Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra performs at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
success
This report captures the actions and results that Lake Macquarie’s Art Culture and Tourism (ACT) team delivered for Council and to the benefit of the community in 2023-2024.
Continuing to drive the future direction for arts and culture in the city, the team developed two new fouryear strategic action plans. The Events and Festivals Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028 shifts the direction for events to be economic drivers for the city, while the Lake Mac Libraries Strategic Plan 2024-2028 outlines clear actions that will see the delivery of services and operations that will ensure the facilities remain relevant and engaged with by all community members.
The awareness and growth of the region as a leading events destination continued to build in profile and with momentum, with numerous national-level events hosted, including the National Mountain Bike Championships, Australian Deaf Games and the sell-out Summer Salt Festival.
2023-2024 also saw the release of new tourism data, with Lake Macquarie's domestic overnight and day trip visitor numbers growing to more than 1.65 million, contributing more than $361 million to the local economy each year. This was rise from 2019 where there had been 1.4 million domestic and international overnight and day trip visitors, who spent a total of $210 million. Cementing tourism and events as key to the city’s economic development and future growth.
Over the next 12 months, ACT’s challenge will be maintaining and growing audiences with the construction of Awaba House at the Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) yapang, engaging community with the new Windale Hub bilyabayi opening, implementing zero-landfill across all cultural facilities and programs, continuing with the rollout of self-access libraries, and ensuring we continue to grow awareness and visitation to the city through destination marketing. ACT will continue to program, promote and innovate to engage audiences and will deliver positive impact for community and visitors to the shores of Lake Macquarie.
Jacqui Hemsley Manager Arts, Culture, Tourism
CreativeINDUSTRIESCreativeINDUSTRIES
Strength of the Creative Industries Landscape Revealed
Strength of the Creative Industries Landscape Revealed
In 2024 Council commissioned an audit of the Creative and Cultural sector with a specific focus on differences from 2017 to today. Since 2017, Lake Macquarie City Council has been extremely active in the Creative and Cultural (C&C) Industries sector. Council has formulated, adopted and implemented a range of cultural and creative plans and strategies. Results include the opening of new venues; introduction of new events, programs and activities; and significant growth in Council’s visual and public art and heritage collections, performing arts activities and audiences, cultural tourism, the events sector, the night-time economy, and community engagement and participation.
In 2024 Council commissioned an audit of the Creative and Cultural sector with a specific focus on differences from 2017 to today. Since 2017, Lake Macquarie City Council has been extremely active in the Creative and Cultural (C&C) Industries sector. Council has formulated, adopted and implemented a range of cultural and creative plans and strategies. Results include the opening of new venues; introduction of new events, programs and activities; and significant growth in Council’s visual and public art and heritage collections, performing arts activities and audiences, cultural tourism, the events sector, the night-time economy, and community engagement and participation.
The key outcomes indicated strong growth and an increase in creative businesses, engagement, employment and economic output. In particular in 2024:
• There are 447 Creative and Cultural businesses that employ staff in Lake Macquarie, a ^74% increase from 2017.
• The output of Creative Industries was $351.484 million, accounting for 1.2% of the output of the City’s output. Output has increased by ^20.8% since 2017.
• Total wages and salaries paid to employees working in the sector within Lake Macquarie City was $83.543 million, equating to 1.2% of total wages and salaries paid within the City. From 2017 to 2023, the value of wages and salaries paid increased by ^48.1% ($27.145M)
• Using Creative Australia data, Employment by Place of Residence there were 2,726 Creatives registered in the City, up by ^29.0%.
For 2025, actions to continue the growth of the creative and cultural sector will include:
1. Utilise the Creative Australia Industry Dashboard to monitor changes in employment, earnings and mean annual income of the C&C Industries in Lake Macquarie City and to benchmark against Newcastle City and other LGAs, Regional NSW and Australia.
2. Continue to build a database of C&C Industries businesses and employment entities within Lake Macquarie City.
3. Explore opportunities to raise the profile of Lake Macquarie C&C Industries businesses and employment entities.
4. Align Lake Macquarie City Council C&C activity reporting and the Audit.
5. Develop a more in-depth understanding of Community and not-for profit C&C organisations and activities.
6. Facilitate and support the development of new C&C businesses.
Band performs at Meet the Makers 2024 at MAC yapang
PUBLIC ART & CULTURE
925 artists and creatives engaged
Sanne Mestrom 'Lady of the Lake' at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
ACT engaged with the local Aboriginal community to enhance the city’s public art offering, and to tell important stories relating to Aboriginal art, culture and traditions.
Aboriginal motifs by local artists Shellie Smith and Saretta Fielding were incorporated into the Toronto foreshore upgrade, while at Wangi Wangi a community art project saw local Nikinpa Aboriginal artists engaged to paint a larger-than-life owl for installation at Wangi Library Creative Hub, wanji wanji.
The Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) project’s northern section, construction of which was undertaken in 2023-2024, includes a striking installation of a bronze Aboriginal ‘gunyah’, canoe and hearth, by Aboriginal artists Shellie Smith and Aunty Daniella Chedzey.
The team have also worked with the Biraban Aboriginal Land Council to undertake site works and community landscaping projects at MAC, yapang, and as part of the FAST creative program. The team have also been liaising with Tourism funding bodies and conversations with establishing Cultural Tourism programs for the city.
NIKINPA artists paint the Wangi Owl
365,000
Council coordinated a raft of large-scale events in the financial year, including the Living Smart Festival, headlined by War on Waste presenter Craig Reucassel, Let’s Fish 2023, which attracted hundreds of out-of-town visitors for overnight stays, and Float Your Boat where tens of thousands of spectators lined the lake shore to watch an illuminated flotilla of boats cruise past.
$29.3
MILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COUNCIL EVENTS
Lake Macquarie played host to major national-scale events throughout the year.
GWM NATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS –THE FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS TO BE HELD OUTSIDE THREDBO AND A FIRST FOR OUR REGION. MORE THAN 1000 ELITE RIDERS DESCENDED ON THE CITY FOR THIS EVENT, THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEM FROM OUTSIDE THE AREA.
2024 AUSTRALIAN DEAF GAMES, A NATIONAL LEVEL CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT FOR ATHLETES FROM ACROSS AUSTRALIAN AND PACIFIC NATIONS
WORLD SURF LEAGUE-SANCTIONED LET’S SURF LAKE MACQUARIE, A GLOBALLY STREAMED INTERNATIONAL LEVEL SURFING FESTIVAL
SUMMER SALT MUSIC FESTIVAL FURTHER DEMONSTRATED OUR CITY’S CAPACITY TO HOST SUCCESSFUL AND DIVERSE MAJOR EVENTS.
OVER 34 STATE, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SAILING REGATTAS AND COMPETITIONS, POSITIONING LAKE MACQUARIE AS AUSTRALIA’S SAILING DESTINATION.
In June 2024, the Events and Festivals Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028 was adopted by Council. The Plan aims to lead and facilitate the successful and professional delivery of meaningful, creative, quality events for our community and visitors, enabling economic growth opportunities and promoting Lake Macquarie as a distinctive destination.
The "First Class 2023" exhibition expanded significantly, presenting 56 young artists' HSC works and featuring a Youth Artisan market. The "Absolute Colour" exhibit brought together Mazie Karen Turner, Daniel O’Toole, and Amy Jane Scully to explore the medium of color, engaging over 65 young participants in an intergenerational dance program. Additionally, the yapang Curator placement program, supported by the University of Newcastle and Create NSW, advanced the careers of emerging First Nations curators, including Jessica Tobin and Renae Lamb, who are shaping significant exhibitions for the museum.
Installation view, Bernard Ollis: Snakes and Ladders at Museum of Art and Culture, yapang
First Class '23 at the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang
Multi-Art Pavilon (MAP) mima's exhibitions, performances, events, and inclusive initiatives aimed at reaching new audiences and offering diversity in programming. Highlights included the Summer Commission by Joel Zika, Orchestral Pops, and Unfurl.
In the first two years, welcomed $6.076million boost to the visitor economy after its first year
79,927visitors
MAP mima Performing Arts
Orchestral Pops by the Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra brought live classical music to a broad audience. Shadowbox by Catapult captivated audiences with its innovative dance and multimedia performance, fostering a deeper appreciation for contemporary dance. The Nutcracker Remixed offered a fresh twist on the classic ballet, attracting a diverse audience. Unfurl celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community. Friday Night Foodies combined culinary delights with encounters with art and music, creating a festive atmosphere.
MAP mima Artist Residencies
The Lake House Artist Residency at MAP mima provided space for artists to explore, experiment, and develop new works. Hosting artists including Lichen & Luna, Rhys Cousins, Miguel Valenzuela and Julia Flanagan, and Ian Strange, the residency fostered an environment of artistic innovation and collaboration.
MAP mima Exhibitions
Ian Strange’s "Suburban Interventions" reimagined suburban spaces into thoughtprovoking installations, while Alyson Bell’s "Untethered" explored freedom and constraint through intricate sculptures. Joel Zika’s "Valley of a Thousand Plants" captivated with its immersive nature-inspired environment, and Michelle Gearin’s "Portrait as Phoenix" narrated transformation and resilience. Jen Denzin’s Strawberry Feather Star" offered a whimsical, marine-inspired installation, Lina Buck’s "It isn’t always, always" delved into emotional landscapes, and Rhys Cousins’ "Screenscapes" critically examined our relationship with screen technology. Additionally, MAP mima's "Single Channel: Video Artworks from the National Gallery of Australia" showcased a diverse range of contemporary video art from leading Australian artists.
MAP mima Inclusive Initiatives
Beyond its exhibitions, MAP mima has launched several community-focused programs. The Mother's Club initiative offers a tranquil garden experience within the projection cube, providing mothers and their babies a relaxing, art-integrated space. Additionally, the Tovertafel, an interactive table with light projections, supports people with memory loss by encouraging cognitive engagement and social interaction, creating a valuable environment for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Joel Zika Valley of a Thousand Plants, MAP mima
Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra perform at MAP mima
PERFORMING ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVALS
Engaging AUDIENCES
ONLINE ENGAGEMENT
64,929
SOCIAL REACH
2.4 million
Write Here Festival
The annual Write Here Festival invites writers and readers to hear tips, tricks and tales from a range of local and visiting authors. Held across multiple locations – Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba; Toronto Library, tirrabiyangba; and MAP mima, the festival included keynote speaker and author Julie Goodwin. Promoted through a solus eNewsletter, paid social and in-branch and digital library channels.
400 attendees
3000
EXHIBITION, PERFORMING ARTS AND LIVE MUSIC GUIDES PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED
Meet the Makers
127,045 social media reach
143
ACTIVE LAKE MAC ARTS MEMBERSHIP MEMBERS
As part of the Dobell Festival 39 local artists set-up stalls at MAC yapang for Meet the Makers. Over 700 attendees enjoyed getting to learn about the work of local artists’, listen to live music and take home around $15,000 of unique artworks.
Meet the Makers
The Lake Macquarie Dobell Festival
The Lake Macquarie Dobell Festival is an annual month-long arts festival inspired by the life and work of esteemed artist Sir William Dobell. A former resident of Wangi Wangi, Sir William Dobell is known for his passion, innovation, experimentation and creative excellence. The festival includes a range of events around Lake Macquarie and includes Meet the Makers and Float Your Boat. The festival runs from 1-30 June each year and included 27 events and 15 exhibitions.
20,465 attendees 174,169 social media reach
$56,716 ASR
One Act Play
After a successful debut in 2023 the One Act Play Festival returned to Warners Bay Theatre on Saturday 6 April 2024. A theatre competition showcasing short, sharp and original one-act plays, the festival encourages and fosters local and regional playwrights and performers while generating interest from state and national artists, bringing the best of established and amateur theatre to the Lake Macquarie stage.
12 plays
$6,882 ticket sales
285,602 reach
Young Dobell 2024
One Act Play at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
Creative Cart
The Creative Cart aims to provide an updated literacy and leisure experience for the community through a mobile cultural outreach resource that applies a broader, more creative, and flexible delivery and activity list. From Library storytime to painting workshops to mobile e-gaming, the Creative Cart will be a fixture at the city’s events and follow its own schedule in targeted areas of the city. It will also be a hireable resource for the education sector.
Self- Access at Speers Point Library, milyaba
Little Libraries
Aiming to drive engagement with libraries, the collection includes a mix of new and classic titles designed to introduce children to the magic of reading. Children and their families will recognise a variety of characters, from Bluey to Maisy, and the gang from “Where the wild things are”. With a strong emphasis on Australian titles, including First Nations authors Sally Morgan and Gregg Dreise, children will see themselves and the world around them represented. The simple act of sharing a story a day together as a family can improve confidence, build relationships and form strong language, communication and literacy foundations that will last a lifetime.
Library of Things
A Library of Things allows members to borrow non-traditional library items. Lake Mac Libraries have commenced purchasing items for our community. In 2023-2024 we expanded the board game, jigsaw puzzle and console game collections. New items added to the collection include cake tins, outdoor games, tools and party equipment including lights, disco ball and boom box. Members will shortly be able to borrow portable turntables, cassette players and a date night picnic set.
Our Lifelong Learning program empowers learners of all ages to participate meaningfully in arts and culture activities and events within Lake Macquarie.
• Expansion of the BARK eight-week program for kids to practice reading one-on-one to a trained therapy dog.
• Launched a ‘Curious Minds’ hands-on science exhibition, in conjunction with Year 9 and 10 students from local schools.
• A ‘Young Dobell’ contest ran for the first time as part of the annual Dobell Festival and challenged aspiring artists to draw a portrait of a loved one and attracted more than 400 entries.
• HEAD2ART wellbeing project saw a collaboration with the University of Newcastle and Headspace Newcastle to run a pilot program at the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang.
Windale Hub, bilyabayi opens
Opening 24 August 2024, the new Windale Hub bilyabayi opened. The cutting-edge facility offers a flexible and collaborative space and includes a contemporary library services, a sound recording studio, café, Fab Lab maker space, meeting rooms, exhibition and display opportunities, and a large flexible hall.
Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari
Reaching AUDIENCES
Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data is released every four years with the most recent data showing as at year ending June 2023 Lake Macquarie received over 1.65 million domestic overnight and day trip visitors, who spent a total of $361 million across the year. That had shown a rise from 2019 where there had been 1.4 million domestic and international overnight and day trip visitors, who spent a total of $210 million across the year.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACH:
10,441,034
WEBSITE:
114,353
130+
TOURISM PARTNERS
INAUGURAL VISITOR SURVEY COMPLETED BY VISITORS
102 TOURISM AMBASSADORS REGISTERED
6,140
VISITORS ENGAGED WITH THE NEW VISITOR INFORMATION KIOSK’S
Sian O'Hern explore Lake Macquarie
Destination Marketing
A 10-page editorial article, including a cover line, in Australian Geographic Adventure and promoted across Australian Geographic’s digital and social platforms, and highlighting a range of adventure tourism and hospitality experiences in the city.
Visit Lake Macquarie partnered with five content creators to promote Lake Macquarie to key target audiences and promote adventure tourism, food and drink, and arts and culture. Content Creators included We Are Explorers (70.8k followers), Sian O’Hern (22.4k followers), David Pham (125k followers), Chester See (149k followers), and Natural Attractions (66k), with content rolling across social media and blogs as well as being provided to LMCC for own channel usage and ownership.
Lake Macquarie was promoted as a must-visit holiday destination through earned media in leading broadcast, print and digital travel and lifestyle media outlets, including:
Media coverage focused on adventure tourism, new tourism operators, food and drink, events, and arts and culture.
Surfers at Catherine Hill Bay
Windale Hub, bilyabayi