Community News

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?

CITY ENTICES ENTREPRENEURS TO NEWCASTLE

City of Newcastle (CN) is inviting entrepreneurs and professionals to set up shop for three months free of charge as part of a program to diversify and increase the local skills base.

Australian and international innovators are being offered a free three-month membership to the Landing Pad, a shared working space at the University of Newcastle's I2N hub with access to smart city infrastructure, an investor network, and collaboration with academic experts.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says Newcastle is 'start-up heaven', and the Landing Pad initiative encourages people to experience the city and its local innovation culture before establishing here permanently.

"Local governments often spend a lot of time and money trying to attract big businesses. We've flipped that narrative and are attracting highly-skilled entrepreneurs who'll bring their networks, expertise, and their innovative businesses to create local opportunities." Cr Clausen said.

"A Landing Pad candidate might be looking to mitigate climate change or deliver better health or business outcomes. We're industry, sector and stage-agnostic, as long as they're developing a positive product or solution that's scalable," added Senior Manager of I2N and Innovation at UoN Siobhan Curran.

The Landing Pad is a joint initiative of City of Newcastle and the University of Newcastle to support scaleups and skilled professionals relocating to Newcastle. Eligible applicants will be granted free access for three months to the world-class co-working space in the vibrant Honeysuckle precinct (valid until June 2023).

FOR THE LOVE OF A BEACH

The Stockton Community Group Inc is presenting the I Love Stockton Beach Art Competition, running from 1 October until 31 December 2022. Stockton Beach means a great deal to hundreds, if not thousands, of people. It has major cultural and conservation significance while also conjuring up images of family holidays, swimming, fishing, surfing and the wonders of nature.

People of all ages are invited to express their reflections on Stockton Beach in a positive, creative way—be it a painting, drawing, poem, sculpture, essay, song or whatever inspiration decrees— and submit a high-resolution photograph of their original artwork online via www.ticketebo.com.au/stockoart.

Stockton Community Group Inc — a group of volunteers who advocate for a safer, healthier, more vibrant place to live and work— believe the competition will help keep the crisis level of erosion on Stockton Beach in the public eye and emphasise the belief that the solutions to the problem will eventually win the day.

Entry is free, and entrants stand to share in a cash prize pool totalling $500. Visit www.stocktoncommunitygroup.com.au for more information.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR LAKE MAC AWARDS

The hunt is on to unearth this year's crop of unsung artistic, sporting, environmental and community champions, with nominations now open for the 2023 Lake Mac Awards.

A celebration of creativity, activity and inclusivity, the awards aim to shine a spotlight on quiet achievers making Lake Mac an even better place to live.

Nominations can be lodged online before the closing date of 12 December, with many categories now accepting team and individual entries. Finalists and category winners will be recognised at a gala ceremony on 11 March 2023. For more information on the categories, criteria and nomination process, visit www.lakemac.com.au/Lake-Mac-Awards.

SUPPORT LOCAL TO WIN A $500 STAYCATION

Cessnock City Council's Economic Development Team has an incredible $500 twonight staycation prize to give away as part of its ongoing Support Local campaign.

For November and December, residents are encouraged to post to Facebook or Instagram and share in 25 words or less what their favourite accommodation business is or somewhere they'd love to stay in the Hunter Valley. For the entry to be valid, ensure you tag the local business, include a photo, and use the campaign hashtag #SupportLocalCessnock.

"Sometimes it's great to enjoy a holiday in your local area, plus there's the added bonus of keeping our businesses strong and local people employed. I encourage residents to give a welldeserved shout-out to our local accommodation providers," Mayor Suvaal said.

This competition will run from 1 November to 31 December 2022. For terms and conditions, visit www.advancecessnock.com.au.

AVENUE OF TREES IN HONOUR OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, City of Newcastle Tree Planting Officer Michael Linsley and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes

A 700 m-long avenue of native trees stretching along the creek side of Maryland Drive will create a living legacy with 70 mature trees, which were initially planned as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations to mark the Queen's 70 years of service to the Commonwealth, will now provide a lasting tribute to the late monarch, who visited Newcastle four times during her reign.

The project was jointly funded by City of Newcastle and the Australian Government's Planting Trees for The Queen's Jubilee Program, which was designed to support community-based treeplanting events across Australia.

A large garden bed planted with native shrubs and grasses is located at the beginning of the Queen's Jubilee Avenue and features a large sandstone block, providing a striking centrepiece to display the commemorative plaque.

The project supports City of Newcastle's commitment to increasing urban forest canopy cover and improving open spaces for wildlife and future generations.

A CALL-OUT TO MEN WHO LOVE TO SING!

Waratah Male Voice Choir is looking for men who love to sing to boost their numbers. The choir is a community-based group originally formed in 1956 and performs regularly for community groups such as pensioners and aged care homes, as well as performing at community events like Anzac Day.

Singing has been proven to promote a happy, healthy lifestyle by improving both breathing and cardiovascular health and keeping one mentally stimulated and active. You do not need to be a 'professional' level singer to join; you just need to be able to hold a tune and be open to learning new things! Practice is weekly for two hours currently at Belmont North. If you are interested in helping to generate the unique type of harmonies that only enthusiastic male voices can, then the Waratahs could be for you! For details, contact Rob Wilkinson on 0419-413-211.