September 2021 No images? Click here Thanks for hanging in there Newcastle, we know life at the moment is challenging in lockdown. While the current COVID-19 restrictions are in place we're continuing to provide support, deliver essential services and plan for the City’s recovery from COVID-19. Here's more on how we're responding. In recent news we worked with Aspen Medical to establish a Newcastle disability vaccination hub at Wallsend Library. It's operating for eligible individuals within the disability sector including people with a disability and disability support workers. We welcomed close to 150 new citizens from 39 countries online in a COVID first for the City. Following advice from the Department of Home Affairs permitting group ceremonies to be held virtually, and due to statewide stay-at-home orders, we pivoted plans for a face-to-face citizenship ceremony to allow our newest citizens to take the pledge online. Work on Hamilton James Street Plaza is complete with the community's ideas and feedback brought to life, from the unique historical elements to new furniture and gardens. Once COVID-19 restrictions lift, we'll welcome the community back to gather and activate the space with music, markets and food. Designs are finalised for the first stage of Newcastle Ocean Baths' revitalisation including the pools and lower promenade. 'Stage 1' of the upgrade project addresses key safety, accessibility and water-quality issues. Community engagement has been key with feedback shaping elements such as the location of ramp access, replacement of art-deco circular stairs, and boardwalk material. West Australian artist and perennial Kilgour Prize finalist Lori Pensini has celebrated a breakthrough win in the prestigious $50,000 art prize with an intimate reflection on inter-racial relationships and her own family lineage (pictured in email banner). While Newcastle Art Gallery remains closed during lockdown you can view the Kilgour Prize 2021 exhibition online and cast your vote for the People's Choice award. We're inviting businesses to learn more about developing unique and marketable visitor offerings so they can make the most of an expected post-COVID-19 tourism boom. The City's Product Development Mentoring Program has already helped 15 businesses offering everything from bike tours to baked goods with training and mentoring to shift their product in a way that appeals to visitors. Last, but never least... don't forget Dad this Sunday 5th September. COVID-19 community support extendedWe'll invest at least $10 million into the local economy to help create new jobs following a Lord Mayoral Minute unanimously supported by the Council. The Lord Mayoral Minute called for an expanded Community and Economic Resilience Package to help combat the economic and social impacts of the current lockdown of the city. The package builds on last year's $5.5 million investment and includes rapid response grants aimed at supporting our vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members, business training and mentoring programs, as well as economic development and community grants. Hardship support will help those under financial strain, while the focus of existing sponsorship programs will be shifted to provide a roadmap to support Newcastle's recovery out of lockdown. Read more about how we're responding to COVID-19. Community shapes vision for Gregson ParkWe recently unveiled a new vision for Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park as part of the development of a draft masterplan. The draft masterplan showcases three key components including a new playspace, community hub on the former bowling green and multi-sports activity hub and aims to celebrate the existing heritage of the site and Awabakal culture, while meeting the recreational needs of the local community. The draft masterplan is on public exhibition for community feedback until 6 October 2021. Learn more and have your say on our website. Decade of discovery at Newcastle MuseumIt's welcomed almost 1.5 million visitors, won 20 state and national awards, displayed 71 exhibitions and held thousands of special events - 2021 marks 10 years since Newcastle Museum opened its doors at Honeysuckle after transforming the former Railway Workshops into a state-of-the-art cultural facility. Discover it in a COVID-safe way with 10-year-old Sebastian Skrynnik who's family immigrated from Russia to Newcastle. He's been visiting the museum since he was a baby and has formed a very special bond with the Museum team. Thanks to Sebastian and his family for allowing us to share his story. How to contact us (while we're in lockdown)While the current COVID-19 restrictions mean our office is closed to customers and we're working from home, you can continue to connect with us by phone between 8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday on (02) 4974 2000, on web chat through our website newcastle.nsw.gov.au or via our Customer Request Form. Picture thisThe team at @pappasvens have been out catching some sun and snapping some great pics on a #newcastlewindowwander 😍 TAG US on Instagram @citynewcastle.au to have your pic featured. Stay up to date Subscribe to the City of Newcastle's monthly newsletter for essential information on projects, events and Council news. |