WHAT’S INSIDE WHAT’S ON THIS FESTIVE SEASON MEET OUR NEW WASTE HEROES MAITLAND GAOL’S NEW ATTRACTION
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SUMMER 2023
MAYOR’S MESSAGE It’s been a big year for Maitland, with some great improvements across our city. We focused on roads and traffic, established our new bulky waste service, and reopened East Maitland Aquatic Centre. We built and restored sports and recreation facilities and acted on heritage restoration. 2023’s not over yet though, and with Christmas just around the corner, we have plenty of festive fun for you to enjoy! Join us at Maitland Regional Sportsground on Saturday 16 December for our magical Christmas movie night and watch ‘Elf’ and ‘The Santa Clause’ on the big screen. Check out the giant Christmas tree we’ve installed outside Maitland City Library, and visit The Levee to get your photo taken with Santa. We’ve also received many donations to the Mayor’s Christmas Toy and Food Appeal, so thank you for your generosity.
Mayor Philip Penfold
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, whether you’re travelling out of town or staying close to home. I hope to see you all at The Levee on 31 December so we can ring in the New Year together as a community.
Philip MEET YOUR COUNCILLORS Get to know who is representing you by scanning the QR code.
ROADS AND RECREATION OPEN SPACE MOWING AND MAINTENANCE Now that summer is officially here, the frequency of mowing across our parks and open spaces will steadily increase. We’re responsible for maintaining our sportsgrounds, playgrounds, parks and other primary open spaces such as reserves. You can expect to see our crews out and about over the next few months, taking pride in delivering well maintained facilities for you to enjoy.
Be on the lookout for our mowing crews
2023/24 RESURFACING AND REJUVENATION PROGRAM
100+
ROADS OVER 6 MONTHS
$2.7
million
IN ROAD PROJECT VALUE
MAJOR PROJECTS
NEW TOWER TOUR NOW OPEN
THORNTON NORTH INTERSECTION Work on the Thornton North intersection upgrade has passed a major milestone, with drainage works now complete and work on the northern leg officially underway. The widening of Raymond Terrace Road and Government Road is set to follow next year. Read more about the latest project updates by visiting mait.city/ThorntonNorthIntersection
One of Maitland Gaol’s historic towers
Thornton North intersection upgrade
Tickets are now on sale for Maitland Gaol’s new Tower Tour, which gives visitors a new perspective of the site and its location in East Maitland. Climb up the towers and stride out onto the metal catwalks once patrolled by armed guards, to see and hear their stories in this newly developed hour long tour. Find out more and book at maitlandgaol.com.au/event/tower-tour
EAST MAITLAND POOL REOPENS FOR SUMMER East Maitland Aquatic Centre has officially reopened following extensive repair work. The pool was closed in 2022 after major structural issues appeared, including tile bed lifting and substantial water loss. Following significant upgrades, the pool is now safe and fit for use. Our Aquatic Centres are now open for summer and we look forward to welcoming our community back.
VISITOR SERVICES IN MAITLAND NEED YOUR ATTENTION
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Visitor Information Services in Maitland are under review. Share your ideas on how we could better help visitors get to know our city. Visit Maitland Your Say before 31 January 2024.
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ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY MEET MAITLAND’S WASTE HEROES!
Last year, we invited local school children to design some colourful cartoon characters which could be used to educate the Maitland community on responsible waste practices. Our nine ‘Waste Heroes’ emerged from a pool of more than 100 entries and can now be found on the side of our waste trucks as they empty 7,000 waste bins daily. Congratulations to the winning artists: • L ucy from Raworth • M arli from Gillieston Heights • S ophie from Chisholm • G race from East Maitland • M ollie from Maitland • S erena from Bolwarra Heights • B lake from Raworth • J ames, Charlotte and Lilly from Rutherford • C hloe-May from Ashtonfield. Find out more about our Waste Heroes at mait.city/wasteeducation
INTRODUCING OUR NEW ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY In October, we signed off on our new Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2030 – the first of its kind for Maitland. The Strategy provides a roadmap for how we can and will improve the health of our local environment. Extensive consultation took place with the community and four themes came through loud and clear. These were: • P reservation and protection of healthy green and blue natural spaces • M ore resilient and liveable communities • A stronger focus on sustainable living practices • A greater push towards a circular economy. For more information on how we’re protecting our local environment, visit mait.city/ESS
TIME FOR A CHRISTMAS CLEAR OUT? Book a bulky waste kerbside collection online or redeem a 250kg tip voucher. Each household in Maitland receives two waste services each financial year to dispose of bulky household items. For more information, visit mait.city/bulky-waste
CHRISTMAS COMES TO MAITLAND Maitland’s holiday spirit is shining bright this year as we have launched our most extensive program of Christmas events and activities ever. Council has a dedicated festive calendar of community and Council events on the My Maitland website featuring a variety of fun and family friendly activities. From free Santa photos at The Levee, the city’s biggest Christmas tree outside Maitland City Library, Christmas movie night at the Maitland Regional Sportsground, Maitland’s best street Christmas light competition, or one of the many kids activities held at Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland Libraries and Maitland Gaol - there’s plenty to do with loved ones this year. To find out more visit mait.city/Christmas-in-Maitland
SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER This summer, Maitland invites you to join in many experiences designed to create lasting memories for you and your family. Explore the full calendar available at mymaitland.com.au/summer
AITLAND REGIONAL M ART GALLERY FREE ART JANUARY
This January, MRAG will also open every Monday, so you can make the most of what’s on offer. MRAG’s Free Art January is packed with artist workshops, drop in activities and self directed art experiences suitable for all ages. After hours activities include family film nights, including showings of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ and ‘Ride Like a Girl’, and multiple artist talks. Free Art January is supported by Cleverpatch.
AQUATICS Keep the family entertained during the summer break with a variety of swimming options, both indoors and outdoors. Make a splash at Maitland’s Dive In Cinema on Friday 26 January and enjoy a marathon of family friendly movies from the comfort of the pool. The splash pad will also be open daily at Maitland Aquatic Centre.
MAITLAND GAOL Have a tonne of fun during the summer school holidays at Maitland Gaol. Experience a selection of self guided audio tours, engaging kids activities such as Junior Sleuth: Prisoner descriptions and Workhouse Woes: Butter making workshops, guided tours during the day and at night, and our newly introduced Tower Tour. Further details about scheduled tours and activities are available at maitlandgaol.com.au
Photographer: Leighsa Cox
LIBRARIES
Embark on a journey of imagination, creativity and learning this summer school break. We’ve designed our curated lineup of exciting events to spark children’s and families’ minds. With activities ranging from animal shows to dance workshops and summer reading parties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Find out more at maitlandlibrary.com.au
WHAT’S ON NEW YEAR’S EVE – 31 DECEMBER Welcome 2024 in a spectacular way at our yearly New Year’s Eve celebration by the riverside at The Levee. Sponsored by Valley Estate Agents, enjoy a multitude of activities for kids, amusing attractions, face painting, food trucks, outdoor games, live music, and more, plus the highlight of the night with the fireworks show at 9.00pm. This family oriented event is an absolute must attend.
SOUNDSWELL – 13 JANUARY Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of an unforgettable evening of live music at Queens Wharf, Morpeth on Saturday 13 January as part of Make it Maitland this Summer’s Soundswell. Take the opportunity to discover the charming township of Morpeth and indulge in its unique food and shopping offerings before immersing yourself in a stellar showcase of Australian music along the Hunter River, featuring performances by Kate Miller-Heidke, Boo Seeka, and other talented artists. Entry is free.
AUSTRALIA DAY IN MAITLAND PARK – 26 JANUARY Celebrate Australia Day in Maitland. Enjoy a complimentary community breakfast and engaging activities at Maitland Park starting from 7.30am, free entry at both Maitland and East Maitland Aquatic Centres from 10.00am until 4.00pm and our annual Citizenship Ceremony returns to Maitland Town Hall from 10.30am. Cap off the day’s celebrations with our Dive In Cinema at Maitland Aquatic Centre, starting at 5.00pm. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the Wonnarua People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land within the Maitland Local Government Area. Council pays respect to all Aboriginal Elders, past, present and future with a spiritual connection to these lands.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR TOWER TOURS Maitland Gaol From December THE NUTCRACKER BALLET WORKSHOP East Maitland Library 13 December BIG CHRISTMAS BOOK CLUB – CHARLES DICKENS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL Maitland Library 14 December MAITLAND SPEEDWAY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS 1923 - 2023* Maitland Showground 15 December MAKE IT MAITLAND CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT Maitland Regional Sportsground 16 December SANTA PHOTOS AT THE LEVEE The Riverlink Until 22 December VALLEY ESTATE AGENTS PRESENTS NEW YEAR’S EVE 2023 Riverside at The Levee 31 December FREE ART JANUARY AT MRAG Maitland Regional Art Gallery January 2024 SOUNDSWELL Queens Wharf, Morpeth 13 January STREET EATS RUTHERFORD Max McMahon Oval 19 January AUSTRALIA DAY IN MAITLAND PARK 26 January STREET EATS WOODBERRY Woodberry Playground and Skatepark 15 March BURTON AUTOMOTIVE HUNTER VALLEY STEAMFEST Maitland Station 13-14 April *Vibrant City sponsorship recipient
For more, visit mymaitland.com.au
Maitland City Council
Disclaimer: This newsletter has been prepared by Maitland City
Council from information available as at Friday 24 November 263 High Street, Maitland NSW 2320 2023. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information herein, however Maitland City Council accepts no t 02 4934 9700 responsibility for any consequences resulting from misdescription info@maitland.nsw.gov.au | maitland.nsw.gov.au or inadvertent errors.