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Economy and growth
Contributing to Council Objective 3.1.1. To create an economic, social and cultural benefit to the community through the delivery of the city’s seven flagship events
Inspired by our classic Bitter & Twisted event at the Gaol, unfortunately canceled due COVID-19 restrictions, Council initiated and supported the delivery of Twisted Beer Week to celebrate all things craft beer from 22 to 28 November. Venues across the City hosted a range of craft beer focused activities and events, supporting recovery resulting from recent lockdowns.
Contributing to Council Objective 11.2.1 To encourage the integration of contemporary and interesting public artworks to enliven city spaces and create a vibrant public realm
MORPETH BICENTENARY WORKS
On Friday 19 November, lights installed on Morpeth Bridge were turned on as part of the village’s Bicentenary celebrations. The bridge will continue to be lit up every night for the community and visitors to enjoy.
Another Bicentenary project in Morpeth, a shared pathway connecting Queens Wharf to Morpeth Road via Steamer Street was opened to the public in January. The Riverside shared pathway, from Robert Street to Illalaung Park Morpeth, is also in the final stages of design, being the first stage of what will ultimately be the Morpeth to Walka Water Works shared pathway.
Both of these paths will include enhancements such as public art, interpretations and seating over the coming months.
The official commemorations and program of activities for the Morpeth Bicentenary was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions and will now be held in November 2022 when it’s possible to invite the whole community to celebrate safely together.
Contributing to Council Objective 6.2.1 To promote and support the adaptive reuse of Maitland Gaol
MAITLAND GAOL TO RECEIVE OVER $10M IN STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING
The plans and vision for Maitland Gaol to become a hero tourism destination for Maitland and the region is one step closer, with the announcement of over $10m in shared State and Federal funding to go toward the development of the site.
The funding will go toward delivering elements of the Maitland Gaol Development Plan and Site Master Plan, including:
• Free visitor access to parts of the site • Boutique accommodation • An activity hub including with an upgraded café with internal connection to the Gaol • Better access for event infrastructure • A new 200 seat theatre and centralised amenities.
Work is also progressing on the development of a Guard Tower Experience, with the DA for required works being lodged in March.
Contributing to Council Objective 14.1.2 To activate public places in Central Maitland through art, food, performance and other renewal activities
Our popular summer events program returned from December to February, bringing a series of free and affordable events to our community.
Live at the Levee
We hosted our largest Live at The Levee yet, with two nights of live music from five Aussie acts, performed from a special floating stage on the Hunter River.
After securing a grant under the state government Festival of Place, Summer Night Fund, it was great to see the Live at The Levee concept that our community loves so much, successfully upscaled and executed. Over 3000 people attended the event and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback on the night and comments on Council’s social media channels praising the initiative.
Aqua Hire
Aqua Hire ran through January from Lorn beach, with 286 bookings made for paddle boards and kayaks. Participants were able to hire out the watercrafts for an hour while spectators were able to sit on the sand of the riverbank in a comfy beach chair.
River Regatta
On 26 January, over 500 people took to the Hunter River on inflatable rafts for the inaugural Maitland River
