Community News

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?

MR PERFECT BBQS BACK WITH BIGGER IMPACT

Mr Perfect is a community organisation connecting men across Australia over a relaxed free BBQ to chat about all things life, with a monthly event held in Carrington over the past few years. But now, their legendary BBQs are about to get even better for Newcastle locals after securing some local funding.

The movement exists because conversation (and listening) always helps, whether it’s about work, footy, family challenges, life changes or even the weather. Meeting new mates is a bonus, with Mr Perfect followers meeting outside the BBQ, to cycle, have coffee and form support networks for the good of men’s mental health.

A special Mr Perfect BBQ will take place on 21 August at Carrington Bowling Club from 11:30am, as the organisation aims to reach more men heading into the warmer BBQ-friendly months. For more information, visit www. mrperfect.org.au

MENTOR SUPPORT NETWORK 2023 SCHOLARSHIPS

The Hunter-based Mentor Support Network (MSN) is calling for applications for up to 50 scholarships that will be awarded under its 2023 educational scholarship program. MSN Chairperson, Judy Hart, said the scholarships were mainly designed to assist disadvantaged students entering Year 11 studies next year.

“The scholarships will assist eligible students aged 15 years and over to reach their potential in terms of their individual educational and career goals,” said Judy.

“Scholarships are granted to students who demonstrate the drive and determination to achieve educational goals, despite experiencing financial need. The scholarships are not necessarily awarded because of academic achievement.”

MSN, which has provided nearly 400 scholarships valued at $700,000 since its scholarship program commenced in 2008, has been in touch with Hunter Region schools and other educational institutions to promote the 2023 scholarships.

Judy said that although most of the scholarships will be awarded to high school students, applications are invited from people studying at other educational institutions in the Hunter Region, such as TAFE or enrolled in an apprenticeship program (including VET).

Full details of the Education Scholarship Program are available by visiting www. mentorsupportnetwork.com.au

L-R: ACTING CESSNOCK CITY COUNCIL GENERAL MANAGER ROBERT MAGINNITY, CURATOR OF CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS VICKI SIENCZUK, CESSNOCK CITY DEPUTY MAYOR JOHN MOORES, NSW MINISTER FOR ARTS BEN FRANKLIN, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR THE HUNTER TAYLOR MARTIN, AND CESSNOCK CITY ACTING DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DARRYLEN ALLAN.

FUNDING BOOST FOR PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre will be reinvigorated thanks to a $1.26 million funding boost from the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program. The grant will allow for the completion of stage two of the arts centre refurbishment, which includes the relocation of the box office, a newly created 67m² retail space, an administration office and access improvements. The upgrade will transform the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre’s ground floor and create a more functional and accessible space.

“This project will see the centre expanded into a cultural hub – providing locals with enhanced access to the arts and dynamic cultural experiences, as well as a place where people can come together to express and exchange their creative ideas,” said Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin.

“This is an important cultural infrastructure project for Cessnock that will shape its future as a destination for arts and cultural experiences for audiences and visitors alike.”

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre has also received a $181,000 grant to upgrade its stage lighting from The NSW Government’s Creative Capital grant program.

FISHING POINT’S FIRST PLAYGROUND OFFICIALLY OPENS

A new world of fun has launched at Fishing Point, with a playground boasting an exhilarating basket swing, slide and climbing net officially open at Alkrington Park.

Lake Macquarie City Council Section Manager Community Assets Brendan Callander said the $636,000 project also included sandstone blocks for seating and a large grassed area.

“This gives families in Fishing Point their first local playground, where kids can go to play and connect,” Mr Callander said.

“The new equipment will bring the space up to modern expectations for outdoor play areas and revitalise the area for years to come.”

The site had been used as a works depot for several years to upgrade local roads. Council had promised to build a parkland on the site once those upgrades were complete, and now that promise has been delivered. Head to lakemac.com.au for more information about parks and playgrounds in Lake Macquarie City.

SATURDAY 13 AUGUST

aRRRRRt Award finalists are on display at the Tomaree Library and Community Centre, The Greenhouse Eatery in Medowie, The Junction Inn at Raymond Terrace and other locations across Port Stephens. Members of the public are encouraged to vote for the People's Choice in this art competition that encourages artists of all ages to put the R into art: rethink, reduce, reuse, repurpose or recycle.

For more information: www.econetworkps.org/ sustainable-futures/arrrrrt-awards

SUNDAY 14 AUGUST

Family History at Miss Porter’s House Museum. See how a century of memorabilia, household items, photographs and documents reveal stories of the Porter family. Working women, carriers, grocers, and businesspeople were all part of this notable Newcastle West family whose stories are told in a special display. 1pm–4pm.

Tickets from $8. For more, visit www.nationaltrust.org.au

SATURDAY 27 AUGUST

Ukrainian Feast at Adamstown Uniting Church. A delicious night of Ukrainian food. Meet new people while enjoying mouth-watering dishes and delightful music.

To book visit www. trybooking.com/BYPUF