COMMUNITY NEWS

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?

NEWCASTLE

EXPANSION PROJECT MOVES UNDERGROUND AT NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY

Early construction works that will pave the way for a $40 million expansion have kicked off at Newcastle Art Gallery. Fencing has been erected, and a specialist drill rig has been installed on-site to begin the process of remediating abandoned mine workings underneath the Art Gallery.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the remediation was a crucial step to ensure the safety of the site ahead of the main expansion works, which are expected to begin in mid- 2023. Shortlisted applicants from the expression of interest process will be invited to tender for the main construction works later this year.

"We have been waiting more than 16 years to see this expansion come to fruition, so it is exciting to see this significant step being taken, paving the way for the main construction work to begin next year.

"By doubling the size of the Gallery, significantly increasing the exhibition space and delivering a suite of modern facilities, this project will deliver an expanded and upgraded Gallery of international standing that will offer a valuable cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter."

Newcastle Art Gallery's $40 million expansion project will deliver an additional 1,600 square metres of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Gallery's significant collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of temporary exhibitions, showcasing local, national and international artists.

The project includes a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and will extend the building's footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.

COUNCIL GIVES ITS SUPPORT TO SUPERCARS DATE FOR NEWCASTLE 500 IN 2023

The Newcastle 500 could return to the city's streets in March next year after councillors voted to support new dates for the final event to be held under the existing agreement between Supercars Australia and City of Newcastle.

The event would be held in Newcastle on 10-12 March 2023 as the season-opening race, although its staging is still subject to approval from State Government agencies, including the Heritage Council of NSW, NSW Office of Sport and Destination NSW.

Supercars Australia is awaiting the outcome of its application under Section 60 (S60) of the Heritage Act 1977 to facilitate holding the last Newcastle 500 event under the existing agreement, as the existing S60 for the Camp Shortland area expired in April 2022.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council's support of the March 2023 date ensures clarity for local businesses and residents. Newcastle could continue as one of Supercars' premier events, delivering massive promotion for the city and region while avoiding the previous impact to east-end businesses in November and December when Christmas endof-year trading was occurring.

"Clarifying these new dates in March provides a good alternative to the previous season-closing events in terms of maximising the potential of the event from an economic perspective while also minimising disruption to the community and business operators," Cr Nelmes said.

"The most recent economic assessment report by Ernst and Young found that on average, the Newcastle 500 delivered $36.2 million annually in total economic impact, which when compared with the $1.6 million cost of Council supporting the race, equates to $22.60 being returned to the local economy for every $1 council invested in the race.

"Local tourism and accommodation providers that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19 will be looking forward to benefiting from the economic stimulus provided by the Newcastle 500's likely return in March next year."

LAKE MACQUARIE

FERNLEIGH AWABAKAL SHARED TRACK SOUTHERN SECTION COMPLETE

The landmark Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track has reached its halfway milestone in Lake Mac, with the opening of the shared pathway's 1.6 km southern section.

Work is now complete on the stretch from Hilda Street at Belmont South to Awabakal Avenue at Blacksmiths, joining an existing path that connects to Swansea and beyond.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the southern section included a 3m-wide shared path, three upgraded bus stops with new shelters and associated landscaping, fencing and drainage.

"This is the first stage in a project that will create a 27km continuous active transport route from Adamstown to Murrays Beach. It's exciting for cyclists, it's exciting for families and it's exciting for us as a Council, promoting active, healthy lifestyles," she said.

The Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST), which will eventually stretch from the end of the Fernleigh Track to Blacksmiths, is jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government through the NSW Government's Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund.

SMART BINS SET TO SQUEEZE WASTE IN LAKE MAC

Solar-powered bins that internally crush rubbish to store five times the amount of waste as a regular bin are being installed in Lake Macquarie.

Lake Macquarie City Council Waste Strategy Coordinator Hal Dobbins said the RAY Smart Solar Powered Compacting Bins, which are for general waste, would be a game changer when it came to beautifying areas and improving the environment.

"Not only will this be able to store more waste with a smaller footprint, but having a strong sealed hatch as a lid ensures no items will blow out into the lake," Mr Dobbins said.

While a standard bin would hold 240 litres of waste, these can hold up to 1200 litres – the equivalent of filling more than six bathtubs.

"Smart sensors placed inside the bin alert Council when the bin is around 80 per cent full, so crews will know when to empty it. The bins also lock when they're full, so there's no chance of them overflowing. " Mr Dobbins said.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the first smart solar bin would be installed along the esplanade at Warners Bay Foreshore.

"Another device will be installed at Toronto Foreshore in the coming months to reduce litter in the area, which has recently become popular since the installation of a new town green and picnic area."

For more information, head to lakemac. com.au.

HUNTER VALLEY

ALL ABOARD FOR HUNTER VALLEY MONOPOLY GAME

Cessnock City Council has teamed up with Singleton Council to develop the first ever Hunter Valley Monopoly Board Game.

The game will focus on tourist attractions and will be used to promote the many visitor experiences on offer in the Hunter. It will feature locations from Laguna, south of the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA), all the way north to Lake St Clair, in the Singleton LGA.

Council is asking the community to participate in devising the board game by identifying suitable landmarks, attractions and streets which could be used in the Hunter Valley Monopoly game.

Council would also like to hear from local businesses, community groups and partners who may be interested in selling the boards, either as a fundraiser or for retail, and also to assist with designing the Chance and Community Chest Cards.

A survey to collect input from the community has been set up. It asks residents to identify preferred streets and destinations for inclusion. To take the survey, visit www. together.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/hunter-valleymonopoly

September COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

■ Wangi Men’s Shed Garage Sale at Wangi Oval Donnelly Rd, behind the Fire Station, from 8am. Items available include a variety of tools, reconditioned bikes and scooters, camping equipment and furniture. There’ll be a BBQ on site, EFTPOS available, and plenty of parking. All proceeds are donated back to the local community! For more info call Greg Cross 0408 621 101

TUES 6 – SUN 11 SEPTEMBER

■ Dungog Tea Party at James Theatre, 10am - 4pm. The tea party is a competition of tea cosies and trivets on display, with many available for sale. Stalls with related goods for sale at the event. As part of the Tea Party, Megs Kitchen will hold a Long Table event on 10 September (Phone 0458-921-787 to book). Hive and Gobbler will also hold an Art & Sip on 10 September between 12pm and 3pm. Book online at www. hiveandgobbler.com.au.