NOVONEWS Newy’s New
ISSUE 001 FEBRUARY 2021
NovoNews
Annual
Co-working spaces are becoming the new normal, with many businesses and employees transforming how they work, and where they work. See page 13
NovoCulture
Jasmine Miikika Craciun draws inspiration from her indigenous heritage and focuses on art that tells stories and enacts change.
See program page 8 & 9
See page 10
NovoHealth
(Left to Right) Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Ella Heathmore, Zackari Watt, Councillor Carol Duncan and Sci-fi Spectacular Performers
One woman is determined to get the Newcastle community talking about workplace mental health, with a strong focus on education and connection. See page 6
NovoSport
Claire Coelho is the Newcastle Jets W-League Goalkeeper and a Criminal Lawyer, two professions requiring years of dedication, commitment, and mental and physical endurance. See page 16
PEP11 Decision in limbo With the PEP11 licence for offshore gas drilling up for renewal on February 12, Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese joined fellow Labor MPs and community activists to call for its cancellation. Albanese was joined by Labor MPs from all along the coastline, including Member for Newcastle Sharon Clayton and Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy , along with representatives of the Save Our Coast Group and Surfrider Foundation Australia and dozens of residents concerned at the possible effects of drilling 5km off Central Coast beaches. Albanese told the crowd PEP11 had the potential to the entire coastline from Sydney to Port Stephens. Not only would any drilling impact the way of life along the coast, but it would
also have an economic effect on the fishing industry and tourism, which he said was a “vital employer” for coastal communities. “(Drilling) would be a disaster even if things went well, but if they didn’t it could be potentially catastrophic,” he said. Albanese said the Labor Party was not opposed to oil and gas exploration in appropriate areas but drilling along the coastline was “just not on”. He said the Federal Government needed to ensure an application for renewal of the licence was denied. Sharon Clayton said renewing the licence would pose a huge threat to the coastal communities’ environment, economy and very way of life. Labor’s Dobell MP Emma McBride who hosted the event said “In 2019, 1.94 million people visited the coast,
adding $692M to our local economy, and in the pandemic recovery, tourism should be boosted, not threatened by risky proposals like PEP11.”
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