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NOVONEWS

ISSUE 012 4 MARCH 2022

NovoNews

Tragic tales emerge from the ashes at Wickham woolshed fire

The Ukrainian Catholic community in Adamstown can do nothing but watch on in horror as tragic scenes unfold in their ancestral homeland of Ukraine.

See page 6

NovoSociety

A Hunter work-based day program has officially opened at Warabrook, opening up an avenue for real social and economic inclusion for people with a disability.

See page 11

NovoCastrian

As the flames settled at the Wickham woolshed fire, the heartbreaking stories of Novocastrians impacted by the blaze began to emerge from the ashes.

See pages 4-5 Over 100 firefighters battled the blaze at the storage facility on Annie Street Photo: FRNSW

A new movement has been established to inspire better gender equality practices and encourage transparent and fully funded gender policies from all Australian political parties.

See page 21

NovoSport

Cricket Australia’s Women’s Social Smash competition is launching in NSW with programs at Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Newcastle.

See page 23

Council and community remain at odds over impending ocean baths upgrades With works to commence on the Newcastle Ocean Baths redevelopment on March 14, a number of Novocastrians and councillors have initiated attempts to pause the intended works.

Independent councillor for Ward 1, John Church, put a motion before council at the February 22 Ordinary Council Meeting to undertake an independent, external engineers report and coastal management study prior to construction commencing.

As a significant contract, Cr Church was sceptical that adequate due diligence had been conducted to date.

“Having not spent money on the ocean baths for decades, it is important now that we’ve committed to this multi-

million-dollar contract to get it right.”

For his motion to succeed, Cr Church needed the support of other councillors including members of the Labor party majority, however he was voted down.

“I think the councillors who voted against this will need to explain to the people of Newcastle why they have voted against more due diligence on the baths.”

Last week, City of Newcastle released its plan for the Stage 1 works, which outlined the intention to “improve the safety, water quality and accessibility of the much-loved community facility”.

The $14.5 million phase will focus on the pools, lower promenade and pumping system, “addressing key issues identified through detailed community engagement and engineering advice”.

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Community group Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths (FONOB) said they are “hoping for a miracle” that council listen to desperate users and pause construction of Stage 1.

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$3.7M upgrade for Blackbutt Village to commence A $3.7 million upgrade of Blackbutt Village in New Lambton will begin this month, delivering a safer, more attractive place to shop for local residents.

The upgrade is estimated to be complete by early 2024 and will include an off-road shared pedestrian and cycle path, a new pedestrian crossing, improved footpath connections to Blackbutt Reserve, as well as the introduction of a 40km per hour High Pedestrian Activity Area.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes expressed her excitement at the long-awaited upgrade and said it would finally realise the vision of Blackbutt locals.

“Early in this project, the community highlighted safety concerns, and in particular safety when crossing the busy Orchardtown Road,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our team has been busy developing a design that both improves safety and encourages pedestrians and cyclists to the area, as well as making it a safer place to park your car and visit the local shops.”

Ward 3 Councillor and Chair of the Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Peta Winney-Baartz, said the upgrade would see the entire public domain of

Outdoor dining facilities are set for an upgrade, as well as footpaths, drainage, and wider landscaping at the site Image source: City of Newcastle

the popular local centre renewed, focusing on place activation and improving public spaces to promote local businesses further.

“Wider footpaths and new plazas will improve outdoor dining and promote activation of the area, while its look and feel will be improved with renewed drainage, kerbs, gutters, road surfaces, footpaths, lighting, street furniture, tree planting and landscaping,” Cr WinneyBaartz said.

Traffic and Transport Manager Ryan Tranter said that City of Newcastle

would continue to involve the community and businesses in discussions about introducing timed parking in the area.

“Parking safety and turnover issues have been strongly identified throughout community consultation to date, and we’ll continue to speak with local businesses and residents to ensure ease of access to the upgraded Local Centre for locals, customers and visitors,” Tranter said.

Following a workshop with business owners in the area, the broader community will be invited to provide

feedback on options for timed parking in the coming months.

The upgrade has been supported with a $591,677 grant from the NSW Government under round seven of the Resources for Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions funding is stimulating local economies and supporting the ongoing prosperity of mining towns.

“This project represents the NSW Government’s commitment to providing continued support to mining reliant towns,” Toole said.

“Projects like the Blackbutt Village upgrades will go a long way to help to revitalise this area in Newcastle and provide long term benefits for this great mining community.”

The project is being delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program and follows similar upgrades at Carrington, Beresfield, Joslin Street in Kotara, Llewellyn Street in Merewether, James Street Plaza in Hamilton, and the upgrades currently underway in Stockton and Shortland.

Information source: City of Newcastle

Playground upgrades announced for city’s west Adventure awaits children in the city’s west, following four playground upgrades set to be delivered in Tarro, Minmi, Maryland and Kotara this year.

Work has commenced on a full playground replacement at McCauley Park in Tarro, while Minmi’s McInnes Reserve is next on the agenda, with a complete overhaul of its playground equipment to begin next month.

The neighbourhood playground at Bernborough Avenue in Maryland will also benefit from an equipment upgrade in the coming months as part of the annual playground improvement program, which will see $650,000 invested across four sites.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was thrilled to be delivering improved recreational opportunities for children across the local government area, including those

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in the growing western corridor.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and their local playgrounds, which is why we’re investing $650,000 to upgrade four local playgrounds this year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The city’s playgrounds provide local children and families with the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle.

“I’m thrilled to see work beginning at McCauley Park in Tarro, which will feature a new-look play area designed to cater for a wide range of ages featuring swings, slides, climbing, and balancing components.

‘I can’t wait to see the projects kick off in Minmi, Maryland and Kotara as well.”

The Wallsend community is also eagerly awaiting the completion of the $1.5 million Active Hub in Federal Park, which commenced construction in 2021 and is expected to be ready for use by July.

The Active Hub is supported by a $500,000 grant from the NSW

Government’s Resources for Regions program.

Cr Nelmes said the new Wallsend site was designed to address the need for non-formal sporting facilities in the city’s western corridor.

“This $1.5 million project is transforming Federal Park into a vibrant hub of activity and will become a destination not only for residents in surrounding suburbs but for families from outside the area who will enjoy the mix of informal recreational spaces it offers.”

Four of Newcastle’s 134 playgrounds are replaced each year as part of the asset renewal works program.

City of Newcastle has invested more than $9 million in playground projects during the past five years, including the inclusive playground at Stevenson Park at Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend Active Hubs and the adventure playground at Richley Reserve.

Residents can stay updated with neighbourhood works progress on the City of Newcastle website.

Information source: City of Newcastle

Editor Ross Barry - Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Hayley McMahon, Maia O’Connor Phone: 0491 012 983 E-mail: editorial@novonews.com.au Website: novonews.com.au Social:

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The playground at Tarro will feature swings, slides, climbing, and balancing components Image source: City of Newcastle

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Council and community remain at odds over impending ocean baths upgrades From page 1 Long term user of the baths and spokesperson for FONOB, Tony Brown, said while some work was required at the site, greater community consultation and collaboration was needed on more critical matters, ensuring the bath’s iconic structural and cultural heritage was preserved.

A council spokesperson cited the installation of Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group (CRG) as instrumental to considering local concerns and shaping the future of the asset.

The CRG and City of Newcastle reportedly agreed on some heritage issues throughout the consultation process.

However, Brown said more critical issues were declared operational matters and (weren’t) discussed with the community.

He labelled the process “extremely disappointing” and “not consistent” with the council’s statements about transparency and accountability.

Deputy Mayor Declan Clausen refuted Brown’s claims and told NovoNews that statements from FONOB criticising council engagement with the group and wider community were “utterly untrue”.

Cr Clausen said that since November, multiple attempts at communication with the FONOB group had been ignored.

City of Newcastle’s Stage 1 plan to encase the existing natural rock shelf base of the baths with a steel-reinforced concrete cap has attracted the majority of criticism from facility users, who are adamant it will detrimentally impact the sand floor.

City of Newcastle said the upgrade would offer “faster cleaning of the pools with less closure time, improve user safety and enhance water quality,” but locals have demanded the retention of the rock shelf and the unique sandy bottom it maintains.

Residents living with a disability are among FONOB’s 2000 petition signees.

Newcastle Ocean Baths render displaying the Stage 1 updates Photo source: City of Newcastle

They have also expressed concern for the future of the sandy bottom and its therapeutic value, which they believe will be jeopardised by the concrete cap.

“I use the baths as the only form of exercise I can undertake due to physical disability,” baths user Justine Gaudry said.

“The sand bottom is the only way I can walk.

Another user, Jan Walsh, said the current soft sandy bottom was more forgiving for the feet when exercising.

“The concrete bottom at Merewether Baths is, by contrast, slippery and much less exercise-friendly,” Walsh said.

FONOB spokesperson Tony Brown also labelled the concrete addition as a “false economy”.

“We think any potential cost savings council has presented are disingenuous,” Brown said.

“Our big concern is that it will replicate the sea lice and water quality problems they have at Merewether baths and the requirement for twice a week cleaning, whereas Newcastle Ocean Baths is

primarily only cleaned once a week.”

City of Newcastle said the new design would continue to see the natural accumulation of sand on the floor, while a new pump system could replace the water of the baths within six hours, significantly improving water quality.

Cr Church observed the community group had “struggled to get a meaningful response on the concrete capping issue ever since they raised their concerns last year”.

He said that councillors hadn’t seen any initial modelling on the cap and weren’t given the opportunity to vote” on options for the facility’s future.

Cr Mackenzie defended councils’ decision to concrete cap the facility, citing the impacts of climate change.

“There are difficult trade-off decisions involved with future-proofing climateexposed facilities like the Newcastle Ocean Baths,” Cr Mackenzie said.

“The restoration has to respond to the challenges of the future climate, the associated storm events and rising sea levels which all point to increased wave

overtopping volumes and more frequent overtopping events.”

Deputy Mayor Declan Clausen said the upgrades had to conform to a Coastal Zone Management plan, a state government requirement that ensured coastal assets addressed rising sea levels.

The upgrade would raise the height of the baths by 1,500mm.

“People consistently tell us they like to walk in the baths … if you leave the baths as is, soon people will no longer be able to walk on the bottom,” Cr Clausen said.

“Engineering advice also showed that there’s fundamentally no difference to the current formation of the baths and what would happen with a concrete cap and the amount of sand that will be deposited on the floor.”

Brown has asked locals to sign an online petition, urging local councillors to act.

“We’re not asking to stop the whole lot because a lot of work needs to be done, but asking to defer the upgrades and work with the community to ensure that for the first time, there is proper due diligence and independent assessments occurring to substantiate any radical changes.

“We want to work with council throughout that entire process to achieve the best outcome for all people in Newcastle and protect and preserve our priceless and iconic asset.”

Brown said they would continue to try and gain urgent state heritage protection for the entire crown lands site and “prevent the de facto privatisation” of the baths’ pavilion in Stage 2 of the upgrade.

The Newcastle Ocean Baths will be closed for the duration of the work, which is expected to be completed by mid-2023.

The next stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade will focus on the pavilion and surrounding public areas.

Maia O’Connor

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Tragic tales emerge from the ashes

The fire decimated two of the three warehouses Photo source: FRNSW

As the flames settled at Wickham woolshed fire, heartbreaking stories Novocastrians impacted by blaze began to emerge from ashes.

the the of the the

At the height of the March 1 blaze, 100 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crew members and 30 trucks attended the scene.

The former woolsheds are now being used as a self-storage business, with commercial office spaces and studios within.

“Sometime after 2.30 pm firefighters entered the building and launched an internal fire attack to attempt to bring the fire under control, however, due to the enormous fuel load in the building, the fire spread rapidly, forcing the crews back due to the intense heat and flames,” a FRNSW statement read.

“Crews then launched an external attack on the fire in an attempt to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings, as well as a nearby Ampol fuel reserve containing more than 8 million litres of diesel and unleaded fuel.”

While residents in neighbouring suburbs reported debris falling from the sky, power was cut to the storage facility as well as 1,200 nearby homes and businesses.

The fire was escalated to a ‘10th alarm’, the most severe type of fire, and took four hours to bring under control.

Later that evening, residents from more than 50 homes and 200 units along Annie Street, Milford Street, The Avenue and part of Robert Street were evacuated to the Goodlife Church on Albert Street in Wickham.

While the two large adjoining brick warehouses perished in the blaze,

firefighting crews were able to save the third remaining warehouse and battled hard to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties.

Owner of Two Frida’s vintage store, Kate Warner, said her office space was among the fire’s victims.

Warner was in Maitland when the first alarms sounded and immediately drove back to Wickham, arriving just in time to see the flames engulf the middle woodshed where her store resided.

It housed over 1,000 vintage pieces from the 60s through to the 90s, as well as materials and equipment that she had acquired over her 20 years collecting.

Warner shared her heartbreaking story on social media and said that, inside, nothing survived the intensity of the fire.

“People were running their livelihoods and businesses out of those two buildings,” Warner said.

“I think a lot of people thought they were abandoned, but those two buildings were thriving hubs of activity and my heart goes out to people who lost so much in the fire.”

Warner told NovoNews that she had already calculated the cost of the blaze, and said that if she was to go out and start again, it would cost about $40,000 dollars.

“I didn’t lose my livelihood and I’m grateful for that, but what I did lose was my passion, my happy place and my safe place, and my space to express my creativity which is really important for my mental health and wellbeing,” Warner said.

Zara’s House, a local refugee charity, was also among the occupants that lost everything in the fire.

As a secondary space that stored donated goods from the community, the storage facility had

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at Wickham woolshed fire

Smoke plumed from the warehouse and could be seen from across Newcastle, reaching as far as Stockton Photo: NovoNews

nonetheless been instrumental to their operations.

Sister Santleben said when Zara’s House approached Wickham Self Storage for assistance, they had generously complied, and the charity had been using the premise for 14 years, completely free of charge.

“Since then, we’ve worked out that they have donated about $70,000 worth of storage space to us,” Sister Santleben said.

“We’re devastated on management’s behalf – we’ve just loss stuff, whereas they’ve lost their business and these are some of the most generous people in Newcastle.”

Sister Santleben also mourned an iconic piece of Hunter history, lost to the flame.

The former woolsheds were an iconic feature in the Wickham landscape for more than 80 years, and in more recent

times, Sister Santleben said occupants had forged a real community at the site.

“A gentleman called Ray, who owned a furniture business, would sometimes sell stuff for our organisation, free of charge, and give us the money … it was a real community down there,” she said.

While occupants have only just begun picking up the pieces of their lost businesses, authorities warned that persisting fires and risk of structural collapse meant the operation on the ground was still ongoing.

“We have a number of aerial trucks working to extinguish relenting fires, which will take some time due to the difficult access in place due to structural integrity of the building,” an FRNSW spokesperson said.

As no internal supports remain in place, FRNSW held grave concerns for the building’s risk of complete collapse.

“All that remains are external brick

walls of buildings that are about four levels high and they are at significant risk of collapse … it is a situation we are monitoring.”

FRNSW and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) are also investigating reports of asbestos contamination in neighbouring areas.

“The roof of the building appears to have been made of Super Six sheeting which contains asbestos … however, recent rain has mitigated the risk of asbestos exposure, making it very low,” the FRNSW spokesperson assured.

A spokesperson from EPA explained that the wet weather had reduced the asbestos risk to the community.

“Air monitors have been deployed in the vicinity of Wickham following the fire to help ease community concerns about asbestos air pollution, and we have a specialist asbestos assessor working with us in the area.

“The community should be cautious and stay away from any suspected asbestos material. Community members can contact the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555 to report any suspected asbestos they see.”

In the coming days, FRNSW will be working with the EPA, City of Newcastle and structural engineers to ensure the structural integrity of the building, as well as continue the cleanup efforts.

During a public meeting on March 2, authorities revealed that demolition of the buildings may soon start and that some residents may not be able to return to their neighbouring homes for up to a month.

A police strike force has also been established to investigate the cause of the blaze.

Maia O’Connor

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Local Ukrainian community condemn overseas conflict

Labor leader Anthony Albanese and Federal MP for Newcastle Sharon Claydon visited the Adamstown parish on February 27 Photo source: Sharon Claydon MP Facebook

The Ukrainian Catholic community in Adamstown can do nothing but watch on in horror as tragic scenes unfold in their ancestral homeland of Ukraine.

On February 24, Russia launched a large-scale military invasion in their country, in a move that signalled a threat to global democracy and the nation’s independence.

Despite rising tensions in the region, Wolodymyr Motyka from Newcastle’s Ukrainian Catholic Church community said local Ukrainians “wanted to be wrong” about a potential war in their homeland.

Now, he said, their worst nightmares had come true.

“There are feelings of great emotional disturbance and upset in our community because the world has become a smaller place when we can watch the conflict unfolding in real-time through our screens,” Motyka said. “(Among) my distant relations – the males have had to stay to fight, and the women and children have had to flee,” he said.

Motyka said that there was “no provocation” to the assault.

“Ukrainians didn’t do anything – they were trying to make a life out of the wreckage that the Soviet Union had created after its collapse in 1991, and among Baltic countries, Ukraine declared independence,” he said.

The community condemned the recent “barbaric killings” of citizens by Russian

forces, who Motyka said had so far unleashed attacks on kindergartens and civilian housing complexes during the conflict.

“A few nights ago, the Russians sent their missiles into multi-storey civilian apartments in the city … it’s not a military base; it’s just ordinary people’s apartments,” Motyka said.

“They sent rockets into them and destroyed it … this is housing for people with children, women, grandparents …. it’s a crime against humanity.”

He implored the Federal Government to increase weaponry support and offer timely financial and humanitarian aid.

“Send medications, send people into neighbouring countries to assist humanitarian efforts there, and open the doors like the Australian government did when they brought waves of displaced people here in WWII,” he said.

He said the local Ukrainian community would also like to see temporary visas granted to Ukrainian nationals, reuniting them with remaining family and helping them rebuild their lives.

“I’ve had a fellow in our community tell me that he has a brother and his wife in Kyiv … he asked how I could help get them out – and urgently,” Motyka said.

Motyka reached out to immigration and Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, who, alongside Labor leader Anthony Albanese, attended the parish on February 27 in a show of solidarity with the community.

Claydon said it was a privilege to light

a candle with Anthony Albanese and Father Paul Berezniuk at the Ukrainian Catholic Church and joined Motyka in condemning the conflict.

“The acts of the last few days mark a grave moment for humanity …

Australians are united in our condemnation of Russia and Mr Putin’s unjustified act of aggression, an act which we are seeing played out on our screens,” Claydon said.

“The stories from people like Stefania are truly heartbreaking … Stefania is 96 years old, and she fled Ukraine from the Germans and Russians after WWII. “Today, her community has to witness another generation of Ukrainians bravely defending their country again.”

Anthony Albanese echoed the MP’s sentiment.

“Another generation of Ukrainians have been bravely and fiercely defending their country against Russian military invasion,” he said.

“Australia stands united against this unprovoked attack.”

Motyka said the response from the politicians and people within the Hunter community had been overwhelming.

“Our priest has been getting a flood of emails from Hunter locals voicing their support, and on Sunday, people that are not members of the parish came with placards to raise awareness of the gravity of what is taking place,” Motyka said.

Motyka said plenty of action could be taken by Novocastrians wanting to support Ukraine.

“From the humanitarian side, anyone who is prepared to give any kind of financial donations should try Charitas or Ukraine in Crisis fund.”

He also warned Novocastrians to be wary of the information they were consuming online relating to the conflict.

“Turn to reliable sources to get information and report false news and other media,” he said.

“Otherwise, turn to your local parish if you seek information – we will endeavour to answer and help in the best way we can.”

Newcastle Socialist Alliance (NSA) has announced a protest against the conflict at Civic Park on March 6, starting at 2 pm.

“Newcastle has a proud history of protesting against war,” a spokesperson for NSA said.

“We support calls for Russia to halt the invasion immediately and withdraw its military from Ukraine’s territory and airspace, and a return to diplomacy to de-escalate the situation and resolve the current impasse.

“The alliance is also calling on the right to democratic self-determination for the Ukrainian people, as well as a commitment from all sides to a peaceful resolution.

Motyka said that every Australian that stood with Ukraine was also Ukrainian.

“No matter what country you’re in or background you’re from, everyone values freedom,” he said.

Maia O’Connor

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Sydney sludge won’t be dumped in Newcastle Following a sustained community campaign, toxic sludge from the construction of Sydney’s Northern Beaches link will not be dumped in Newcastle.

In November 2021, Transport for NSW documents revealed that 12,000 cubic metres of toxic sludge were to be disposed of in Newcastle.

The sludge dug up during the North Sydney infrastructure project contained lead, mercury, silver, zinc, PFAS chemicals and dioxins.

NSW Labor said it appeared that plans

by Transport for NSW and the State Government to settle the dredged sludge in Newcastle were made without widespread community consultation.

The community only became aware of the Government’s plan to dump the chemical sludge in Newcastle when a report was published at the closure of that consultation period.

Newcastle community backlash was immediate, with 15,000 people signing a Parliament of NSW ePetition against the move.

NSW Shadow Minister for Roads John Graham took the Government and department to task on the proposal in Budget Estimate hearings.

Graham said Newcastle had plenty of industrial waste of its own and didn’t need 12,000 cubic metres of sludge shipped in from the Sydney Harbour.

“This sediment is hard to dispose of safely because it contains two centuries of lead, mercury, copper, silver, zinc and also contains PFAS, tributyltin and dioxins,” he said.

“The fact that this toxic sludge has to be barged so far raises serious questions

Transport of NSW documents revealed that 12,000 cubic metres of toxic sludge was planned to be disposed of in Newcastle Photo: Darklight Creative

about the whole operation.”

Under the NSW Government’s initial proposal, the material was to be processed on a barge in Middle Harbour before heading to Newcastle.

The waste would remain in the barge until being loaded into trucks and taken to a suitably licensed waste facility such as Summerhill Waste Management Centre or Cleanaway

Beresfield Newcastle.

On March 1, Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary, Infrastructure and Place Camilla Drover stated that the sludge would not be transported to Newcastle.

Instead, the sludge would be barged to a location near the area’s Spit Bridge, then taken to an accredited facility in Sydney chosen by the contractor.

State Member for Newcastle Tim

Crakanthorp said he was thrilled with the decision.

“This proposal should never have been on the table,” he said.

“The pushback to this ludicrous plan was fierce and rightly so. Newcastle is not Sydney’s dumping ground, and we should not take their waste while they get the infrastructure.”

Hayley McMahon

Call to help flood victims Lifeline is calling for the support of Hunter residents as it rallies to help victims of the devastating floods that have hit northern NSW. CEO of Lifeline Hunter and Lifeline Northern Rivers, Rob Sams, has secured extra space next to Lifeline Hunter’s warehouse at 27/54 Clyde Street Hamilton North, where locals can donate clothes and accessories to be distributed to people in Lismore and surrounding areas.

“People have lost everything; putting clothes on people’s backs will help them to go about their daily lives,” Sams said.

“It is a small but practical gesture for people as they clean up and try to move forward.”

Despite its own losses in the floods, Lifeline is urging people who are struggling to cope with the impacts of the disaster to call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

“On top of drought, bushfires and the impacts of COVID-19, these floods may push some people to breaking point, but Lifeline is here to offer hope and support,” Sams said.

“It is important that people do not suffer in silence – together, we can get through this.”

In Lismore, Lifeline has lost its 13 11 14

Community members can donate clothes and accessories to be distributed to people in Lismore and surrounding areas that have been affected by the recent floods Photo: Anthony Albanese Twitter

call centre, warehouse, and three Lifeline shops.

“We moved everything from one shop to the warehouse prior to the floods, but we didn’t expect the flooding to be so severe – we have lost everything, including our ute and trucks,” he said.

“Other Lifeline call centres including

the Hunter and Central Coast will pick up the 13 11 14 calls which will be vital for people in the coming months.”

He said Lifeline usually accepted clothing donations to sell in its shops to fund its services, but this time it would distribute directly to people in partnership with those running local

evacuation centres.

Anyone wishing to volunteer and help receive and sort through donations can call Lifeline Hunter on 1300 152 854.

People wishing to donate to Lifeline as it rebuilds its services in Lismore can do so on its website or any Lifeline shop.

Information source: Lifeline Hunter

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Helping shape the City’s future Applications for community representative positions on the City’s advisory committees are now officially open, giving Novocastrians the chance to help shape the future of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle has opened expressions of interest for a limited number of community representative positions on six advisory committees.

The representatives would provide advice and guidance to the elected Council and City of Newcastle on matters of strategic significance and identify opportunities that would help benefit the community.

New members of the City’s advisory committees will join existing community members and City of Newcastle staff to help shape critical policies and initiatives across the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the volunteer representatives on the committees played an essential role in helping shape the shared vision of the Community Strategic Plan.

“We’re looking for individuals from all walks of life, including those with experience in or a passion for areas including urban planning, arts, heritage, innovation, smart infrastructure, the environment and transport, as well as champions for access and inclusion and advocates for Indigenous issues,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Community members with lived experience or expertise in these areas are an invaluable resource whose

The first ceremonial meeting of the new City of Newcastle Council in the City Hall Chamber Photo: Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Facebook

perspective or skills can help identify challenges and opportunities for our city and provide guidance during the development of key strategies designed to make Newcastle a better place to live, work in and visit.

“With a new Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, expected to be finalised later this year following the current period of public exhibition, we will have a new shared vision for Newcastle and will look to these advisory committees for guidance as we put this plan into action.”

Membership of the committees includes up to three Councillors, the Lord Mayor, stakeholders, and three community representatives.

Councillor Margaret Wood previously served on the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee as a community member and will now act as co-chairperson.

“As a community member of the previous committee, I found that it was a great opportunity to contribute to change,” Cr Wood said.

“I felt that the diverse perspectives of committee members added a lot of value to the City’s work implementing the first Disability Inclusion Action Plan and in developing the new Action Plan.

“I encourage people with lived experience of disability to apply to become involved with the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee.”

The committees that have casual vacancies for community representatives include the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee; Community and Culture Advisory Committee; Liveable Cities Advisory Committee; Infrastructure Advisory Committee; Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee; and the Guraki Advisory Committee.

Expressions of Interest to join the advisory committees can be submitted until March 20.

Further information on the positions, the process and the eligibility criteria can be found on the City of Newcastle’s website.

Information source: City of Newcastle

Newcastle Greens announce federal election candidate With the federal election to be held early this year, some parties are beginning their campaigns in earnest including the Newcastle Greens recently announcing their federal candidate.

Newcastle Ward 2 Greens councillor Charlotte McCabe was announced as the federal candidate for the Newcastle Greens on February 25 at a campaign launch on Kooragang Island.

Along with her councillor duties, Cr McCabe is a primary school teacher, community activist, and previously a candidate for the Greens in the 2019 state election.

The campaign launch was also attended by Greens leader Adam Bandt and NSW lead Senate candidate David Shoebridge.

“I’m deeply honoured that the Newcastle community has recently elected me to council, and now I hope to run a vibrant, positive and inspiring campaign that demonstrates what Greens’ policies will achieve for the country,” Cr McCabe said.

“Newcastle residents know David Shoebridge and know what a huge win for Newcastle his election would be as he understands our city and our issues in fine-grain detail.”

Cr McCabe said Newcastle would benefit greatly if the Greens gained a balance of power in the upcoming

Newcastle Greens federal candidate Charlotte McCabe Photo: Supplied

federal election.

“We have fantastic opportunities in Newcastle and the Hunter to maintain our rightful place as the energy powerhouse of NSW,” Cr McCabe said.

“As the world’s biggest exporter of coal, Newcastle can lead by example and put in place the jobs and industries of the future right now, before our coal exports wind up and before climate impacts worsen.

“We have incredible renewable energy resources here with huge offshore wind potential as well as onshore wind and solar access … and, in addition, we have a high voltage transmission grid that’s primed to transport clean energy to our homes and sustain new manufacturing

industries like green steel and green hydrogen.”

Cr McCabe said it was essential to have more Greens in parliament to block “outdated policies and support positive change”.

She said focused key issues would include affordable housing, mental and dental health care and making all levels of education free.

“The Greens are the only party that is offering genuine, positive solutions,” Cr McCabe said.

“We are the only serious alternative to the increasingly indistinguishable major parties.”

Cr McCabe has been a spokesperson

for the Tighes Hill Community Group on coal terminal related issues, including coal dust, ammonium nitrate storage and coal port diversification.

She’s also been a spokesperson for the Protect Our Coast Alliance on the successful Stop PEP11 offshore gas campaign.

“I’ve worked as a teacher in Victoria, the Northern Territory and New South Wales, and I’ve seen first hand struggling public schools, exhausted teachers and kids slipping through the cracks without the support they need,” Cr McCabe said.

“I’ve been involved with grassroots, community campaigns to protect nature across the country, but despite having the science, the economics and community support on our side, we lost nearly every campaign.

“So, after witnessing social and environmental injustices worsening, I decided to step up and get involved.”

According to an Australian Parliament statement, if the Government holds a normal House of Representatives and half-Senate federal election, election day must be no later than May 21, 2022.

The statement said the Government could change its current sitting calendar, but if the Federal Budget is handed down on March 29, there would only be three possible election days, May 7, 14 and 21.

Hayley McMahon

novonews.com.au

Henry Lawson and the Wickham School of Arts It is not well known that Wickham School of Arts was frequented by one of the two greatest Australian literary figures, Henry Lawson.

The Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) is presently renovating the old structure.

This will result in a fine building in the heart of our new CBD, adjacent to where visitors arrive in Newcastle (Newcastle Interchange).

This is ideal for a Heritage Centre, where people can meet and learn about Newcastle’s fascinating past and over

OVOFORUM two hundred years of extraordinarily diverse development.

The installation of a photo gallery, a coffee shop, even classes on the subject would be great possibilities.

Many local enthusiasts would volunteer to be part of it.

Perhaps the HCCDC might be wise to seek suggestions before determining the building’s future.

F.Whitaker, Newcastle

Volunteers needed at New Lambton charity Can you spare 2-3 hours a week to visit a local family?

We are seeking volunteers to help local families who need extra support.

If you: • Are a parent or have direct parenting/ caring experience • Love children • Are non-judgemental, caring and reliable • Have a desire to make a difference in the lives of young children and parents • Can attend our free training and

OVOFORUM preparation course We will match you to a local family with preschool-aged children needing a little extra support.

Our next volunteer preparation course (one day per week for six weeks) starts Tuesday, March 8. Face to Face and Zoom course delivery options are available.

Go to homestartaustralia.org to register or call Kat on 4952 9488 or Val on 0414 547 781 for more information.

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NovoForum: A voice for all Novocastrians Do you have an opinion about something in the Newcastle community? A compliment? A concern? A rebuttal? Or simply an observation that you believe serves the public interest.

NovoForum is here to provide an outlet for Novocastrians to discuss, offer insight, share knowledge, and have their say about local issues that matter to them.

NovoNews encourages all groups and individuals in Newcastle to contribute their news, opinions, community comments, notices and items of interest for publication.

Please send your entries to editorial@novonews.com.au and include a full name and suburb to be published. All entries are subject to our final editorial discretion.

All content must be readable and coherent and must not be offensive or defamatory – the Editor reserves the right to truncate, amend or not to publish any material sent to us.

Join the Merewether Seaside Probus Club Are you looking for friendship, fellowship and fun in retirement?

Merewether Seaside Probus Club are looking for new members to join.

After Covid-19 restrictions, the club are finding that people are seeking to join social community groups once again. They would love to welcome new members to join the club over 2022!

Merewether Seaside Probus Club

OVOFORUM meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 10.30 am at Souths Merewether Leagues Club, 46 Llewellyn St, Merewether NSW 2291.

For further information email: merewetherseasideprobus@gmail. com or Phone 02 4963 6093.

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Local disability group welcomes new initiative Life Without Barriers has applauded City of Newcastle’s recent decision to adopt a Disability Inclusion Action Plan to achieve an inclusive and accessible city for all.

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 (DIAP) was unanimously adopted by the newly elected Council on February 22, making City of Newcastle the first one in New South Wales to adopt a DIAP under the current legislation.

Domonic Freestone of Life Without Barriers said the DIAP played a vital role in ensuring that people living with a disability had increased community participation and inclusion opportunities.

“A more inclusive and accessible community allows those with disability opportunities for employment, social engagement and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society which has major impacts on self-worth and how others view us,” Freestone said.

Freestone, who lives with quadriplegia, said the action plan gave the community a voice and platform to help drive meaningful change over “tokenistic” disability projects.

“Often disability is pictured as wheelchair access, and little thought is given to disabilities like anxiety, vision impairment, sensory processing disorders, hearing impairment, and so many other ‘invisible’ disabilities,” Freestone said.

“Whether it be audio descriptions of artworks, low sensory sessions in public spaces and shopping centres or Auslan interpreters, there is always more that we can do as a community to strengthen participation and social inclusion.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said addressing inclusion required a multi-faceted approach, but one of the most powerful places to start was increasing awareness and understanding of disability.

“The DIAP acts as a roadmap to guide City of Newcastle’s actions and establish strategies to ensure we create an inclusive community for all people who live, visit and work in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“All people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and have equal access to social, recreational, educational, economic and employment opportunities.

“Community attitudes and behaviours can have a significant impact on the lives of people with a disability – it is up to all of us to ensure that impact is a positive one.”

Actions and strategies presented in the DIAP are categorised within four focus areas, which include developing positive community attitudes and behaviours, creating liveable communities, supporting access to meaningful employment and improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes.

“DIAP not only benefits those living with disability, but they help us as a community to grow and understand each other,” Freestone said.

Dominic Freestone (right) believes greater inclusivity and accessibility allows opportunities for people living with a disability Photo source: Life Without Barriers

“Social isolation, disconnecting from the community, and reduced self-worth have gone hand in hand with disability for too long.

Among the 35 key actions to be carried out under the DIAP, a commitment to leading by example with public programming is included.

“We’re already working towards this through our cultural facilities, where we deliver public programming that is not only accessible and inclusive but also reflects the diversity of disabilities in our community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Examples of this include the low sensory sessions at Newcastle Museum developed in consultation with Autism Awareness Australia, and last year’s Sea, Space & Beyond exhibition at the Museum in partnership with Vision Australia, which featured artworks created by the blind, low vision and sighted communities.

“The month-long Count Us In program was also established as an action of the previous DIAP, and included disability awareness training, cultural and arts events, inclusive sports and games, and

a range of other events to highlight inclusion.”

Cr Nelmes said City of Newcastle was currently finalising a grants program for the festival, which will help empower the community to deliver this year’s event.

“By keeping disability front of mind and on people’s agenda, we can challenge the community dialogue to enhance positive attitudes and behaviours towards disability,” she said.

Maia O’Connor

The DIAP acts as a roadmap to guide City of Newcastle’s actions and establish strategies to ensure inclusivity in the city Photo source: Life Without Barriers

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An avenue for workplace inclusion and accessibility

Mark Pereira and Avenue animal care team co-ordinator Kylie Margetts looking after a client’s dog Photo: Supplied

A Hunter work-based day program has officially opened at Warabrook, opening up an avenue for real social and economic inclusion for people with a disability.

Avenue is a disability day program where people of all abilities are supported to complete work tasks, socialise and develop their skills, regardless of their support needs.

The program opens prospects for people with disabilities to find tailored work-based opportunities in profitsharing microbusiness teams.

Co-founder and CEO Laura O’Reilly joined one of the centre’s first participants, Julie Clifton, and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation chair, Jennifer Leslie, to cut the ribbon at the February 23 opening.

O’Reilly said team members kept the income they earned, which she said was an opportunity that many people with profound disabilities were otherwise denied.

“Avenue flips the traditional models of work on their heads by redesigning traditional workflows to meet people’s abilities and support needs,” O’Reilly said.

“Work should be accessible to all, and Avenue sets a new standard for social and economic inclusion for people with a disability.

“People are embracing our approach including support workers, community groups, parents and carers of people with a disability, and funding partners such as Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.”

She said the microbusinesses served individual and business clients with skill-building work activities, including letterbox distributions, fulfilling online orders for retailers,

animal care and gardening.

Bringing Avenue to Newcastle and the Hunter has been a priority for O’Reilly, as it is one of Australia’s highest-need areas for quality disability support services.

According to the City of Newcastle, seven per cent of its residents receive disability support benefits compared to five per cent across NSW. Program participant Julie Clifton said there had been nothing like Avenue in her area.

The East Maitland resident joined in October and is a key member of the order fulfilment team.

She has also studied peer mentoring

and has started her Certificate II in Auslan at TAFE to broaden her skills.

“Avenue helps give me purpose and is building my self-confidence, social skills and work skills,” Clifton said.

“I love earning my own money, but I am most proud of meeting new people and socialising at Avenue.”

Clifton said she was determined to use her lived experience of intellectual disability to help others reach their goals and live their dreams.

“Leaving each day, I feel confident and happy from having achieved the goals of the day. Never give up on the job until you have finished the tasks set on the day,” Clifton said.

Participant Julie Clifton, Charitable Foundation CEO Carly Bush, Avenue CEO Laura O’Reilly and Charitable Foundation Chair Jennifer Leslie Photo: Supplied

“I have courage and am determined to never give up on anything in life.”

A $160,000 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation grant helped create the purpose-built space.

Charitable Foundation Chair Jennifer Leslie said the foundation was pleased to help bring much-needed support to the region.

“Purposeful work and recognition are vital for everyone,” Leslie said.

“Avenue’s approach delivers realworld work skills as well as supporting participants to socialise with teammates and develop their individual skills.

“With the goal to attract around 80 team members in its first year, we know it will make a significant positive impact on our local community.”

Avenue is a social enterprise that is part of not for profit organisation Fighting Chance, which O’Reilly and her brother Jordan founded in 2009.

The pair were inspired by the experience of their brother, Shane, whom they said was let down by a society defining him by his disability.

Avenue now supports more than 400 people with disability across five coworking spaces, with the other four centres in Sydney.

Newcastle centre has quiet spaces, sensory rooms, fully accessible bathrooms, and a range of other features to facilitate full participation in various tasks, engagement, and learning.

Avenue is taking registrations for participants in its work and social programs and seeking expressions of interest for partnerships from the community.

For more information, visit Avenue’s website.

Hayley McMahon

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Support group to assist suicide attempt survivors

Eclipse is a confidential, eight-week online support group hosted by Lifeline encouraging suicide attempt survivors to gain help for their recovery Photo: Supplied

Trigger warning: This article contains content about suicide.

A Hunter crisis support agency encourages suicide attempt survivors to gain help for their recovery through a group program starting this month.

Eclipse is a confidential, eight-week online support group hosted by Lifeline that gives survivors the chance to talk to other survivors and learn skills that may help them cope with feelings and suicide ideation.

Lifeline Hunter Central Coast CEO,

Rob Sams, said the Eclipse support group was a safe and non-judgemental place where participants could meet for two hours once a week.

“A suicide attempt is one of the most significant risk factors for further suicide attempts,” Sams said.

“Improving the care for people after a suicide attempt, whether it be recent or an attempt in the past, helps to reduce suicide attempts and suicide deaths.

“Reducing suicide attempts also reduces the impacts on loved ones, friends, first responders and the health service.”

Lifeline Hunter Central Coast CEO Rob Sams Photo: Supplied

Sams said the program was run by Lifeline facilitators trained in suicide prevention.

Due to it being online, Eclipse is also accessible to people across the Hunter and Central Coast without needing to travel.

He said participants would all start simultaneously and complete the eight weeks together, making it more comfortable to share personal information.

Sams said the program was a support group, not therapy, and although participants did not need a referral,

additional support from a health professional was encouraged.

Eclipse is a component of the AfterCare pilot program funded by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.

To find out more or register, call 1300 152 854.

Lifeline services: Telephone: 13 11 14 (24 hours) l Lifeline Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight) l Chat online: www. lifeline.org.au (7pm-midnight) l Face to face and video counselling bookings: 1300 152 854.

Hayley McMahon

Harrison calls on government to bolster Sexual Violence Helpline State Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison has called on the State Government to boost funding for the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline, after it was revealed that one in three calls to the service were unanswered.

The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline is a service operated by Full Stop Australia with funding from the NSW Government, providing 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling for anyone in Australia who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault, family or domestic violence.

In a pre-Budget submission, Full Stop Australia recently called for $923,701 in additional core funding over four years to cover operational costs and to meet increased demand for the helpline services.

“The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline is at the front line of supporting victimsurvivors, receiving 14,089 calls and online contacts last year,” Harrison said.

“Unfortunately, at current funding levels, 29 per cent of calls to the Helpline were unable to be answered.

“That means almost one in three people who are reaching out for help aren’t able to access assistance through the Sexual Violence Helpline.”

In her role as Shadow Minister for the

Harrison said NSW Sexual Violence Helpline received 14,089 calls and online contacts last year

Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Harrison advised that “sexual assault is the fastest-growing reported crime category in NSW, increasing by six per cent each year over the last five years.”

Harrison said unanswered calls to the helpline weren’t a result of employees not wanting to help but because they were overwhelmed by the number of people looking for help.

“I’m calling on the Government to ensure that every person who reaches out to the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline is able to access its much-needed support,” Harrison said.

New data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show male sexual assault offenders have increased by 13 per cent over the past 10 years, with 53,570 sexual assault offenders recorded between 2010/11 and 2019/20.

Full Stop Australia’s CEO Hayley Foster said the data highlighted a clear need for long term and consistent funding for sexual violence services across Australia.

“Sexual violence is a major national health and welfare issue, impacting people of all ages, ethnicities and genders, but predominately women and children,” Foster said.

“Everyone impacted by sexual violence deserves to be supported in their safety and recovery.”

Full Stop Australia has coordinated the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline for almost 50 years, supporting survivors and their loved ones to recover after experiencing sexual violence.

“The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline has not received a substantial increase to funding in over 35 years … demand for sexual assault services has continued to grow, yet there has not been a corresponding increase in funding to meeting increased client needs,” Foster said.

Foster noted that there were now strong community expectations that sexual assault services would be available to anyone impacted by sexual violence and was hopeful the NSW Government would ensure greater funding in the upcoming budget.

Maia O’Connor

novonews.com.au

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Newcastle researchers get creative to support healthy ageing minds

Researchers will compare art-making to songwriting to determine the effectiveness of each activity in maintaining a healthy mind Photo: Aged Care Guide

Researchers at the University of Newcastle will investigate how the creative arts can support healthy brains and healthy minds as we age and prevent the onset of diseases such as dementia.

The multi-disciplinary research team, led by Associate Professor Helen English, has secured a $75,000 Dementia Australia Research Foundation grant to run the comparative research study, investigating the specific effects of artmaking and songwriting on the brain and the subsequent cognitive and emotional processes in older adults.

The project aims to identify the important ingredients of creative activity programs that drive benefits in wellbeing, with an interdisciplinary team including Dr Sharon Savage, Dr Michelle Kelly and Professor Frini Karayanidis accompanying Professor English on her research quest.

“In this research, our team is driven by the need to find out what can help people sustain healthy brains and how to keep their brains active,” Professor English said.

“We already know that physical exercise helps, so we’re really interested to know what is special about creative

activities to help people ward off dementia.

“Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, we know how terrible it was for a lot of older adults, stuck in aged care with not a lot of stimulation, so we’re very keen to develop programs which do help people living with dementia.”

Professor English said creative arts activities helped engage thinking, emotions, creativity and imagination and complemented physical activity to promote well-being in older adulthood.

In a previous pilot study, Professor English linked creative activity with a significant increase in positive emotions, sense of accomplishment and other cognitive benefits.

“This new project is special because we’re comparing songwriting and artmaking specifically,” Professor English said.

“We’ve been doing songwriting because we were really interested in whether older adults could engage in songwriting if they have never done anything musical before, and we found they could.

“In this new study, we’ll look at the impact of creating music rather than just

Associate Professor Helen English Photo: University of Newcastle

singing along or listening to music … while the simple act of listening is positive, we thought it would be interesting to know whether people writing songs had even more benefit.”

She said music was among the most powerful triggers for dementia patients and was one of the last memories patients lost.

“There’s a lot of research into the impact of music – it has this incredible power to bring back memories for people living with dementia,” she said.

“We are doing group songwriting as well, so people are having to accommodate each other and listen and share stories.

“We’ll be then comparing that to artmaking, so it’ll be interesting to see whether art-making as a creative activity has the same sort of impact as being creative, or if there’s something specifically effective about music or art that you don’t find in the other.”

Researchers will also study how longlasting the impacts of creative activity are and how regularly courses have to be conducted to have an impact.

Professor English explained that the programs were usually tested first with healthy older adults.

They provide a baseline of how healthy people respond to arts and inform which effective programs are then delivered.

Professor English said that no matter how rewarding the project was, it had not been without its challenges.

Professor English predicted that the team might encounter difficulty accessing aged care communities to study due to concerns relating to the pandemic. Photo source: Pexels “Working across music, psychology, and art is really rewarding, and it’s great to be part of the team, although it’s also quite challenging because we have different ways of researching and we have to learn each other’s ways of doing things,” Professor English said.

Another challenge she outlined was the team’s ability to secure aged care facilities and communities willing to run the project during the pandemic.

Professor English is hopeful the study would improve dementia patients and their families despite the challenges.

In conjunction with the study, Professor English and her team will complete this year’s Memory Walk and Jog at Speers Point on March 27 to raise money for further Dementia Research.

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University of Newcastle’s new Asia Pacific hub The University of Newcastle has officially opened its new campus office at the Singapore National Library.

Newcastle Australia Institute of Higher Education, formerly known as UON Singapore, will be the University’s hub in the Asia Pacific.

The site was officially opened by University alumnus Dr Khaw Boon Wan, Chairman of SPH Media Trust, the Australian High Commissioner Mr William Hodgman and the ViceChancellor of the University of Newcastle Professor Alex Zelinsky, AO. Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said Singapore was one of Asia’s most advanced hubs for education, research and innovation.

“The Newcastle Australia Institute of Higher Education will be a strategic gateway that provides opportunities to connect our students and researchers with business and industry in the region and beyond,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“The refurbished facilities offer contemporary learning spaces – all designed with an excellent student experience in mind.

“We have around 7,500 University of

The Newcastle Australia Institute of Higher Education was officially opened by University alumnus Dr Khaw Boon Wan, Chairman of SPH Media Trust, the Australian High Commissioner, William Hodgman and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO Photo: University of Newcastle

Newcastle alumni who call Singapore home, and we continue to build strong links between our regions, despite more than 6,300 kilometres that separate us.

The University of Newcastle opened its first overseas campus in 2002, where it has delivered the University of

Newcastle’s programs in the region.

More than 4,000 students in Singapore have graduated with degrees from the University of Newcastle.

“The launch of the Institute and the move to this new location is the result

of considerable effort and planning by many people, and I thank everyone for their tremendous effort and congratulate you on this milestone,” Professor Zelinsky said.

Information source: University of Newcastle

New exhibition showcases issues that matter to Hunter students The impact of COVID-19 on the emotional and mental health of young people has emerged as a prominent theme in a new art exhibition by some of the Hunter and Central Coast’s top 2021 HSC Visual Arts students.

The 14th annual First Class exhibition at the Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) yapang, in Lake Macquarie, showcases the works of 47 local artists, with a wide variety of visual imagery and artistic techniques on display.

MAC’s exhibition offers young artists the opportunity to present their artwork within a gallery environment and to a wider audience.

Exhibition Curator Helen Willis said many featured artists had turned inwards to explore the impact of the pandemic.

“Themes of family, memories and the importance of home are distinctive concepts predominant in these times,” she said.

“Intimate works explore complex connections to home and identity, youth, personal relationships and culture.”

Willis said some of the students in the exhibition had examined the human condition through their work, questioning their place in this world.

“A deep connection to nature is also explored, with symbolic interpretations commenting on environmental impacts and ecological responsibilities,” she said.

Former Merewether High School HSC student Lili Sabine’s work includes eight

Lili Sabine from Merewether High used sculptural forms to explore the use of derogatory language aimed at women in today’s society Photo source: Lake Macquarie City

paper and cardboard sculptures, each representing derogatory language aimed at women in today’s society.

“I’ve noticed many subtle aggressions towards women just through language and tone,” she said.

“I really find that affects me a lot and I really wanted to make that the main focus of my work.

“I’m trying to encourage the audience to analyse how they exist in society and how they communicate. Not only how

they communicate, but how they receive media.”

The students were congratulated by Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, who said that as a collective, the thoughts and feelings of the artists were expressed beautifully.

“First Class never fails to astound me with the young talent we have in our community, and the connection our young people have with the issues that affect us all,” Cr Fraser said.

Other issues explored by the student cohort include concepts of identity, subjectivity, isolation as well as ecological responsibilities, and examine the complex connection between home, identity, personal relationships, and culture.

MAC Curator Courtney Wagner commended the student’s bravery and their openness to share their experiences through the language of art.

Information source: Lake Macquarie City

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Students bring fresh thinking to city’s innovation challenges Newcastle high school students recently participated in an innovation challenge where they tested out their design skills and worked towards innovative recycling solutions for local businesses.

The Sustainnovation Challenge is a community capacity-building project involving education, business, industry, and community, where city leaders volunteer their expertise and mentor students, helping to develop their skills and work towards a sustainable future.

Created by local company MCB Business Partner and in collaboration with City of Newcastle, the Sustainnovation Challenge consists of four innovative challenges where students work to solve problems, including social inclusion and accessibility, dealing with plastic, planning for an ageing community, and preparing for a creative economy.

Some schools which have partipated include San Clemente High School, Merewether High School, Macquarie College, Hunter School of Performing Arts, Newcastle Grammar School, and Bishop Tyrell Anglican College.

In November, Challenge #1 was focused on innovative ideas around how the community could benefit from being a smart and accessible city.

Since then, students from Bishop Tyrell Anglican College and Merewether High have been working to develop purposebuilt learning programs and experiences for teachers to incorporate in the current health, wellbeing, and relationships school curriculum.

This month’s Challenge #2 focused on how a smart city should deal with plastic.

Workshop presenter and sustainability project manager at Hunter New England Local Health District Elissa Klinkenberg Photo: Supplied

The two-day virtual workshop from March 2 to 3 included a series of preparation and discovery sessions with industry specialists.

Students then created and pitched their problem-solving ideas to a judging panel.

The most outstanding ideas to emerge from Challenge #2 also had the chance to progress to City of Newcastle’s Living Lab accelerator program to be further developed and possibly implemented.

Sustainnovation Challenge Program Director Duncan Burck said tapping into

students’ creativity, enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and insights was key to the project’s early success.

“We know young people come to problems with fresh thinking,” Duncan said.

“Following the program’s launch in late 2021, their contribution and visions have gone beyond our expectations.”

Workshop presenter and sustainability project manager at Hunter New England Local Health District Elissa Klinkenberg said their target to become waste neutral by 2030 had led to battery recycling and plans to expand paper and cardboard recycling, along with introducing organic waste recycling in staff tea rooms.

“In more recent months, our ‘sustainability champions’ have introduced recycling of IV bags, Kimguard, baby bottles, metal and plastic needle caps,” Klinkenberg said.

According to the NSW Government, an estimated 70 per cent of common waste across businesses in NSW can be reused or recycled, with most cardboard, papers, plastics and food surplus ending up in general bins.

In 2021, Germany held the lead world ranking by recycling 70 per cent of all waste material produced; in contrast, Australia was recycling only 41 per cent of its waste material.

“Recycling isn’t something that is embedded into everyday practices within hospitals or general healthcare settings,” Klinkenberg said.

“It can be and should be.”

Hayley McMahon

Opportunities aplenty for students who missed out on university offers Newcastle high school graduates who missed out on final university offers on March 3 are being reminded not to worry as a range of other career options were readily available.

The Careers Department works with 600 schools across Australia, including Newcastle Grammar School and Newcastle High School, helping give better insights into various industries and different career paths.

Co-Founder Samantha Devlin said many school leavers apply for university because they think it is expected of them.

“Our research shows more than a third of students graduate high school not knowing what they want to do as a career,” Devlin said.

“Many students choose university preferences based on what they feel they should do or conversations they’ve had with their parents.”

She said figures showed one in five students dropped out of their first year

School leavers could pursue opportunities alternative to university, including TAFE or apprenticeship programs Photo: Morgan Engineering

of university.

“What this tells us is there needs to be a stronger focus on educating teenagers about what job opportunities exist and what career paths, scholarships, and work programs are available.”

The Careers Department provides students with insights into industries ranging from education, economics and advertising to agriculture, food and fashion.

“We provide more than 800 pieces of

content including video interviews, podcasts, job finders, scholarship applications, and resume builders, and last year, 76,000 students participated in our virtual work experience programs,” Devlin said.

“We want to ensure location, network, and social demographic aren’t limiting students when they’re choosing their career.”

Devlin said students who missed out on university offers and still had their hearts set on a university degree could find alternative ways to gain entry, including internships, graduate programs, diplomas, bridging courses, and vocational studies.

“Take the opportunity to research your chosen career path, contact different universities for advice, and look at work experience options,” Devlin said.

“With borders now open again, it might even be the perfect opportunity to take a gap year and go travelling.”

Information source: The Careers Department

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Newcastle researcher’s work supports the end of plastic pollution

Pacific Island nations contribute as little as 1.3 per cent to global plastics pollution yet are on the frontline of the plastic crisis Photo: Supplied

A resolution to progress an international treaty to curb plastic pollution was adopted by the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly on March 2, and a University of Newcastle researcher’s work has been instrumental in supporting the arguments in favour of the treaty.

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) brings together representatives of the 193 Member States of the UN, businesses, civil society and other stakeholders to agree on policies to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

The fifth session of the UNEA took place online and in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 28 to March 2, where negotiations were discussed for the draft resolution, “End plastic pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument”.

University of Newcastle’s Pacific Node Coordinator and environmental anthropologist Dr Sascha Fuller was one of 15 researchers involved in the development of a Scientists’ Declaration on the Governance of Plastics and also co-authored the UN’s factsheets on Marine Litter, Plastic Pollution and Human Rights, both of which were used to support the recent UNEA negotiation.

Dr Fuller’s work focuses on delivering cooperative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges faced by Pacific Island communities in critical areas of environmental need and national priority.

The current priority is introducing a global full lifecycle approach to plastic pollution, which would hold plastic manufacturers and producers accountable.

This is a particularly important point for Pacific Island nations which contribute as little as 1.3 per cent to global plastics pollution yet are on the frontline of the

plastic crisis and are disproportionately impacted.

“For the last two years, I have been researching plastic pollution prevention in the Pacific regions,” Dr Fuller said.

“All in the lead up to these UNEA negotiations, we wanted to highlight the position of the Pacific Island nations and the strengths and weaknesses of the current plastic pollution policy frameworks.

“The factsheets and research highlight that the Pacific Island nations can’t act alone to prevent the flow of plastics, and a unified global approach to plastic pollution prevention was needed.”

Dr Fuller conducted her research with other academics from around the world, including Associate Professor Trisia Farrelly from New Zealand’s Massey University as well as members from the Centre for International Environmental Law, the Environmental Investigation Agency, the United Nations Environment

University of Newcastle’s Pacific Node Coordinator and environmental anthropologist Dr Sascha Fuller Photo: Supplied

Programme and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.

“While the land of the Pacific region is small, its ocean territory is huge,” Dr Fuller said.

“98 per cent of the Pacific region is ocean, and it makes up 10 per cent of the world’s oceans.

“They have a huge stake in policies that impact them and their waters, but their voice is not often amplified in these international negotiations, so this treaty is really important.”

Dr Fuller said the world was producing virgin polymer plastic at an unprecedented rate.

“Globally, we are already producing 368 million metric tonnes of virgin plastics annually, which is set to double by 2040,” Dr Fuller said.

“90 per cent of that plastic ends up in the environment, and for small island nations like the Pacific Island regions,

they bear the brunt of the impact.”

The new legally binding treaty aims to address pollution challenges facing small island nations, introducing the full lifecycle of plastics approach and placing the onus of plastic pollution back on the producers.

The hope is that the framework will extend the producer’s responsibilities to financial mechanisms like container deposit legislation and plastic buy-back schemes.

“Recycling should not be seen as the only viable solution to this plastic crisis; if we really want to prevent plastic pollution, we need to stop it at its source, and that’s with production,” Dr Fuller said.

“There is currently no onus of responsibility on producers to take back their plastics.

“This treaty is not just for the Pacific Island regions but for several countries, particularly small island states that have large oceans and are disproportionality impacted by the world’s plastic pollution.

“The resolution’s adoption is a huge win for island states and an incredible achievement for the Pacific.”

She said COVID-19 had also impacted and restricted the full and meaningful participation of the Pacific Island nations as they hadn’t been able to attend the international negotiations physically.

“Despite these limitations, they have made an incredible effort in having their voices heard and making sure their points were included in these international discussions,” Dr Fuller said.

The next steps involve an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee designing the terms of the new treaty.

Hayley McMahon

There is currently no onus of responsibility on producers to take back their plastics Photo: Supplied

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OVOSOCIETY

Meat: why sourcing quality matters

GEORGIA LIENEMANN

We’re venturing into new territory over the next few weeks and discussing the importance of sourcing quality meat, with plenty of practical tips and advice around how to go about it – even if you’re not across all the labels and faddish marketing claims and what they currently mean.

We’ll touch on labels next week – but trust me, there are shortcuts to finding the best available products and

labels are virtually useless in the process!

You may not be aware that we’re sitting in a gloriously abundant food bowl here on the coast – surrounded by some of the best farms you could hope for.

I’d hazard a guess that most people who source their meat at the supermarket, do so merely by default. They may not even realise that there are ways to access vastly superior local products which are significantly healthier and far more flavourful to boot.

The majority of our local farmers offer convenient shopping, with some of the bigger ones even equipped for online shopping with home delivery.

So, what’s the catch, then?

Most people assume that it’s more expensive to shop this way, but it depends entirely on the type, cut and amount of meat that you buy.

For example, I often purchase certified

biodynamic lamb from Moorlands – a farm down in the Southern tablelands who produce what is arguably the best lamb in the country. Vince is a sixthgeneration sheep farmer who took out the gold medal in the Delicious awards last year.

When I compare the prime cuts to the prices in the big supermarkets – they’re generally around half the price!

So, is there a catch?

In a nutshell, no - aside from taking the plunge and learning how to shop this way. It isn’t hard but takes some initiative and a few minor adjustments, such as storing your meat in the freezer rather than buying it fresh every few days. A small extra freezer in the garage can make this process pretty seamless.

Why does sourcing quality matter?

Given the fact that this is a huge, sprawling maze of a topic, in order to keep things simple, I’ll opt to frame it primarily through the lens of health.

The good news is that whenever we shop with health in mind, we’re invariably voting for agricultural practices which help restore the topsoil, sequester carbon and improve the local water cycle (which helps reduce the incidence of drought).

And by default, the most health-supportive products

come from animals which have been raised in the most ethical way, in terms of animal welfare.

Possibly the most overlooked benefit of supporting small-scale family farms instead of the big supermarket chains is the fact that it bolsters the local economy and local food security. And let’s face it, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better time to invest locally than when we’re on the brink of war.

What determines quality?

There appears to be a decent understanding of the benefits of organic or sprayfree, locally farmed produce among the general public.

However, from my observations, there’s still a widespread underestimation of the degree to which the diet, lifestyle and resulting health of the animals that people consume, impacts their own health.

Nutrients and toxins concentrate as we go higher up the food chain.

Most of us can easily grasp the idea that if plants are grown in depleted soils, they wont thrive or provide an optimal spectrum of nutrients when we consume them. By the same token, animals who graze on subpar plants in poor soils will not accumulate nutrients or produce healthy tissues relative to those who do. It’s an extension of the same concept.

If we eat a plant which has

been sprayed with harmful pesticides, those toxins are passed on to our bodies and need to be detoxified and excreted so as not to cause harm.

This happens effectively when we’re healthy. If we’re stressed, malnourished and generally in poor health, toxins are more likely to be stored in our tissues.

The same is true for animals. Healthy animals are more likely to detoxify efficiently, whereas stressed, sickly animals wont and studies have shown that the toxins tend to accumulate most in their fat and organs.

An animal with the rare privilege of enjoying a nutrient dense, biologically appropriate diet and stressfree existence – one which allowed them to express their innate, instinctive behaviours throughout the course of their life – is going to provide a far healthier product as a result.

What does your food eat?

You’ve heard the phrase ‘you are what you eat’. An additional distinction from the brilliant Michael Pollan, author of ‘An Omnivore’s Dilemma’ is that ‘you are what you eat, eats’.

To a large extent, the quality of the meat depends on the quality of the animal’s diet.

Whenever we deviate from feeding animals (including humans) their biologically appropriate diet, their health suffers – to varying

degrees, depending on the circumstances.

In Australia, there are much smaller discrepancies found in beef and lamb quality than there are with pork and poultry. This is because, unlike in some other parts of the world, cattle and sheep are predominantly grass-fed here and raised in an outdoor environment.

When it comes to pork and poultry, there is a broader scope of factors that affect their health and therefore a much bigger difference in meat quality at either end of the spectrum.

In the industrial model, these animals are more likely to be raised in large, overcrowded sheds with artificial lighting and limited access to the outdoors – a notoriously high stress environment which provides minimal opportunity to express their instinctive habits.

Pigs and birds in largescale intensive operations are often fed a much larger portion of processed foods, which is a far cry from what they would be eating in their natural habitat. Their feed is based on genetically modified grains and legumes which have been doused in glyphosate prior to harvest time (a routine practice called ‘dessication’).

This is a whole conversation unto itself, but the key takeaway is that if you’re concerned with quality – whether it be for health, animal welfare or environmental reasons – it’s essential to prioritise where you source your pork and poultry.

Beyond ‘grass fed’ and ‘organic’ Having been passionate about the link between food and health for many years, I’ve learnt that labels can be very misleading and are often quite irrelevant when you get deeper into the process of investigating.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be exploring the concepts of regenerative agriculture and holistic land management and learning why it is so beneficial across the board – for the soil, animal, farmer and consumer.

MARCH 2022 OVOSOCIETY 4ISSUE 012 P18novonews.com.au

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Planting trees for the Queen’s Jubilee Novocastrian groups and organisations are being encouraged to activate their green thumb in commemoration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Nominations are now open to Newcastle community-based groups for tree-planting events to mark Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years of service.

Community organisations can apply to the national program for up to $20,000 of funding to hold commemorative events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee while also helping to improve the nation’s tree canopy.

Across the Newcastle electorate, there is $100,000 of grant funding up for grabs, with all types of different groups and organisations encouraged to apply.

Eligible groups include not-for-profit organisations such as Scouts or Girl Guides, Landcare groups, government and non-government schools, P&C associations and local councils.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said this was an opportunity for the community to recognise the Queen’s service and improve Newcastle’s greenery.

“This is a terrific opportunity, but I know the $100,000 will disappear fast,” Claydon said.

“This program provides grants ranging from $2500 to $20,000 for up to 10 projects in Newcastle.

This national program aims to raise awareness of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee while also improving the nation’s tree canopy Photo: Sharon Claydon MP

“One catch is the trees have to be at least two metres tall when they mature, and there needs to be a formal event with a commemorative sign or plaque.”

Claydon said each Federal Member of Parliament had been charged with identifying and

nominating suitable projects.

“I’m calling for groups and organisations to put their hand up to apply for the funding,” she said.

“I’d encourage those who might be interested in putting forward a project to have a look at the program guidelines.”

Interested groups and organisations should lodge an expression of interest

by Friday, March 25.

Further information can be found on Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon’s website.

Hayley McMahon

Catching up over a cuppa to combat loneliness An initiative connecting community members over a cuppa has officially begun in Merewether, helping combat social isolation for Newcastle seniors.

NovaCare’s Scone Time encourages elderly community members, their carers, companions and family members to re-connect over morning tea.

Thirty residents came together for the launch of the social event hosted at the Milpara Merewether social centre on February 28.

Scone Time is also funded by the City of Newcastle’s Community and Economic Resilience Package, which aims to support vulnerable communities through the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

NovaCare Chief Executive Officer Joseph McCarthy said the funding would help host up to 20 events this year and allow the initiative to be rolled out across many locations in Newcastle.

“The pandemic has caused social isolation amongst older people, some of whom are now feeling lonely and hesitant to re-enter activities,” McCarthy said.

“City of Newcastle’s support will enable NovaCare to provide social reconnection to local seniors in a supported environment where they can share homemade scones, their thoughts and feelings, amongst great company.”

The free events are open to anyone over the age of 65, their carers and

Scone Time attendee Margaret Fullick, Newcastle Senior Citizen of the Year Jan Chamberlain, City of Newcastle Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland and NovaCare Chief Executive Officer Joseph McCarthy at today’s Scone Time event Photo: City of Newcastle

family members, with bookings made by contacting NovaCare.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said initiatives like Scone Time were important for the community as the impacts of COVID-19 continued to be felt.

“The last two years have presented challenges for everyone, but these are heightened amongst our elderly population,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Providing seniors with safe and supported opportunities to seek meaningful social connection will improve the wellbeing

of our community.”

City of Newcastle Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said continued community support would benefit the city’s most vulnerable residents.

“When the pandemic was declared in 2020, we moved quickly to deliver social, economic and well-being outcomes that would support our community,” Hyland said.

“As the effects of COVID-19 continued to impact our community with social and economic disruption, we extended our $5.5 million community and

economic resilience package to provide additional support with a targeted program including assistance for local charities and the most vulnerable in our community.”

Northern Settlement Services has also received funding under City of Newcastle’s Community and Economic Resilience Package.

The grant will be used for a social and recreational program for vulnerable cultural and linguistically diverse populations.

Information source: City of Newcastle

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Live performances set to reinvigorate Newcastle Newcastle’s rich cultural scene is set to be reinvigorated, with almost 70 live performances being delivered across 18 venues during the next two months.

The newly-opened Newcastle Comedy Club will join venues across the city, showcasing local performers’ talents as COVID-19 restrictions ease, encouraging more people to get out and about to experience the thrill of a live show and support the local industry.

Newcastle Comedy Club part-owner Allan Brady said the New York-style venue was the first dedicated comedy club to open its doors in Newcastle and came at a critical time.

“Novocastrians are craving a good time at the moment, and live comedy is the perfect antidote to beating the COVID-19 blues,” Brady said.

“Many local comics and performing artists are relying on venues like ours to remain open to invite them to perform, so the funding comes at a critical time for our industry and performer’s livelihoods.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was committed to reactivating Newcastle and creating new opportunities for live performances through the Locally Made and Played funding program.

“Few industries have been harder hit by the economic impact of the pandemic than the performing arts and hospitality sectors,” Cr Nelmes said.

(L-R) Comedian Eddy Rockefeller, Councillor Carol Duncan, cellist Naomi Dart, with Newcastle Comedy Club owners Elliott Stewart and Allan Brady Photo: City of Newcastle

“With the NSW Government easing COVID-19 restrictions, now is the perfect time to incentivise our city’s venues to host live performances as people start to return with a renewed confidence.

“Due to the current uncertainty for many venues relating to higher COVID-19 case numbers, we have extended the performance timeframe to include April, affording the venues greater flexibility to navigate these challenges.”

Following two successful funding

rounds in 2021, the criteria for Locally Made and Played has been broadened to allow a wider variety of venues and performance types, including live comedy and micro-theatre.

Venues were invited to apply for up to $1500 to host the live performances, with the funds used to support individual performers and artists at $300 per performance.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Cr Carol Duncan, said Newcastle’s embattled live music and cultural scene

was set to rebound with the support of the Locally Made and Played grants.

“Live performances funded by the Locally Made and Played grant will apply to performances that take place between March 2 and April 30, 2022, to coincide with the easing of restrictions,” Cr Duncan said.

“The funding will not only provide a boost to local venues financially hit as a result of COVID-19 but will also help support our home-grown talent right here in Newcastle.”

Information source: City of Newcastle

New event space to put Morisset on the map A new event space at Morisset set to host national and international headliners will create new economic and social opportunities in the city and put Lake Macquarie on the map as a premier event destination.

Lake Macquarie City Councillors voted unanimously to approve Winarch Capital’s development application for the Cedar Mill event site on the former Morisset Country Club golf course.

The entertainment facility will host a range of events, markets and functions with the capacity to stage outdoor performances for audiences of up to 30,000.

The development application for the event site is central to Cedar Mill’s multimillion dollar redevelopment of the golf course, including a tourist park, outdoor gardens, a café, a restaurant, a splash park, and other recreation areas.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the development would boost the profile of Morisset and help realise the area’s untapped potential.

“The development will have positive economic benefits for the Morisset and the city, facilitating exciting new tourism and entertainment opportunities,” Cr Fraser said.

“It will create jobs in the area and generate significant flow-on benefits for local tourism operators, hospitality vendors, equipment providers and

The facility will be able to cater for audiences of up to 30,000 people Image source: Lake Macquarie City

other businesses that support and supply the event industry.

“It will boost the night-time economy and provide much-needed new social and recreational amenities for the people of Morisset and surrounding communities.”

Cr Fraser said the Cedar Mill facility would help achieve desired growth and development outcomes for Morisset outlined in both Council’s strategic plans and the Draft Hunter Regional

Plan 2041, which identifies the town as a ‘Regionally Significant Growth Area’.

“Morisset is growing quickly already; investors and families have discovered the area’s attributes and are making the choice to relocate there,” Cr Fraser said.

“We have engaged the University of Newcastle to undertake a Resilience and Growth Study for Morisset and the South West Precinct to ensure that growth is sustainable and addresses the

needs of the community.”

Dantia CEO, Josh Sattler, said Cedar Mill’s redevelopment of the former golf course was a value-add proposition for a part of the city poised for significant transformation.

“Morisset has so many strategic and lifestyle assets – it is well-located for growth, has significant open space, affordable housing and is idyllically situated at the foothills of the mountains and in close proximity to the lake,” Sattler said.

“This is a state-significant tourism development that will cast Morisset in an exciting new light and showcase our city to visitors from across NSW, interstate and overseas.”

Winarch Capital managing director Paul Lambess echoed the sentiment and welcomed Council’s decision to approve the development.

“We are proud of the work we have put in to get Cedar Mill Lake Macquarie to this point,” Lambess said.

“This project represents an enormous opportunity for the south-western corridor of Lake Macquarie, and we appreciate the collaborative and progressive approach that Lake Macquarie City Council has taken in recognising that opportunity to create jobs and help Morisset reach its potential.”

Information source: Lake Macquarie City

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4 MARCH 2022 ISSUE 012

OVOCASTRIAN

She Votes seeks greater gender equality from political parties

Founder of She Votes and Merewether local Louise Rose Photo: Supplied

A new movement has been established to inspire better gender equality practices and encourage transparent and fully funded gender policies from all Australian political parties.

She Votes is a non-bipartisan initiative founded by Merewether local Louise Rose, designed to increase knowledge around gender equality challenges and influence political parties into making concrete gender equality promises.

Rose said the time for political parties to establish their gender equality policies had never been more important.

“I’ve always had a passion for equality, human rights and in particular, gender equality,” Rose said.

“The past 18 months have been tough for Australian women.

“I knew I wanted to do something about the lack of structural change and commitment we’re seeing from the political parties, and the idea for She Votes came to me.”

She Votes pursues a two-prong approach, firstly, providing a space for conversation, informing the Australian public about the general status of Australian women and

the current challenges.

Secondly, She Votes aims to provide transparency on what gender equality policies political parties have committed to at the next election.

All voters can visit the She Votes website and view and compare all of the political parties’ promises and funding.

Rose said the goal of She Votes was to provide clear information about the Australian political parties’ gender policies and the level of commitment and funding from each.

“We’re not deciding for you who to vote for, we want Australians to be informed, and you select based on what is important to you,” Rose said.

“There is more than one way to achieve gender equality, and different people will place varying levels of importance on different focus areas.

“We will share with you the policies and the promised funding to achieve them from every political party all in one place.”

Rose said the last two years had been particularly challenging for women in Australia.

According to Destroy the Joint’s register of women killed by violence in

Australia, 59 women were killed in 2020 and 43 in 2021.

So far this year, seven women have been killed due to violence.

Rose said with increasing statistics of domestic violence cases and economic disruption caused by the pandemic, Australia’s fight for gender equality had diminished.

“Australia is actually going backwards in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Index,” Rose said.

“In 2006, we were ranked 15 out of 150 countries, but in 2021, we’ve since slipped 35 places and are now ranked 50 out of 156 countries.”

Rose stressed the importance that women’s issues were everyone’s issues.

“If you have a mother, a sister or a friend who identifies as female, then women’s issues are your issues,” she said.

“We need everyone’s voices to give our nation a better chance of achieving gender equality sooner.

“The language politicians understand more than any other is votes, and we want them to know that we’ll be voting based on gender equality policies.”

She Votes has also started a petition

on change.org asking for transparent and fully funded gender policies from all Australian political parties.

“It’s not a new concept, women have had the vote in Australia for over 100 years, yet gender equality is still a long way off; we need to band together to put gender policies at the forefront of political action,” Rose said.

“We’re talking about using your voice and vote to help give our nation a better fighting chance at achieving gender equality.

“We want to improve gender equality in Australia using the power of democracy.”

The petition aims to encourage all political parties to; develop fully-fledged gender policies across key priority areas for women; implement these gender policies and provide associated funding; provide a place for women and their allies to assess political promises and gender policies to inform their vote.

For more information on She Votes and their goals for the upcoming federal election, or to sign the petition, head to their website shevotes.com.au.

Hayley McMahon

P22

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CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Four things to think about before quitting your job WITH

Michelle BALTAZAR Editor-in-Chief • Money magazine

“The great resignation” is one of those phrases that has been so over-used recently that even writing it makes me cringe a little as it creeps toward cliché.

But it does effectively describe the interesting trend of people using the return to the office as a Rubicon moment to assess whether a job that pays less money, but is more convenient, more flexible or more valuesaligned, might, in fact, be better for them.

We’ve enjoyed working in our pyjamas, ditching the morning commute and spending more time with the people and things we love.

But now, the very habits and status quo instincts that kept us in a job pre-Covid are the ones that are encouraging us to find new work that accommodates the working-from-home life we’ve become accustomed to.

But before you make a

dramatic Zoom exit or spend hours penning your LinkedIn resignation post, there are some things to keep in mind standing on the banks of your Rubicon.

These are important, because sacrificing salary for convenience might be you sacrificing future prosperity for immediate pleasure.

I’m a big fan of people re-evaluating their career choice (I have had a number of dramatic changes in my life that have turned out quite favourably), but these four guiding concepts will help you better navigate these big decisions in a way that keeps you in control of your journey.

1. Are you running away from something, or towards an opportunity?

The way you finish one story will influence the narrative of your next chapter – this is true of anything in life. If you have a traumatic end to an experience or relationship, the shadow of

that trauma follows and influences you.

If you are running away from something out of fear, sadness or anger, then these emotions will act as a psychological poison in your new opportunities. Do everything you can to leave in a way that is positive and caring for the people you are with. At a fundamental level, ensure you are making proactive steps

towards a better version of you in the future, rather than simply blowing up your current career out of frustration or indifference.

Of course, some people who find themselves in extremely abusive or traumatic situations need to extricate themselves in order to heal and rebuild their sense of identity, but we are not talking about those types of cases here.

2. Are you viewing this career

financial plan that isn’t influenced by the heady excitement and good feelings you often get when thinking about removing a stressor from your life.

3. Are you hoping that turning a hobby into a career will make your life meaningful?

The truth is that most people find meaning through work, through the things that challenge, stretch and even stress them out a little.

Sometimes when people think they need a career change, all they need to do is find new challenges within their current sphere and allow the new experiences to unveil what feeds their soul. It’s through work, challenge and struggle that you find meaning – that is work’s change as a transition or a greatest gift to us. single moment in time?

4. Are you making a decision People often underestimate out of fear? how long it can take to change The final thing to consider is careers, which can require years to make sure it’s not the fear of of education, re-skilling, change or reluctance to break networking and reputation habitual behaviours that is building. You can start many of driving your decision making. these things a long time before A lot of people have become you cut the financial support of very comfortable during the your current job. There are many pandemic, and as humans we ways to navigate the transition, don’t like to change something but make sure you have a that feels easy. PHIL SLADE

Homeowners’ wealth gets a big boost from super and shares Super fund members who started 2021 with $100,000 in their account, owned an average house and some shares, ended the year about $170,000 better off, according to new analysis.

And that’s after-tax and in addition to their salary, according to Rainmaker

Information. The median figure across the country last year was $63,000.

This is because in the 2021 calendar year, the ASX finished 17% up, the average superannuation fund return was 15% and property values jumped an average of 20%. It was the third best calendar year return in 17 years for super

funds, with Rainmaker’s super returns index climbing 142% in the past decade.

“The big surprise in these results is that while everyone is talking about house price rises, superannuation has actually been a better long-run investment,” says Alex Dunnin, Rainmaker’s executive director of research.

The big returns seen in the sharemarket are also a driver of the super returns, as super funds own about 36% of the ASX at a value of $908 billion, says Rainmaker.

Still, depending on where you live, house price rises accounted for half the 2021 wealth gain, rising at the fastest annual rate on record.

Unfortunately, if you don’t yet own a home, you weren’t one of the lucky ones.

“The sting in the tail with these upbeat investment results is that it shows if you have a job, superannuation and you own or are paying off your home, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, you did pretty well last year, at least financially,”

says Dunnin. “But if you don’t, you didn’t.

“Which is why so many Australians who can’t afford to get into the property market are nervous about the future. If you have a house, super and maybe some shares, you’re sitting pretty. But this doesn’t make it any easier for first home buyers.” JAMIE WILLIAMSON

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OVOSPORT

Women’s Social Smash launches across the Hunter

Australian Women’s Cricket Vice Captain Rachael Haynes with Northern Beaches Women’s Social Smash players after their game Photo: Jason McCawley/Getty Images for Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia’s Women’s Social Smash competition is launching in NSW with programs at Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Newcastle.

The six-week program that commenced on March 4 encourages participants to get active in a relaxing, supportive, and fun environment with the opportunity to form new friendships along the way.

NSW Breakers star batter and Australian women’s cricket vice-captain Rachael Haynes encouraged women of all ages and abilities to get involved and said the program promoted social connection and getting active.

“It’s just a fun way to play the game of cricket, get to know it, hang out with your family and friends and enjoy the game … I think it’s about giving the game a go,” Haynes said.

Women’s Social Smash participant Aislinn McKeever said the program had been a different experience after coming from a non-cricketing background.

“From a social perspective, being a working mum, it gives me some time out for myself to exercise as well as meet other people in the same situation and have a bit of fun and laughter,” McKeever said.

“Don’t be afraid, if I can do it and I’ve never lifted a cricket bat, just come along.”

Cricket Australia’s Senior Growth Programs Manager Samantha Krajina said developing a program that accentuated social connection, fun, health and well-being benefits were key to encouraging more women to pick up a bat and join a program.

“We wanted to provide a platform for more women at all ages to get involved in cricket, and a key aspect of the program was to ensure it’s accessible for everyone,” Krajina said.

“Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, a backyard cricketer or a mum, everyone can play.”

Each Women’s Social Smash game is played over 60 to 90 minutes between teams of eight players with eight overs each.

Games are played with a shorter pitch and a boundary, a softball is used, and no protective gear is required. There are no outs, and everyone gets to bat and bowl.

Following a successful pilot in 2021, Women’s Social Smash has widened its accessibility for women by holding programs in more locations throughout regional areas of NSW with the addition of the ACT program this year.

To get involved in Women’s Social Smash, register for your local NSW program at playcricket.com.au.

Information source: Cricket Australia Women’s Social Smash Player Aislinn McKeever enjoys a game of cricket Photo: Jason McCawley/Getty Images for Cricket Australia

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Rugby clubs pull together to support good cause

The men’s Pasifika team performed an emotional Haka before kick-off Photo source: Stewart Hazell

Rugby Union clubs Newcastle Pasifika and Hunter Wildfires played a charity rugby match on Saturday 19 to raise funds for the victims of the recent tsunami in Tonga.

The match took place at St John’s Oval in Charlestown and raised a total of $29,000 for Sione’s Foundation, a charity organisation that plans to send two 40-foot containers of supplies to Tonga on March 31.

A staggering $20,000 of the funds raised were donated by Wildfire’s sponsor Jeff McCloy of the McCloy group.

“With the most recent events that had unfortunately occurred in Tonga, it was only right to do what we could do to help those in need and by creating an event to stand alongside Sione’s Foundation and show our support to a great cause,” Newcastle Pasifika club member Abel Vili said.

“Saturday’s event was everything that we wished for and more.

“It initially went from a few ideas to get the local pacific island boys together to a Charity Fundraiser for Tonga with the recent unfortunate events.”

Despite staunch community support, the Newcastle Pasifika team was overpowered 28 to 17 in the main match of the day.

In a celebration of Pacific nations

culture, players choreographed and executed an emotional haka before kick-off, with video of the performance reaching Pasifika teams in Adelaide and Perth.

“Words cannot express the feeling as a collective … Newcastle Pasifika represented our people in this community. It was something so special, and it will be remembered forever,” a Newcastle Pasifika Facebook post read.

“We are proud and grateful for your efforts and, more importantly to our boys, representing our culture, families, and traditions is something to be super proud of.”

The rugby club also issued thanks to all players, attendees and sponsors on the day, including Somerset Meats, Walkabout Barber, BME, MB Apparel, Scarborough Wines and Dee DjStunt Tapaleao, as well as confectionary company Tropical Sno from Belmont.

“The support from the local community was tremendous … we even had some of our players’ families travelling from Sydney for the day in support of the cause and Newcastle Pasifika Rugby as a whole,” Vili said.

Local children kick-started the day with a game of tag before the women’s team competed in a game of touch football.

The third event saw Hunter Wildfire’s U20’s colts team play West Harbour Pirates in a trial match before the Wildfires and Pasifika men’s grade teams came head to head in a thrilling

last event of the day.

“We hope to build on this, and as it shows, with an event like this, so many people from all walks of life, backgrounds and cultures came together as one to enjoy the game, the island food and more importantly, supporting those in need in Tonga,” Vili said.

Sione’s Foundation founder and rugby league star Sione Finefeuiaki also expressed his gratitude for the day.

“I can’t thank Newcastle Pasifika enough for reaching out to us to be involved with the game; it’s been amazing,” Finefeuiaki said.

“It’s been a tough three years for everyone, and it’s good to have an event and see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Finefeuiaki appealed for the Hunter community to consider donating water and non-perishable goods to Tonga, as the country still recovered from the tsunami impacts.

The foundation recently upscaled aid to the small island nation after a fourfoot tsunami wave was reported to have hit Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, and nearby islands, on January 15, affecting eighty-four per cent of the population of Tonga.

In the aftermath of the tsunami, it was revealed that thousands of Tongans were displaced from their homes, two Tongan nationals had perished, and many others had been injured.

A World Bank assessment estimated

approximately $200 million in damages across the nation, the equivalent of 18.5 per cent of Tonga’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Wildfires General Manager Stewart Pinkerton praised Newcastle Pasifika’s desire to raise awareness and funds for Tonga and predicted 2,000 to 3,000 people to have attended the charity event.

He said that while the Hunter representative team competed typically in the Sydney competition, players loved the opportunity to join a good cause and fit a local match into their calendar.

Pinkerton welcomed the idea of a permanent charity match fixture, citing the success of the Saturday 19 match and the Wildfire’s own Pacific Islander community that play for the club.

Maia O’Connor

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