Supporting our community CN aspires to make Newcastle a socially just and inclusive city – a place for everyone. We deliver a range of programs in partnership with our community to empower it to take collective action on social issues that are important to the community. We also conduct and commission research so that CN has a sound understanding of the community's needs and priorities. This research informs key strategies and plans that guide our city’s future. Supporting our community through targeted programs We design, enable and deliver a range of programs to make Newcastle a place for everyone. Here’s a selection of key highlights across 2020/2021.
Programs for people with a disability CN was the first LGA in NSW to develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) under the new legislation. Our initial DIAP (2016-2019) was broad and ambitious and has played an important transformative role for CN. Our DIAP has achieved significant progress in multiple areas across the organisation. In total, 55 of the 57 actions have been completed or progressed towards completion whilst two require further refinement or additional work to be delivered. CN facilitates an Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, consisting of people with lived experience of disabilities, carers of people with disabilities and representatives of disability service providers and advocacy groups. The advisory committee has provided valuable input into the drafting and development of the next iteration of CN’s DIAP. CN is acting at all levels to ensure Newcastle is known as an inclusive city, led by an inclusive organisation. CN is working to ensure that our employment practices promote opportunities for people with disabilities, our events are inclusive, our staff disability-aware, and our public facilities and amenities are accessible so that all people are considered.
City of Newcastle
Count Us In
58
CN’s Count Us In disability inclusion program was held again in March 2021 and continues the development from the first month-long program initiated in 2019. Unfortunately, COVID-19 prevented the program being held in 2020. This year events ranged from an accessible arts display by Awabakal Disability Services at the Newcastle Visitor
Information Centre, inclusive salsa dance classes, staff and community disability awareness training, goalball at City Hall and a karaoke night, to an inclusive sports day for 300 young people with disabilities, held at Newcastle Basketball Stadium in partnership with Sport NSW, Variety and a range of schools. Whilst the events and activities engaged nearly 1,000 participants over the month, an additional benefit of the program is promotion of the positive contribution made to the community by people with disabilities.
Programs for young people Over the past year, Newcastle’s young people have faced significant disruption to their lives as the community moves into the second year of a global pandemic. Amid these challenges, our young people have continued to adapt and engage meaningfully with a range of supportive programs, events and initiatives, both in person and online. Youth Entrepreneur Bootcamp The Hunter Futurepreneurs Program successfully delivered its first Youth Entrepreneurs Bootcamp between 7–9 April 2021, with support from CN. The bootcamp was attended by 14 people aged between 15 and 25 wanting to set up their own business and gain key employment and enterprise skills. As part of the workshop, participants created a business solution to a real-world problem with the help of the bootcamp facilitator and each other. On 22 April, participants then pitched their idea to a panel of local business experts at the launch of the Newcastle Innovation Festival. The winner and
