 80 per cent of people with the disease.

“About 80 per cent of people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis have the same genetic mutations. For those individuals, there are treatments that improve the function of protein and reverse the abnormalities that cause problems to occur in cystic fibrosis – which is great news.”

However, for the remainder of the affected population, Professor Wark said, “it’s very hard to do clinical trials with people with rare disorders, so, unfortunately, people with the rare disorders and diseases often miss out

on treatments”.

Professor Wark said researchers seek to tailor treatment options to individual patients and predict accurately who will and will not benefit from existing cystic fibrosis medicines.

“Our precision medicine approach allows us to maximise the benefit [of treatments] while reducing the risk of harms at the same time.”

Currently, the lack of clinical trials involving sufferers with rare mutations means they are either denied treatments completely or are prescribed treatments with no guarantee of efficacy.

“For some people, treatments won’t have any real benefit, and they’ll just be unnecessarily taking medications for a long time, which can have potential side effects,” he said.

“What we do with the grant is we take

cells from these individuals and trial medications on them to see if this corrects the abnormality that causes cystic fibrosis.

“We can do that in a laboratory without having to give the patients the medication, and they won’t get side effects, but more importantly, we can tell whether the treatment is going to work for that individual specifically.”

Professor Wark said he hoped the technology would be made available for public use soon.

“We just have to demonstrate if this avatar model will work, then it will really be up to regulatory authorities whether they want to include this sort of process in the selection of medications,” he said.

“We could take this technology from bench to bedside in the next couple of years and have it as a means of screening effective treatment in these individuals.”

Moving forward, the researcher said the model would not only improve outcomes for those with rare forms of cystic fibrosis but hoped it would be utilised for different diseases as well.

The $2.1M funding for the project is part of the Medical Research Future Fund, administered by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Professor Wark’s project is among 27 others that were awarded funding through the Federal Government’s 2021 Rare Cancers, Rare Diseases and Unmet Need grant program, and the researcher said securing the grant was no easy feat.

“The Medical Research Future Fund is very difficult to be able to access and to be able to get it awarded- the success rates are less than 10 per cent at the best of times, so we’re very happy.”

The University of Newcastle-led project will involve collaborators from six additional Australian universities and research institutes, including the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales.

Maia O’Connor

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New $470M Maitland Hospital welcomes patients A new $470 million hospital in Metford opened its doors on January 19 to patients from Maitland and its surrounds, as Hunter New England Health promised the facility would bring new and improved healthcare services to the region.

Hunter New England Local Health District Chief Executive, Michael DiRienzo, said the new hospital had been a decade in the works and that it would offer “state-of-the-art medical care in a modern and high-quality health facility”.

To cater for a growing population, the new facility is almost double the size of the existing Maitland Hospital and has 150 more beds, bringing the total bed capacity to approximately 340.

The hospital provides expanded facilities for surgery, maternity and paediatric care, along with renal dialysis facilities, oral health services and outpatient clinics.

A new 12-chair chemotherapy service, an MRI, an additional CT scanner, as well as a purpose-built Early Treatment Zone (ETZ) in the emergency department enables patients to be assessed and treated more efficiently, said Hunter New England Health.

Visitors to the hospital also have access to a new purpose-built carpark.

Hunter New England Health said the new chemotherapy, emergency short stay and cardiac catheterisation offerings were a first for the Maitland region and claimed there is still room for future expansion.

DiRienzo also revealed the new facility possesses a better capacity to treat COVID-19 patients.

“With two-thirds of the rooms in the new hospital being single rooms, along with negative pressure rooms, we can also better support our COVID-positive

The new facility is almost double in size of the existing High Street hospital Photo source: NSW Government

patients in the new space,” he said.

“The new hospital has been built to cater for the community as it grows and changes, and when all services have been transferred, the existing hospital will close.”

He said patient welfare was currently the hospital’s number one priority and that comprehensive measures were in place to ensure continuity of care.

“The transition of patients and services requires careful planning and infection control practices, and this will be our approach as we transition our staff and patients to the new hospital.”

He said staff had been “hard at work preparing for the move”, which would be a staged process that “will happen quite quickly over one week”.

The transition to the new site involved

96 patients and 15 transport vehicles with assistance from 500 staff across both sites.

Beatrice Mitchell was among the first patients transferred to the new hospital and said the staff did a “good job” when completing the moving process.

“It was a bit hectic because there were a lot of people … some who could walk unassisted and others who had to be lifted and transferred to trolleys and out into ambulances,” she said. “[Health staff] were checking off everybody to make sure everything was all right. All in all, they’ve done a very good job.”

The Port Stephens local described the new facility as “really lovely, with beautiful new, modern bathroom and lovely big wide halls where they can put

two trolleys side by side and not be constrained by space”.

Officials have reminded residents that the emergency department at High Street is now closed and that anyone needing emergency care should present to the new Maitland Hospital on Metford Road.

“This is a busy time for the team, so please only come to the new hospital if you need medical treatment,” a statement read.

Health authorities are yet to reveal plans for the current High Street hospital’s future, built in 1849.

However, residents across the Hunter have urged local MP’s and NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard to consider it for continued public use.

Maia O’Connor

Mozzie warning issued for locals NSW Health is urging residents to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases, after the Kunjin virus was detected in horses in parts of the Hunter.

Dr David Durrheim, public health physician at Hunter New England Health, revealed the Kunjin virus had been detected in horses in Southern and Northern NSW, including the Hunter Valley, indicating that Kunjin may be circulating in mosquitoes.

He said the virus had the potential to cause human infection.

“It is important to be vigilant about protecting yourself from mosquito bites as mosquitoes can spread Kunjin and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses,” Dr Durrheim said.

Kunjin and Murray Valley encephalitis virus infection are two rare but serious infections of the brain which can cause symptoms such as severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness, confusion,

Whilst Kunjin is a virus originally found in birds, mosquitos can transmit the virus after feeding on infected animals Photo: University of Newcastle

and possible seizures.

“There is no vaccine and no specific treatment for these viruses. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes,” Dr Durrheim said.

Health authorities are recommending residents cover up as much as possible

when outside, use an effective insect repellent (containing Diethyl Toluamide, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus), cover all windows, doors and other entrances with insect screens and remove any water-holding containers outside the house where mosquitoes can breed.

Health authorities say the virus is spread by the bite of the common banded mosquito, Culex annulirostris, which breeds in fresh water and tends to be found in spring, summer and autumn around natural wetlands and irrigation waters.

While mosquito-borne, Kunjin virus is originally a virus of birdlife.

NSW Health said mosquitoes could become infected by feeding on infected birds and further transmitting the infection by biting humans and other animals.

If residents suspect they may have been exposed to the virus, securing a blood test is recommended to determine whether antibodies of the Kunjin virus are present.

For further information on the mosquito-borne disease and ways to protect yourself, go to the NSW Health website.

Information source: Hunter New England Health

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Local mum’s initiative supports disadvantaged schoolchildren

The Backpack Drive Co-founder Catherine Woodbine Photo: Supplied

As the school year gets underway, families across the Hunter and wider state have busily prepared their children for another year of learning.

For some families, the start of the school year signals the opening of an exciting chapter and new beginnings.

However, for other families, it acts as a reminder of continued hardship and the need to overcome further adversity.

This year, local Hunter initiatives emerged that share the same goal; they’re on a mission to ensure rural and regional children start their school year on an equal playing field, free from socio-economic constraints and other forces of inequality.

The Backpack Venture is among these initiatives and was conceived by two Port Stephens mums, Catherine Woodbine, and her friend Alison.

The women discovered greater incidences of inequity across regional school populations and an inability for families to access assistance.

“We found a lack of help in regional areas, so what we want to do is ensure kids in those areas have what they need to return to school,” Woodbine said.

“In the Newcastle and Port Stephens areas, there are places that families can go for help, but in these smaller regional towns, there’s no help at all, so that’s why we want to tap into those areas.”

From September last year, the volunteer-run initiative collected donations, including backpacks, drink bottles, lunch boxes, colouring pencils, exercise books and calculators from across the Hunter.

“The backpacks are about building confidence on day one because children have what they need to start the year,

the same as every other child in their school,” Woodbine said.

In its first year, the Backpack Venture supported schools in Denman, Casillis, Broke, Sandy Hollow, Greenlands, Milbrodale, Ulan, Lower Belford, and daycare preschools across the region.

“Some of these kids turn up with nothing, and others turn up with their belongings in a plastic bag, so they stand out for all the wrong reasons,” Woodbine said.

“We want them to start the new year with everything they need for a confident, exciting, happy year of learning.

“We’re also hoping that when children have what they need, it will increase the attendance rates as well.”

Woodbine said they had been blown away by the support of residents and businesses across the Hunter.

“This is our first year, so we kept [the drive] small because we didn’t know how well we would be supported … but the support from our community has been amazing.”

Initially, the women appealed for 400 backpacks, although after attracting the attention of residents on social media, Woodbine said they far exceeded that number.

By the first day of school, 494 backpacks that included stationery, lunch boxes & drink bottles had been donated.

Woodbine said their target for emergency menstrual kits had also been reached, with their initial goal of 285 growing to 750, as well as 380 pairs of underwear donated.

Woodbine said the emergency period kits would be made available to students via the office during school hours, providing relief to many girls at school.

A range of community members have donated to the cause, including health staff at Singleton Emergency Department

“For all the backpacks and emergency kits we have leftover, we’re going to filter out into our local community,” she said.

The Backpack Venture campaign relied on a network of community volunteers, commercial partners, and local police.

Woodbine revealed that 12 volunteers, including the founder’s children, were involved in operations across the Hunter and Port Stephens areas.

Other local businesses and organisations offered to be drop-off locations for residents willing to donate, including State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery’s office.

The initiative garnered further support from health staff at Singleton Emergency Department, who amassed more supplies for schoolchildren in need.

After picking up many donations from separate locations, Woodbine and her fellow volunteers delivered the backpacks to school principals on January 28.

Lifeguard Maxi from Live Learn Survive and, more notably, the television show Bondi Rescue also accompanied the group to deliver his water safety books to schools.

Woodbine said he had been a major sponsor, donating 260 books to the cause.

“A lot of kids from country areas have never been to the beach and are swimming in rivers and stuff like that, so it’s important to get these books out to raise awareness of the hazards in waterways.”

One of several initiatives operating locally, The Backpack Venture is not alone in offering school resources and backpacks as a concept to minimise socio-economic divides in the classroom.

Photo: Supplied

The local branch of national not-forprofit Friends with Dignity has also undertaken a Back to School backpack drive, amassing an additional 475 backpacks for schoolchildren affected by domestic violence.

Both drives credited social media and its role in granting their initiatives greater exposure.

Woodbine said most people in the community had found out about their initiative from their Facebook page.

“95 per cent is due to social media. It has been huge. We’ve only got Facebook, and a majority of people have found us there,” she said.

After a local school reached out to her requesting an additional 60 backpacks, Woodbine turned to her followers on Facebook to help.

“After I put a call out on Facebook, we had the backpacks and supplies donated within 24 hours,” she said.

“We wouldn’t have this without social media. I am sure of that.”

Woodbine said The Backpack Venture was conceived from a growing necessity to aid families in need while not discriminating.

Her belief forms a vital principle of The Backpack Venture’s work in not just choosing kids that are disadvantaged but choosing all kids.

“People say to me that what I’m doing is amazing and that I’m a wonderful person. I’m not. I’m just a mum who sees a need.”

For community members interested in supporting The Backpack Venture, Woodbine said major sponsor Survivor’s R Us in Cardiff would accept donations on behalf of the initiative at any time throughout the year.

Maia O’Connor

novonews.com.au

@novonewsau

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University radio station recognised nationally

Some of the 2NURFM news team including Mark Rorke and Jessica Rouse

University of Newcastle’s community radio station 2NURFM has received a national accolade for its news training program, which has helped launch the media careers of hundreds of students.

2NUR’s News Work Integrated Learning Program won the Excellence in Training Award at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBBA) Radio Awards in December last year.

News Director at 2NURFM Ian Crouch said the Student News Program had been enormously successful in preparing aspiring journalists and producers for rewarding careers.

“We have developed a reputation for producing outstanding journalists who are job-ready,” Crouch said.

“In the past 12 months, several students have secured positions with ABC Radio, commercial radio and commercial television newsrooms, while others have gained employment in print and online media and other media organisations.

Photo: Jessica Rouse Twitter

“It’s a joy and a privilege to guide and mentor so many wonderful young people, and it’s especially gratifying to see the Work Integrated Learning program recognised nationally in the 2021 CBAA Awards.”

2NUR began broadcasting in March 1978 and is funded by listener donations and sponsorship from businesses across Newcastle and the greater Hunter.

Its newsroom started in 2009 with three students providing local news bulletins up to three days per week.

Former radio journalist Ian Crouch joined in 2010 as news director while also leading the practical training program for students undertaking their communications degree at the University.

Since its conception, the number of students participating in the radio program has grown considerably – 48 in 2016, 39 in 2017 and a record 53 in 2018.

The university said 46 students participated in 2019, although conceded that numbers had dwindled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the program supporting 26 students

in 2020 and 29 in 2021.

University of Newcastle Alumni Jessica Rouse and nominee for two Australian Commercial Radio Awards including Best Current Affairs Presenter and Best Talk Presenter said the training she received at 2NURFM was “second to none”.

“The difference between when I started and when I left in both my reading and writing was amazing,” Rouse said.

“I left that newsroom ready to work in any radio newsroom in the country equipped with all the skills I needed. I am now the news director at NewFM and 2HD.” Rouse said she learnt how to lead a newsroom under Ian’s Crouch’s mentorship and was trusted to act in his place when required.

“Everyone who mentions they’ve been through the newsroom at 2NURFM knows the great reputation of the newsroom training program and that they have been taught very well on how to chase, write and read news stories.”

The News Work Integrated Learning Program aims to give students a wide

and varied experience as a radio journalist.

When undertaking training, students develop interview techniques, recording and editing skills and an ability to identify a story based on the needs of their listening audience.

They also learn to use the NewsBoss software program – the most widely used and regarded news preparation program in Australia.

Opportunities are offered for students to attend media conferences and do field reporting.

As their writing skills advance, they receive voice coaching to prepare them for news reading on air.

Students also publish work on the station’s online and social media platforms training them to get “jobready”.

A former journalist at Central Coast Community News and UoN Alumni Jarrod Melmeth said taking part in the student volunteer program was the best thing he had done for his career and was forever grateful for the opportunities it had provided.

Information source: University of Newcastle

“ I NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE HOMELESS.” More people are now facing homelessness than ever before.

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DOWN IN THE GARDEN: Summer Cuttings

CHERALYN DARCEY

How do you get your plants for almost free?

Propagate them yourself.

This simply means creating new plants from a parent plant or plants.

There are two types of propagation, the first being ‘sexual’ which is the creation of a third new plant from two parent plants, and this is probably familiar to most of us as through the process of seed creation through pollination.

The offspring is a combination of the traits of both parent plants.

The other type of propagation is ‘asexual’ and this is achieved via cuttings, division of plants, grafting, budding and layering of one parent plant and this will produce a clone.

The resulting plant is an exact copy of the parent plant in every way although mutations do sometimes occur.

Today we are talking about cuttings and those that you could take right now.

It’s not that all plants can’t be reproduced via cuttings, it’s just that some methods work better than others with different plants.

TYPES OF CUTTINGS Softwood Cuttings are taken from new growth and as the name suggests, they are very soft.

They take really well either in water for later transplanting or in cutting and seed raising mixtures but are rather fickle with a low

survival rate after striking.

Greenwood Cuttings are created when the plant stems are a little past the softwood stage and can be recognised by firmer stems.

They have a better survival rate into maturity.

Semi-Ripe Cuttings work very well with conifers and most evergreens and are taken once the stems begin to bud.

Hard Wood Cuttings are made well before new growth begins when the plant is in a dormant phase.

These cuttings are slower to strike, don’t have as great a rate of striking but once they do take, have an excellent survival rate into maturity.

Leaf-bud Cuttings are a semiripe cutting with a single leaf still attached and these are an economical way of creating an increased number of cuttings, especially from shrubs.

Leaf Cuttings are not for all plants but there are some that can regenerate easily from a part or a whole leaf.

Full leaves develop roots from the picked end of the leaf and part leave cuttings will develop roots from the wound created from cutting them up.

Root Cuttings are created from larger roots of suitable plants during their dormant phase.

PREPARATION When obtaining cuttings, most are taken from the stem just below a node.

These joints in a ‘nodal cutting’ hold a lot of vascular tissue and so the formation of roots is far more likely.

Other methods include ‘heal cutting’ which involves pulling away side shoots so that some of the bark from the main stem comes away with it, ‘wounding’ a cutting by scraping away a section of the bark to expose the inner tissue and ‘callusing’ which is also a form of wounding in which a callus is encouraged to form from a scraped stem.

Root Hormone To help your baby cutting along, you can apply a root hormone.

it is fit for cutting! An extra tip: if the stem bends to 60 degrees easily and springs back quickly, then it is ready to become your cutting.

GARDENING GUIDE FOR COAST GARDENERS THIS WEEK

There are commercial preparations out there but I’m a fan of organic homemade so here are a couple of my recipes: Add one generous tablespoon of organic honey to 2 cups of boiling water and stir well.

Once it drops to room temperature it is ready.

Dip cutting end into the mixture and then plant in a seed and cutting soil raising mix.

Another recipe I have not tried as yet involves boiling 1.5 litres of water and then once cooled adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.

Use the same way as the honey mixture.

I have also tried dipping hardwood cuttings into Vegemite and had success as well.

As strange as it sounds it’s probably the Vit B boost that creates the magic!

Cutting and Seed Raising Mediums Many cuttings can be started in a clear jar of water that sits in filtered light and seeds can be put straight into ordinary garden soil or a potting mix but planting straight into a speciality cutting and seed raising medium gives most plants the best beginning and makes transplanting into your garden or larger pots easier down the track.

Propagation mixes need to provide aeration, excellent drainage, and support.

Although bagged commercial mixtures can be purchased, a good example of a homemade mix is: 2 parts coir peat, 2 parts compost and 1 part course river sand.

YOU AND YOUR GARDEN

What’s Eating my Leaves in Long Jetty asks Tina Hi Cheralyn,

It’s all about semi-ripe cuttings as your main propagation pals during summer.

This means the base is hard and the tip is soft of your cuttings.

Plants include: Evergreen shrubs, Boxwood (Buxus), Butterfly Bush (Buddleia), Coleus ( Soenostemon), Cherry Laurel (Lauraceae), Bay (Laurus nobilis), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Viburnum (Viburnum), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Geranium (Pelagonium spp.), Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica), Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis); Gardenia (Gardenia spp.), Ivy (Hedera) , Mock Orange (Philadelphus), Star Jasmin (Trachelospermum) Australian Native Cuttings For these beauties, you will find good results using a propagation sand but propagation soil mixed in with additional propagation sand will help.

The aim is to have a well aerated medium.

Take the cuttings as outlined above but be prepared to wait a little longer for growth to occur.

You need to select plants that are in their growth period, not dormant for cuttings to be successful.

There are so many that fit this category but three worth noting are any of the Dwarf Gums, Native Frangipani (Hymenopsporum flavum), Ivory Curl Tree (Buckinghamia celsissima).

My advice?

HAVE YOU GOT A GARDEN TO SHARE? Down in the Garden is looking for Central Coast gardeners who would like to share their garden with us.

We are particularly looking for: Home Nursery Businesses, Hanging Basket Gardens, Water Feature Gardens, School/Children Gardeners, Commercial Kitchen Gardens, Medicinal Plant Gardeners but all gardens and gardeners are welcome to have a chat with Cheralyn: 0408105864 Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am live every Saturday on CoastFM963.

She is also co-host of @ MostlyAboutPlants a weekly botanical history & gardening podcast with Victoria White.

Send your gardening questions, events, and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail. com

Go out into the garden and if it is happily enjoying new growth now,

GARDENING BOOK REVIEW

Gardening Lab for Kids

I’m not the best gardener but these little things are getting the best of me.

Are they some sort of beetle or egg.

I’ve tried spraying them, but they just won’t budge.

Hi Tina, this looks to me like the Australian Native Cottony Cushion Scale (Icerya purchasi) and you are right, it can be a bit hard to get rid of.

They love citrus but are known to wander elsewhere across gardens as well.

You need to kill them to stop

SUMMER CUTTINGS

You can plant the following now: Culinary herbs, beans, beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chicory, cress, cucumber, endive, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, marrow, mustard, onions (spring), parsnip, potato tubers, radish, rhubarb crowns, salsify, silverbeet, swede, sweetcorn, turnips, zucchinis, ageratum, alyssum, boronia, begonia, calendula, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, nasturtium, pansy, poppy (Iceland), stock, verbena, vinca, viola, wallflower Next Week: How to Create a Home Nursery Business

52 Fun Experiments to Learn, Grow, Harvest, Make, Play, and Enjoy Your Garden the reproductive cycle and one old and true method is to rub them off with a cotton bud soaked in rubbing alcohol.

They do have natural predators Vedalia Beetle, (Cryptochaetum Iceryae) so if

you happen to see these guys around leave them alone.

Use an organic pesticide on the foliage if you do notice eggs hatching and also apply double sided sticky tape around trunk and branches to

By: Renata Fossen Brown Quarto US, 2014 ISBN: 9781592539048

This is a wonderful addition to the libraries of those who want to share the wonder and importance of gardening

with the generation.

younger

Aimed at those 7 to 10 years

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FEBRUARY 2022 ISSUE 010

OVOSOCIETY

Bright futures imagined for Wangi Power Station site

The Wangi Power Station has lain idle for more than 30 years Photo source: The Urban Developer

Architecture students at the University of Newcastle have reimagined the historic Wangi Wangi Power Station site, with a giant gin distillery, a nightclub and a dive centre among eccentric ideas for its future.

Lake Macquarie City Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the Wangi Power Station Reimagined exhibition explored some unconventional approaches for the building’s redevelopment.

“The brief was simple – design new ideas for the power station to make it an exciting place for our community,” she said.

One design showcased in the exhibition uses the power station’s main building to house an amphitheatre-style circus,

while another sees it sealed and filled with water for unique scuba-diving experiences.

A different submission envisages a multi-level indoor baths, while another suggested converting the structure into a nightclub.

“Sealing the building up and turning it into a water tank for scuba diving is unlikely to ever happen, but seeing these concepts does help the imagination run wild about this site’s future,” Hemsley said.

“Designs presented by the students are in turn novel, thought-provoking and fascinating, and who knows – one day maybe we will see all or part of one of these ideas realised.”

Once a major supplier of electricity to NSW, the Wangi Power Station site operated between 1956 and 1986 and

was once the largest power station in the state.

While it has since been abandoned, the site has avoided demolition after receiving state heritage status in 1999.

Since then, the site has been subject to proposals for redevelopment into residential and retail properties, with an EOI listing by its private owner in mid2021 attracting renewed interest in its future.

University of Newcastle Head of Architecture Associate Professor Sam Spurr said the exhibition was a “great example of how design projects can fire the public imagination and hopefully mobilise saving such an important site from dereliction”.

“It also shows the important role universities play in the community, and how students can participate in what’s

happening in our region.”

The 12,000 square metre building is a rare example of industrial architecture, stretching 230m long with three 75m tall concrete stacks visible from around the lake.

The site has both R3 Medium Residential zoning and Zone B4 Mixed Use, meaning eventual development has potential to encompass a substantial residential, retail, commercial or even tourism premises.

The student works covering the redevelopment possibilities are currently on exhibition at Wangi Library Creative Hub, and will remain until March 31.

More information including exhibition opening hours can be found on the Lake Macquarie Library website.

Maia O’Connor

An indoor bathing centre is among ideas for the site’s future Photo source: Lake Macquarie City

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Labor’s support of Kurri gas plant labelled a “climate cop-out” Community representatives from Newcastle and the Hunter have called out the Labor Government’s unexpected support of the $600M gas-fired power station in Kurri Kurri, labelling it “a disappointing climate cop-out”.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese travelled to the Hunter Valley on February 1 with shadow climate change spokesman Chris Bowen to reveal a plan that would see a Labor Government, if elected, back the new gas-fired power station—a project that Albanese hadn’t previously supported.

Snowy Hydro Limited’s proposal to build the new 660-megawatt gas-fired power station in Kurri Kurri, situated 38km west of Newcastle, was approved by the NSW Government in December last year and is currently pending final approval from the Commonwealth.

Albanese said Labor would back the project but only if it ran on green hydrogen fuel by 2030.

Under Labor’s plan, Snowy Hydro Limited would run the power station on 30 per cent green hydrogen once operational, increasing to 50 per cent by 2025 and 100 per cent by 2030.

“The government’s proposal is a flawed project,” Albanese said.

“What we need to do is make it a project that provides sustainable jobs and that provides job security and energy security.

“Now, the cheapest form of clean energy is through renewables…the costs of producing green hydrogen will fall.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon (ALP) said Novocastrians deserved a plan that maximised the benefits of new technology, cheaper energy and new job opportunities.

“Labor will ensure that the power plant at Kurri Kurri will have a future with a green hydrogen plant, guaranteeing a role for the station and its workers as well as affordable and reliable power for decades to come.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon (Far Left) with Labor leader Anthony Albanese speaking at Kurri Kurri on Tuesday, (Far right) Labor climate spokesperson Chris Bowen Photo source: Sharon Claydon MP Facebook

“Not only will this provide secure and sustainable jobs, but it will also help the Hunter region become a hydrogen hub for Australia and the world.”

However, the Greens candidate for the Federal electorate of Newcastle, Charlotte McCabe, said Labor’s support for the power station was “a disappointing climate cop-out” and not the right way to kick start green hydrogen in the Hunter.

“Albanese’s empty promises to eventually convert the plant to 100 per cent green hydrogen will double the construction costs to $1.3B and commits us to unnecessary gas power while we wait for green hydrogen technology to develop,” McCabe said.

“A green hydrogen plant would require entirely different planning approvals and would likely be located in a different place as we don’t have plans for the required transmission lines and electrolysis plants yet.”

McCabe said the power station was a

project that wasn’t needed, “pushing up energy prices and delaying urgent climate action”.

“Newcastle and the Hunter desperately need political leaders who will step up to the challenge of moving from fossil fuels to a new, jobs-rich, green manufacturing and resource sector for our region,” McCabe said.

“It will only provide 10 permanent jobs when operational, and it will only operate two per cent of the time if it is required at all.

“It has been rejected as unnecessary by the electricity industry, who declined all offers to invest in it, and it will burn fossil fuels until at least 2030 – it is a $600M white elephant.”

Gas Free Hunter Alliance cocoordinator Fiona Lee said they welcomed Labor’s commitment to renewables but believed the money “should not be spent subsidising a new fossil fuel project”.

“Any power station that burns more

fossil fuels like gas is just worsening climate change,” Lee said.

“You don’t get to transition away from fossil fuels by spending more money on them.

“We want to see the $600M or more of public money spent supporting and retraining workers, not a gas plant that will need expensive upgrades in a few short years.”

Kurri Kurri local Lynn Benn said they desperately needed a long term sustainable employment solution.

“The 10 to 20 ongoing jobs on offer at the Kurri Kurri gas plant are a drop in the ocean compared to the investment involved,” Benn said.

“People of the Hunter rely on fossil fuels and need retraining and support to rapidly transition away from these now insecure jobs. “$600M or more would be better spent on future-focused jobs.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison asserted that NSW electricity prices would rise by 30 per cent if energy companies did not fill the gap left by the 2023 closure of the Liddell Power Station near Muswellbrook.

The new Kurri Kurri power station would be in addition to a 316-megawatt power station in the Illawarra, with both stations filling the government’s estimations of a 1000MW gap in generation capacity.

The Australian Energy Market Operator argued that no more than 200MW would be needed “to reduce the risk of load shedding and meet standards of reliability once Liddell closes”, but the government said this would only guarantee supply and not push down prices.

The project is also a key feature in the Morrison Government’s plan to transition into renewable energy, providing an on-demand and reliable energy source while the conversion to wind, solar and hydrogen energy continued over the next decade.

Hayley McMahon

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OVOSOCIETY

Maitland plays host to Archibald Prize collection Australia’s most prestigious art competition, the Archibald Prize, is currently calling the Maitland Regional Art Gallery home.

The exhibition arrived in Maitland on January 22 and will remain in the city until Sunday, March 6, 2022.

Gallery Director Gerry Bobsien said the institution is looking forward to another eventful summer in 2022 and said staff were “very excited to bring the Archibald Prize back to Maitland Regional Art Gallery in its historic 100th year”.

“The exhibition is an opportunity to see all 52 finalists in the 2021 Archibald Prize, including the winning portrait by Peter Wegner of artist Guy Warren AM still working in his studio at 100 years,” Bobsien said.

“The Archibald is one of the country’s oldest and most famous art competitions that captures the imagination of the nation time and time again – for it to be back with us here in Maitland is a thrill.”

The Archibald Prize was conceived in 1921 by former Art Gallery trustee Jules François Archibald and has been successful in fostering portraiture, supporting artists, and preserving the vision of notable Australians.

The prize recently celebrated 100 years as the nation’s oldest and most iconic portraiture prize.

Since its establishment, The Archibald

Great Australians are often the subject of Archibald portraits Photo source: Art Gallery of NSW

Prize has featured Australia’s cultural icons, including celebrities, politicians, athletes and artists.

Among this year’s portraits are Grace Tame, sexual violence advocate and the 2021 Australian of the Year, influential ABC broadcaster Kerry O’Brien, and Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, the sitting Governor of NSW. Other notable subjects include actor and SAS Australia star Firass Dirani and former Socceroo’s captain and refugee activist Craig Foster AM.

Peter Wegner’s winning portrait of former Archibald winning artist, Guy Warren Photo: Art Gallery of NSW

Artist Peter Wegner’s portrait of former Archibald winning artist Guy Warren at age 100 took home this year’s prize.

Warren was a renowned artist who won the Archibald himself in 1985, with this year’s submission the seventh time he has been an Archibald subject.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said it was great to have the exhibition in Maitland and accessible to the whole community.

Cr Penfold thanked staff for their efforts in bringing the prize to Maitland, calling it a “big win” for the region.

The last time the Archibald visited Maitland was in 2014, attracting thousands of visitors over its five-week display.

The new all-ages exhibition offers something for visitors young and old, with children’s labels, a youth trail to guide young visitors and an activity sheet with ideas for creating own portraits at home.

Entry to the exhibition is by ticket only, which can be purchased online.

Information source: Maitland City Council

Famous whalewatching experience comes to the Hunter More than 4000 Hunter residents watched the Maitland skies in awe as Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhales: Every heart sings display took off over the city.

The experience took to the skies on January 15, with the famous floating Skywhale and its new companion SkyWhalepapa setting off at dawn from Maitland’s No.1 Sportsground.

Skywhale and Skywhalepapa are two hot air balloon sculptures by artist Patricia Piccinini that tower seven storeys in height.

Community members from across the Hunter were invited to join the spectacle’s pre-dawn festivities from 4.30 am at what Maitland council called the “once in a lifetime community event”.

Balloon inflation took approximately 90 minutes before the sculptures finally took flight over Maitland from 6.00 am.

Maitland Regional Art Gallery’s Director Gerry Bobsien said Skywhales: Every heart sings was one of two major events to create a real buzz in Maitland this summer.

“This was a true spectacle. All of us here at Maitland Regional Art Gallery were so pleased to have the opportunity to host the exhibition in January,” Bobsien said.

“We exhausted our ticket allocation in the week leading up to the launch of the two magnificent hot air balloon sculptures, and we were blown away by the turnout and the feedback we

Artist Patricia Piccinini has received mixed reactions to her Skywhale sculptures Photo: Patricia Piccinini, Skywhalepapa and Skywhale, 2020, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

received on the morning.

“For more than 4,000 people to come out before the sun had risen for the event was fantastic, and to go from Skywhales one weekend into launching the Archibald Prize 2021 Regional Tour right here in Maitland the next was a thrill.”

Attendees to the event were also treated to food and coffee vendors onsite and were encouraged to bring a blanket and thermos before sitting back to watch the pair come to life in the glow of sunrise.

She said Skywhales: Every heart sings

a part of Free Art January at the gallery, where more than three weeks of art workshops, activities, talks, and exhibitions were hosted for the whole family to enjoy.

Bobsien said the month of art was supported generously by the Maitland Regional Art Gallery members and the gallery’s education partner Cleverpatch.

The original Skywhale balloon was commissioned as part of the celebration of Canberra’s centenary in 2013.

While it has been the subject of international acclaim and has appeared in nations like Japan, Ireland and Brazil,

it has not toured without controversy.

The unconventional design, featuring several large udders, has elicited mixed responses from onlookers, with Australian Capital Territory’s former Chief Minister Katy Gallagher saying that her eyes “nearly fell out of her head” when she first saw the concept.

Piccinini revealed her inspiration behind the designs, asking, “what if evolution went a different way and instead of going back into the sea, from which they came originally, [whales] went into the air, and we evolved a nature that could fly instead of swim?”.

The spectacle’s website, Know My Name, further justified the design, “wings didn’t make sense to Patricia; the creature was too big, and the technical limitations of balloon design wouldn’t allow them anyway”.

“So, she took a cue from the balloon itself and imagined that the creature might somehow secrete a lighter than air gas.

“In the place of wings, Piccinini imagined huge udders that might contain the gas, as well as a huge bulbous body. She imagined the creature with a slightly more human face, with a calm benign expression that would inspire empathy rather than fear.”

This large-scale, free community event was a touring initiative of the National Gallery of Australia and was supported by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation and Visions of Australia.

Maia O’Connor

2022 OVOCULTUREFEBRUARY ISSUE 010 P18novonews.com.au

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Newcastle nightlife venues must Raise the Bar on sexual violence prevention, says new campaign

The Raise the Bar campaign wants nightlife venues across Newcastle to execute sexual violence training and prevention alongside RSA Photo: Supplied

Community advocate Sinéad Francis-Coan has initiated a campaign calling on Newcastle venues to take a more proactive role in preventing and responding to sexual violence.

The Raise the Bar campaign aims to improve the safety, experience and patronage of local bars and clubs and has distributed a petition online asking venues to take responsibility and adopt a policy that prioritises patron wellbeing.

Francis-Coan, a post-graduate in leisure and tourism studies, said she was inspired to start the campaign after discussions with members of the public.

“It came to a head when a few days in a row, a few people warned me about particular venues in Newcastle and told me about their experience of being harassed,” she said.

“There was another woman just on the light rail that I overheard talking about how much she’s been harassed at places.

“It was a real wake-up call about how prevalent this stuff must be, and I thought ‘nightlife is suffering enough as it is. We don’t need other reasons right now to stop people going to venues.”

Currently, Francis-Coan’s petition has just over 900 signatures and plans to meet with the Newcastle branch of the Australian Hotels Association to discuss a more holistic approach to sexual violence prevention and its relevancy to the Responsible Service of Alcohol.

“In my view, I think we can manage a standard and consistent approach to things like RSA and why not include [sexual harassment prevention] in that,” she said.

“The way the Newcastle entertainment precinct is set up is actually ideal for that. It’s my understanding that for RSA currently if someone is blacklisted for poor behaviour in a particular venue related to alcohol misuse, it is flagged across the circle of venues in Newcastle.

“I would like if they could do the same for harassment.”

Francis-Coan believes executing a

harassment prevention policy alongside RSA not only protects patrons but is in the best interest of local venues as well.

She has also suggested venues adopt initiatives such as using code names with bar staff to indicate patrons may need help, special coloured shirts to identify “friendly marshals”, or safe spaces for victims of harassment where “staff can keep an eye on them”.

The campaign also calls on venues to support staff in the circumstances relating to patron harassment and assault.

“A lot of the staff are quite young, and if someone comes up to you and has an issue, that’s a big thing,” she said.

“That’s what we’ve tried to include in this campaign – supporting the staff to know what to do, because what do you do when it happens?”

Other Raise the Bar initiatives include: • Developing a venue-specific sexual harassment/assault prevention and response policy • Ensuring all staff, including security, are trained in this policy • Use of signage and other methods to communicate to clientele what they should do if they experience or witness an incident • Publicly committing to maintaining a harassment-free venue • Keeping a log of sexual harassment incidents • Engaging with appropriate organisations to establish best practice “There’s lots of different things we can do,” Francis-Coan said.

Supporters of the petition weighed in on social media, with one commenting that “those who [commit sexual assault] are often highly aware of the opportunities and weaknesses of venues, CCTV and victims. It’s about time venues smarten their safety act.”

Another added that “it’s important that venues are part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

Community advocate Sinéad Francis-Coan is advocating for improved nightlife policy across Newcastle Photo: Supplied

Francis-Coan declared that “the message to venues is that whether you’re aware or not, people might be warning others to avoid your place if you’re not on top of all this stuff”.

“It’s a real opportunity to show some leadership. I think people have had a lot of time to think, and they’re keen for a good night out, and if the first night out you’ve had in a while is a bad one, that’s going to have a real impact on if you go out again, so the experience people have is more important than ever.”

Francis-Coan has also encouraged the public to reach out to venues and the Australian Hotels Association should they feel unsafe while out.

Venues and patrons on high alert after recent inner city spiking’s The Raise the Bar campaign comes just after licensed venues across Newcastle became the subject of investigations by NSW Police after there were several reports of needle spiking’s in the Newcastle area in December.

Sienna Davis, whose social media post revealed her friend’s spiking ordeal at King Street Hotel last month, went viral after being shared thousands of times.

At least six other young women have reported being injected by substances when out locally, with instances occurring at venues like the Kent Hotel in Hamilton and the racecourse at Broadmeadow.

King Street Hotel has reportedly hired extra security following the incident at their venue and a dedicated welfare officer that patrons can approach if they feel their safety is being threatened.

Greens introduce Night Mayor initiative in a push to “revitalise” Newcastle nightlife Francis-Coan’s campaign came after the Newcastle Greens party announced an initiative titled Night Mayor that seeks to establish a permanent community ambassador to represent and improve the city’s night-time economy and culture.

In a statement released in November, the Greens said the representative

would be supported by Council and would work “in collaboration with residents, club owners and the arts community, to set guidelines, support new ventures, and negotiate conflicts between residents and venues”.

Francis-Coan claimed that the last two years has been a challenge for the nightlife economy, and “now is absolutely the time to bolster nightlife in Newcastle and especially support the many young people and artists who depend on it.”

Fellow Greens councillor John Mackenzie cited the effectiveness of Night Mayors around the world, including cities such as Melbourne, London, and Amsterdam.

“The success of this approach shows that you can have a safe and vibrant night-time culture that would revitalise public space and enhance our proud reputation as a leading-edge creative city,” Cr Mackenzie said.

In November 2018, Newcastle City Council adopted a Newcastle After Dark Strategy, and a motion by Cr Mackenzie led to a commitment to investigate the implementation of a Night Mayor in the strategy.

However, the Greens have said there had been no progress on its implementation since.

Francis-Coan noted the potential benefits of a Night Mayor spanning across the whole of Newcastle.

While the Newcastle After Dark Strategy identifies seven different nightlife precincts in the inner city, Francis-Coan wants to see emerging nightlife such as Lambton, Kotara and Wallsend included in the strategy.

If you’re seeking help in a crisis related to sexual harassment or assault, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about sexual harassment or assault, contact Newcastle Sexual Assault Service (Lower Hunter) on (02) 4924 6333 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

Maia O’Connor

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A night of reflection and reconciliation

Over 1000 people attended Ngarrama to reflect on First Nations culture on the eve of Australia Day Photo: NovoNews

Over 1,000 community members came together in meaningful reconciliation on January 25 to acknowledge the resilience of First Nations people and celebrate Indigenous culture through dance, song and stories.

Ngarrama (pronounced Nurra-ma) was a free public event held in King Edward Park on January 25 on the eve of Australia Day—a divisive day for many.

Supported by the City of Newcastle, the night of reflection was hosted by the University of Newcastle and Awabakal Ltd. Many Novocastrians attended the event with picnic blankets and dinner in hand, coming together to explore truthtelling and historical acceptance.

Ngarrama translates to ‘to sit, listen and know’ and, as the name suggests, was a time for listening and quiet reflection through sharing stories,

knowledge, and culture.

The night included a smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country by Worimi descendant Teresa Dargan, traditional dance, music, storytelling and knowledge sharing from elders.

Dargan said real change would only come if people were united and connected to country, culture and community.

“I respect every single one of you, and I acknowledge every single one of you— inclusion is the number one word we must use,” Dargan said.

“We need to become one, and if not, then we will become separated … all this pain and trauma will go away if we enact change.”

“So let’s make a change here today; let’s make sure everyone is included, our ancestors are remembered, our elders are respected, and the next generation become our leaders.”

Inspired by Sydney’s Vigil at

Barangaroo, Ngarrama celebrated the rich culture of all First Nations people, particularly the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, the traditional owners of the land upon which Newcastle now stands.

University of Newcastle Pro ViceChancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership Nathan Towney said the inaugural Ngarrama event allowed the Newcastle community to come together and reflect on traditional life before 1788.

“At the University of Newcastle, we believe we are all enriched by cultural knowledge and a connection to country,” Towney said.

“As a place of learning, we know we have an important role to play in engaging our wider community through knowledge sharing.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she was honoured to attend the event and represent the citizens of Newcastle.

“The City of Newcastle always was and

always will be Aboriginal land,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As Lord Mayor, I am honoured to be a part of this gathering, which is a symbol of our shared aspiration for reconciliation, recognition and celebration of our First Nations people.

“As Ngarrama translates – we have come together this evening ‘to sit, listen and know’ and to reflect quietly on our nation’s past with traditional ceremony and cultural celebration.”

On January 26, hundreds gathered at Foreshore Park for “Day of Mourning” hosted by Justice Aunties.

After the traditional smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country and speeches, the crowd marched from Customs House to Nobbys Beach.

The rally was followed by market stalls, beach rugby and a mini-concert featuring traditional dances and performances by local Aboriginal artists.

Hayley McMahon

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P21

FEBRUARY 2022 ISSUE 010

OVOCASTRIAN

Lake Mac Festival starts 2022 off with a bang

After two challenging years, the Lake Mac Festival set the tone for a brighter 2022 with thousands of people flocking to experience a weekend of family fun including a spectacular, first-ever, triple fireworks show.

The festival took place from January 22 to January 23, with a simultaneous fireworks display on opening night drawing crowds to five separate livesites at Warners Bay, Belmont and Rathmines, as well as parks and other vantage points around the lake.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said perfect weather helped draw crowds in what was the city’s first major event since the most recent COVID lockdowns, which took place from January 22 to January 23.

“It has been wonderful to see so many people back out enjoying the fresh air and free entertainment,” she said.

Five separate sites hosted fireworks displays across Lake Macquarie. Photo source: Lake Macquarie Council “It has been a long, hard slog for so many people, so to have a weekend like this – outdoors, in wide open spaces and with COVID-safe plans in place – is a welcome reprieve.”

Earlier on Saturday, hundreds of families enjoyed free food and coffee, childrens’ games and live entertainment at a community breakfast at Thomas H

Five separate sites hosted fireworks displays across Lake Macquarie Photo: Lake Macquarie Council

Halton Park at Croudace Bay. On Sunday, “Oz Day Out” included local musicians who played to crowds at Speers Point Park, with gin, wine and beer bars and food trucks available for attendees.

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley was optimistic that the weekend would signal the beginning of many memorable events across the city during the year.

“We all know how much has had to be cancelled and postponed over the past two years, but fingers crossed we’ll have more luck in 2022,” she said.

“From superboats to the Living Smart Festival, there’s so much to look forward to. We’re aiming to host a real diversity of events, big and small, to engage the community, activate business and boost tourism to the region.”

Lake Macquarie residents also enjoyed some family fun on January 26 in

Croudace Bay where a free breakfast was hosted by local community groups.

The event featured a free yoga session, the traditional scouts canoe race, familyfriendly classic games sponsored by The Mutual and live music from local artists The Little Scallywagz, Kaylah Anne, Pete McCredie, Tyler Chapman and Kristy James.

Maia O’Connor

Dudley claims 11th spot on Australia’s best beaches list Dudley Beach has prevailed over more than 11,000 candidates to be named the 11th best beach in Australia.

Tourism Australia has published its annual list of best beaches in Australia for 2022, with a total of six NSW beaches making the top 20 and local favourite Dudley Beach placing 11th.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the beach’s unspoilt wilderness, green coastal bushland, golden dunes, and turquoise waters made it one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

“This accolade demonstrates that the rest of Australia is waking up to the incredible beauty of the beaches we’re so lucky to have right along the Lake Macquarie coast,” Cr Fraser said.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) manage the beach and its facilities, which recently underwent improvements, including formalised parking, a new access ramp, picnic shelters and a surf viewing platform.

NPWS Lower Hunter Area Manager Mitchell Carter said Dudley Beach had been growing in popularity for some years.

“NPWS staff have worked hard to conserve this treasured spot surrounded by relatively unspoilt bushland, which is part of its allure,” he said.

The beach sits within the 500ha Glenrock State Conservation Area, one of the most-visited

Dudley Beach sits within the Glenrock State Conservation area Photo source: Lake Macquarie City Council

national parks in NSW. “Glenrock is valued because of its Aboriginal heritage, threatened species such as squirrel gliders and endangered ecological communities including littoral rainforest,” Carter said.

Lake Macquarie City Council Tourism Manager Jacqui Hemsley said the beach was a popular site for surfing, strolling, and sightseeing.

“The beach itself, and the rock platforms at its northern end, provide endless amazing opportunities to enjoy nature, capture fantastic photos and appreciate what our coast has to offer,” she said.

Dudley Beach remains unpatrolled despite its popularity, so swimming is not recommended.

The list was compiled by Tourism Australia’s official beach ambassador Brad Farmer and announced by Tourism Minister Dan Tehan on January 31.

Tehan said Farmer’s qualifications involved visiting most of the country’s beaches over the last 35 years.

“With more than 11,000 beaches to choose from, narrowing down the top 20 beaches must be one of the toughest jobs in Australia,” Tehan said.

Tehan said the 2022 list covered every state and territory and was designed to

inspire holidaymakers worldwide.

“As Australia continues its successful reopening, we’re going to see a surge in tourists that will support jobs and businesses,” Tehan said.

“My message to the world is to start planning your next holiday to Australia and to include as many of our top 20 beaches on your itinerary as you can fit in.”

Misery Beach in Western Australia topped this year’s list and described Farmer as a stunning beach that ticked all the boxes.

Maia O’Connor

P22

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CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Dixon Advisory’s downfall: what it means for investors WITH

Julia NEWBOULD Managing Editor • Money magazine Investors whose self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) were ravaged by Dixon Advisory’s poor investment advice and the disastrous performance of the firm’s in-house investments have been devastated by the news that it has been placed in voluntary administration.

The mounting claims against Dixon Advisory by investors in class actions, as well as a $7.2 million penalty for not acting in its clients’ best interests and having a known conflict of interest, are likely to make it insolvent, according to its parent company, E&P (Evans and Partners) Financial Group.

A statement to the ASX said that the directors of Dixon Advisory and Superannuation Services (DASS) – a wholly owned subsidiary of E&P – “determined that mounting and actual potential liabilities mean it is likely to become insolvent at some future time”.

E&P Financial Group said

the PwC partners Stephen Longley and Craig Crosbie had been appointed as voluntary administrators to Dixon Advisory Superannuation Services.

However, it pointed out in the ASX statement: “No client assets are at risk ... as a result of this process.”

This is because client assets are held in the clients’ own names or on trust.

Dixon, one of the biggest financial advisory groups in the country, advertised its SMSF expertise for years. Founded by the superannuation expert Daryl Dixon, it was later run his son, Alan Dixon, who was chief executive and set up the SMSF and financial advice business.

It advertised heavily and employed big names such as Max Walsh, the former editor of The Australian Financial Review, who was given a role with the firm’s investments. The Canberra-headquartered firm looked after 4700 SMSFs, the retirement savings of typically hard-working, middle-class

Australians. It was the fourth largest superannuation advisory firm in Australia.

But it all went horribly wrong when Dixon Advisory branched out into running its own investments, recommending clients to place their retirement savings into them. One of the funds, a US property fund, US Masters Residential Property Fund, plunged nearly 90% in value while the New Energy Solar Fund slid nearly 50%. Dixon clients’ SMSFs were also loaded up with shares in Evans Dixon, the parent of Dixon Advisory as well as Evans Dixon’s own property funds.

Alan Dixon stepped down from the company in October

A home loan top-up can do the trick If you’re looking to renovate your home, help a family member buy their first property or want to consolidate your loans, there might be an easy way to achieve that: top up your mortgage.

This means going back to your lender for the funds, so you

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don’t have to pay high interest as you would if you were to use your credit card or apply for a personal loan.

Rising property prices could mean you have more equity in your home, which you could free up to add more value, for example, through a renovation.

However, there are consid-

erations. The extra amount will be spread over the life of your home loan, which means your repayments are not as much of a stress but you might end up paying the same if you used your credit card.

Here are five things you need to know before you apply for a top-up:

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INSIDE: CUT THE COST OF YOUR HOME RENOVATION

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4. Use the home loan calculator

5. Besides the associated loan fees and repayments, there are other costs to consider, including a possible change to your home loan insurance and a fee to obtain an up-to-date property valuation.

BY GLEN JAMES

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WHAT TO DO IN “THE GREAT RESIGNATION”

NICOLA FIELD

2. Not all home loans are eligible for a top-up. For

3. The bank will consider your repayment history before lending you extra funds.

on the bank’s website to get a rough estimate of the additional repayment you have to make.

TOP

PHIL SLADE

BEAT THE HIGH PRICES: BUY WITH A FRIEND

example, Commonwealth Bank customers who have a fixed or guaranteed interest rate home loan are not eligible, unless they are willing to pay an early adjustment repayment.

SUSAN HELY

PLUS

SHARE AND PROPERTY BUYS

WHAT TO DO IN “THE GREAT RESIGNATION”

1. To avoid paying the entire interest cost of your top-up, consider making more than the minimum repayment. For example, if you borrow $40,000 for a kitchen renovation, you could pay off $8000 each year for five years instead of spreading it over the 25 years of your loan.

meaning members do not need to take on this responsibility.

However, SMSF trustees can take complaints about financial products or services to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, which has received 88 complaints about Dixon Advisory in regard to its recommendations of in-house products.

If you are a trustee of a self-managed fund and have received fraudulent advice and lost your money, you have limited options for claiming it back.

In the case of Dixon, class action lawsuits are being run by Shine Lawyers and Maurice Blackburn to claw back lost funds.

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50

PHIL SLADE

HOME LOAN SAVINGS FIND A CHEAPER LENDER

One of the downsides of SMSFs is that you are personally liable for all the fund’s decisions.

If you lose money through theft or fraud, you won’t have access to government compensation, according the government’s MoneySmart website.

This contrasts with those funds regulated and approved

by APRA that pay a levy to the regulator. If a provider defrauds the fund, the fund can apply to the government for compensation. The responsibility for all investing, administration, legal, auditing and accounting requirements is held by the trustee of the APRA-approved fund and not the individual members,

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2019 and two months later sold his shares in the company for $17.6 million.

The blatant conflict of interest and the sky-high fees that resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars being creamed off the investments by Dixon Advisory led to the regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), commencing proceedings in the Federal Court in September 2020 against Dixon Advisory and Superannuation Services Ltd. It was found to have contravened the Corporations Act on 53 occasions and Dixon Advisory was fined $7.2 million and ordered to pay ASIC’s $1 million legal costs.

ENTER CODE: 32202MON 27/1/22 6:11 pm

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P23

FEBRUARY 2022 ISSUE 010

OVOSPORT

Newcastle team’s spectacular Stride4Stroke fundraising effort A group of Newcastle women have raised over $10,000 for the Stroke Foundation during its Stride4Stroke campaign.

The campaign aims to encourage communities to form Stride4Stroke teams and get active, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for strokes and the Stroke Foundation.

Newcastle team Mandi & Co-On The Run raised $10284 in just one month by simply getting active and reaching their ‘moving minutes’ goal.

Team members Tracey Laverick, Amanda Newstead, Naomi Clayton, Leonie Lewis, and Penny Genoli all individually smashed their targets.

Tracey Laverick raised over $6000 alone and reached her goal of 800 moving minutes by participating in Zumba classes, playing tennis and walking.

Laverick, whose husband Mark experienced a stroke ten years ago, said it felt good to do something not only for her own health but to raise money for a charity that was close to her heart.

“Stroke happens when you least expect it, and it can change lives profoundly,” Laverick said.

“Stroke hits the whole family. So it’s not just the person that suffers the stroke, it’s the family and friends too.

“As a carer, I wanted to help raise awareness of the wide impact of stroke and support the amazing work of the

(L-R) Leonie Lewis, Amanda Newstead, Penny Genoli, Tracey Laverick and Naomi Clayton raised more than $10,000 for Stride4Stroke Photo: Supplied

Stroke Foundation.

“They help survivors and their loved ones on the recovery journey and invest in prevention campaigns and research that aims to improve outcomes in the future. It is vital work.

“It’s estimated around 200 people will have had a stroke for the first time in the Newcastle federal electorate in 2021, while more than 3200 stroke survivors are living in the community.”

According to the Stroke Foundation, more than 20,000 people in the Newcastle area are not moving enough,

and one way to prevent a stroke is staying active.

It’s estimated more than 27,400 people will have a stroke in Australia for the first time in 2021, equating to one stroke every nineteen minutes.

Stroke Foundation NSW manager Rhian Paton-Kelly thanked the team for their passion and dedication.

“They really went for it!” Paton-Kelly said.

“We are so grateful for their efforts and for everyone who generously

supported them with encouragement and donations.

“I urge other people in Newcastle to follow their lead and sign up to Stride4Stroke next time.

“Every dollar raised helps in our mission to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery.”

Stride4Stroke had 1393 participants from all over Australia this year, totalling more than 1 million moving minutes and raising more than $455,000.

Hayley McMahon

Trade trash for treasure at Merewether A unique community clean-up and clothes swapping event is coming to Newcastle, where locals can reconsider their relationship with waste and trade trash for treasure.

Seaside Scavenge is a Sydney-based not-for-profit organisation cleaning up coastal waterways since 2015 and educating communities about the value of rubbish as a resource.

In partnership with the City of Newcastle, Seaside Scavenge is bringing a free community clean up event to Dixon Park, Merewether, on February 12, featuring a day of environmental education, music and markets.

For every 10 pieces of litter collected, participants will be rewarded one Trash Token to use in a pop-up market of quality handpicked pre-loved clothes, books and toys.

The market stalls will be run by local eco change-makers, including Plastic Police, Planet Warrior Education, The Seabin Project, The Newy Share Shop, The RE Club and Trash Pixie Collective.

Event Coordinator Eleanor Pratten said the scavenge brought communities together and used fun and unique programs to inspire and educate.

“The scavenge is about encouraging communities to reconsider their relationship to waste,” Pratten said.

Newcastle’s Seaside Scavenge will be held at Dixon Park, Merewether on February 12 Photo: Supplied

“By seeing how waste can be turned into a valuable resource, communities are introduced to circular economy principles and the importance of correct recycling habits.

“They are empowered to make small changes that collectively make a significant impact.”

Pratten said the event would portray circular economic principles in action through live demonstrations of DEFY Design‘s newest plastic recycling microfactory.

Prizes donated by Newcastle

businesses will be awarded to participants who collect the most litter and other categories like the most cigarette butts or the weirdest item found.

All litter collected by participants on the day is separated into landfill, recycling, cigarette butts, hard plastics, organics, and e-waste.

The waste is then submitted to the Australian Marine Debris Database and managed by the utility company Suez.

Along with the community clean up and clothes swapping activities, the

event will feature live performances from Steel City Sue and music duo Cormac and Manuel.

Newcastle theatre company, Curious Legends will also make an appearance where participants can try their hands at roving puppet performances.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was a great way to help beautify and protect Newcastle’s coastline while highlighting the importance of recycling and correct waste disposal.

“Our coast and beaches are loved by locals and major drawcards for visitors, so it is important we do everything we can to protect their environmental health,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Events such as the Seaside Scavenge are a practical way for the community to make an impact while also reinforcing the importance of disposing of your rubbish correctly and promoting the benefits of reusing and recycling items rather than just sending them to landfill.”

The community is encouraged to attend the free event, which will be held at Dixon Park, Merewether, on Saturday, February 12, from 11 am to 3 pm.

For more information or to register for the event, visit the Seaside Scavenge Eventbrite website.

Hayley McMahon

2022 OVOSPORTFEBRUARY ISSUE 010 P24novonews.com.au

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Newcastle 500 Supercars postponed

Supercars CEO Shane Howard is hopeful the event will take place in later 2022 Photo source: Supercars

The much-anticipated Newcastle 500 was recently postponed to late 2022 following community concerns over the ongoing COVID- 19 outbreak.

Supercars announced on January 24 that the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight would replace the Newcastle 500 as the opening event of the 2022 Repco Supercars championship, taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park from March 4 to 6.

“There is concern surrounding the number of COVID- 19 cases in Newcastle and the continuing uncertainty the virus is causing in parts of the local community,” Supercars CEO Shane Howard said.

He claimed it was “too challenging to stage a complex multi-faceted event on the streets of Newcastle for tens of thousands of race fans in March” and that hosting “an event of that scale in Newcastle, in the middle of its CBD, requires an enormous amount of work to ensure it runs to a world-class standard”.

He said organisers had consulted with the City of Newcastle throughout January and understood that constructing and operating the event during the current COVID-19 period had caused concern in parts of the community.

While the Supercars had been subject to strict COVID-19 safety plans for its March date, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes insisted it was the “right decision” to postpone the event given community concern remaining high.

“City of Newcastle staff have been in regular contact with Supercars regarding the local situation,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We all agreed that right now, and regardless of the additional precautions taken to run the Newcastle 500 safely, the community would feel more confident about the race proceeding later in the year.”

Cr Nelmes said while the race had previously attracted visitors from all parts of NSW and throughout Australia and New Zealand, people were still hesitant to travel.

As a result of the enduring COVID-19 pandemic, Newcastle hasn’t hosted a Supercars round since the 2019 season finale.

According to global accountancy firm Ernst & Young (EY), each Supercars Newcastle 500 delivered an average of $36.2M in economic output and 149 jobs.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard said that “as a street circuit built in the heart of the CBD, the event provides enormous economic benefits to the region, and we want to ensure that happens again in 2022”.

Howard said he was confident the race would be held successfully later in the year and thanked fans, volunteers, local businesses, Destination NSW, the NSW Office of Sport and City of Newcastle for their ongoing support.

Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government was committed to supporting events across the state.

“We commend the determination and resilience of Supercars and will continue

to support their efforts to deliver successful and spectacular motorsport events in NSW,” Ayres said.

“These events deliver adrenalinpacked motor racing, economic and social benefits for the community and expose NSW to millions around the world.”

Fans have been assured that tickets will remain valid for the new date of the Repco Newcastle 500, which will be announced soon.

Maia O’Connor

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