Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle has splashed out with a pool party at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre to celebrate the completion of the new $2.2 million grandstand.

The concrete structure is capable of hosting 800 people and includes much-needed storage space for operational requirements including equipment for sporting groups, and upgraded accessibility.

It’s the first time the grandstand has been replaced since Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre was officially opened in 1963 by then Lord Mayor, Alderman F J Purdue, in memory of those who have served in all conflicts.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes officially opened the new grandstand and shared cupcakes with young swimmers to mark the anniversary.

“Lambton was City of Newcastle’s first inland pool so we know it holds a special place in the hearts of Novocastrians,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate such a significant milestone for this much-loved community facility.”

An average of 184,000 people visit the centre annually, making it the most popular swimming centre in the Hunter.

“Replacing the grandstand is further evidence of City of Newcastle’s commitment to our Inland Pools Strategy 2043, which sets out a strategic path to enhance and protect Newcastle’s five public pools over the next 20 years,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Sport and recreation are a valuable part of life in Newcastle. Everyone who has visited Lambton Pool will have a favourite memory and it’s important we continue to invest in our public pool network so swimmers can enjoy them for generations to come.”

The completion of the new grandstand comes a year after the nine-metre tall, 120m-long twisting waterslide was also replaced at the facility.

Other more recent upgrades include the installation of three smaller grandstands with shade shelters adjacent to the diving pool, while work over the winter closure included safety upgrades, extensive re-painting, and maintenance of the pool tiles and promenades.

City of Newcastle has invested more than $5 million upgrading and $2 million maintaining the city’s public pool network during the past few years to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of more than 320,000 people who visit them each year.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash at Maitland overnight

About 12.30am (Saturday 16 December 2023), emergency services were called Haussman Drive, Thornton, following reports of a crash.

On arrival, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established the rider of the Yamaha motorcycle lost control after failing to negotiate a bend before he was ejected and struck a tree.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and treated the rider; however, the 26-year-old man died at the scene.

A crime scene was established which has been forensically examined.

An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with information into the incident or dashcam footage is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Christmas will come early for swimmers keen to dive back into the upgraded Newcastle Ocean Baths, with the pool set to reopen on 21 December.

Members of the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group were given a sneak peek of the refurbishments to the much-loved facility today, ahead of the planned return to swimming next week.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes invited the community to come together to celebrate this project milestone with a morning swim event from 7.30am on Thursday, with music, free coffee and the opportunity to capture a Summer Santa photo on the newly restored bleacher seating.

“I am pleased to see this important project progress and to have Novocastrians back in the baths this summer,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Growing up in Newcastle I spent many summers forming happy childhood memories at the ocean baths. This upgrade will ensure generations of Novocastrians will be able to create their own special memories at this popular community facility, starting with our opening swim event next Thursday.”

City of Newcastle (CN) Executive Manager Project Management Office, Robert Dudgeon said that the site tour recognised the time and energy the Community Reference Group has invested into shaping the upgrade over a number of years.

“Today we were able to demonstrate the significant work that has gone into the upgrade of the pool and promenade areas ahead of the pool being reopened,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“We have undertaken a period of testing and commissioning for the new pump system over recent weeks, and with that process nearing completion, our contractor will be applying the finishing touches to the pool and surrounding areas before we welcome the community back for swimming.”

Construction will continue at the southern end of the site, with minor works near the Canoe Pool set to be complete in early 2024.

The site’s existing amenities and change facilities will be open for use in line with the return to swimming, with Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer working to prepare concepts for the future upgrade of the pavilion buildings, including the heritage façade.

“Appointment of the Principal Design Consultant in September was an important step for the project, bringing together feedback from the community and the findings of technical studies to develop more detailed options for the upgraded pavilion buildings,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“The intention is to deliver a facility that welcomes all visitors in an accessible and inclusive way, is sensitive to the site’s heritage, and resilient to coastal inundation and predicted sea level rise.

“Exploring options for community space at the Baths site is part of CN’s vision of providing an equitably distributed, sustainably managed and inclusive network of public places and spaces, as outlined in the Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan.

“We will continue to engage with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and the wider community throughout this process, as the designs are developed.”

The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building is helping fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program.

The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is an investment in high quality public open space and delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.

In March this year, Newcastle Basketball announced it would not be proceeding with its previously communicated stadium relocation to Lake Macquarie. Instead, its then Chair announced that they would be seeking to build a new stadium in Newcastle on Crown Land opposite McDonald Jones Stadium at Broadmeadow.

Part of the March announcement was a statement from the Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper that he had secured a commitment for an additional $5 million from then Premier Dominic Perrottet. This funding was in addition to $25 million committed by the NSW Government in 2019.

The Crown Land site, which is home to Wallarah and Blackley Ovals and within a kilometre of the existing stadium, is owned by the NSW Government and managed on its behalf by City of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said her team has been working closely with local sporting groups and Lambton High School to ensure that should the NSW Government approve the development of the proposed basketball stadium at Wallarah and Blackley Ovals, new playing locations would be secured.

“Since April, we’ve been meeting with the sporting groups that use Wallarah and Blackley Ovals. This includes both the Area Manager Northern and the Local Infrastructure Manager for CricketNSW, as well as representatives from Northern NSW Football, Newcastle Football and Lambton Jaffas. Each has provided us with a list of their infrastructure needs so that we ensure they continue to have access to quality sporting facilities for the long term,” Ms Duffy said.

“Our next meeting with each of the sporting groups is occurring on Monday.

“While construction on a new basketball stadium is not expected to start until 2025, we’re prioritising discussions with local sporting groups to ensure that disruptions to their sporting and recreation needs are minimised. We understand that that relocating these sporting clubs will require upgrading of other local fields.

“To be very clear, the basketball project is being managed by the NSW Government, is being funded by the NSW Government, and will be assessed by the NSW Government. Our only role is to ensure that all sporting groups continue to have access to quality sporting facilities. This is not only possible but will happen well before the basketball stadium is built.

“I note Sonia Hornery has suggested that a better location for the basketball stadium would be within the proposed Hunter Park. This land is also owned by the NSW Government. The Newcastle Herald reported many months ago that the business case for the relocation of the Harness Racing Club out of Broadmeadow had been shared with the NSW Government. To date none of the required $50 million funding has been allocated by the NSW Government.

“The proposed basketball stadium has been declared State Significant Development by the Department of Planning and Environment, who will act as the planning authority when a DA is lodged by Newcastle Basketball.

“Members of the community will be given the chance to comment on the proposal by the Department of Planning as part of the standard assessment and public exhibition process, which will also address issues around traffic movements and stormwater management. Newcastle Basketball has been in talks with Venues NSW to consider a co-use arrangement for the parking at McDonald Jones Stadium, which is largely unused outside of sporting matches and larger event days.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council’s adopted Strategic Sports Plan includes a process to support all local sporting clubs whether they be the new facilities for football and cricket under construction at Wickham Park and Darling Street or the new lights being installed at Elemore Vale Reserve Field or at Stevenson Park in Mayfield.

“We work collaboratively to find solutions that help facilitate participation and the shared use of our facilities. I really feel for Newcastle Basketball and welcome the commitment that the NSW Government will finally deliver the long overdue new basketball stadium for the over five thousand local children and players that have been desperate for new facilities promised by successive NSW Governments. We will always work towards a collaborative solution that puts the community needs first and foremost,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Any claim that there had been no consultation regarding the proposed new basketball stadium is incorrect. Given this is a NSW Government project, both formal and informal consultation processes will continue to ensure a positive outcome is reached for all parties, and that this well overdue project is not delayed even further.

“The State Member for Newcastle and Shadow Minister for the Hunter were both supportive and briefed prior to Newcastle Basketball’s announcement in March this year. Greg Piper as the Member for Lake Macquarie made the announcement given he had secured an additional $5 million from the then Premier.

“City of Newcastle staff also informed the sporting groups prior to Newcastle Basketball’s announcement in March that Newcastle Basketball was hoping to build a new stadium at Blackley and Wallarah Ovals.

“I’ve been advised by City of Newcastle staff that discussions to date with local sporting groups are progressing, noting the 2024 seasons will remain unaffected.

“Newcastle Basketball has made it very clear it is willing to work with the local community to ensure that the project is a win for all. For that reason, and noting no DA has been submitted to the NSW Government, I encourage everyone to reach out to Newcastle Basketball so that all comments are evidence based and focused on securing much needed sporting infrastructure for our city and the basketball communities of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens.”

Background:

The proposed Hunter Basketball Stadium is a Newcastle Basketball project that has been in development for many years and undergone several iterations. Newcastle Basketball was told by the NSW Government that they needed to move from their current location in Hunter Park over seven years ago so their site could be used for much needed housing. Newcastle Basketball have been working with the NSW Government ever since to find a home for their growing 5,000 local members. Their current facilities are not fit-for-purpose.

It was originally intended to be built on a site on Hillsborough Road, Charlestown and in 2019 received a commitment of $25 million from the former NSW Government, however this proposal was refused by the Joint Regional Planning Panel on the grounds of adverse traffic impacts on local residents. To avoid any such concerns, the proposed basketball stadium will feature a lane exiting Turton Road to avoid any disruption to existing traffic, and to ensure vehicles are away from Lambton High School. These plans follow extension discussions with Transport for NSW.

An independent investigation has been undertaken into alleged Code of Conduct breaches by City of Newcastle’s (CN) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following a resolution of Council on 25 July 2023 and a letter from the Minister for Local Government.

In accordance with CN’s Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct, the matter was referred to an external Conduct Reviewer, independent of CN, for assessment and investigation.

The investigation found no evidence that the CEO incentivised the author to write the articles, nor did he reveal to the author confidential information, which was contained in the letters to the Newcastle Herald.

There is no evidence that the CEO directly contributed to the letters and the investigation found both allegations were not substantiated.

The Conduct Reviewer has referred allegations of how confidential electoral roll details about Council staff and their friends and family came into the possession of journalists to the appropriate external agencies to determine the next steps.

The procedure does not provide for the Conduct Reviewer to take action or make a referral in relation to the Code of Conduct for Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Now the matter is finalised, CN will advise the Minister for Local Government and relevant external agencies of the outcome of the investigation.

The investigation report remains confidential, and the procedure does not provide for Councillors to receive a copy of the investigation report where the finding is there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.

CN will proactively consider and seek advice to determine whether the outcome letter and investigation report issued by the Conduct Reviewer, in part or full, can be released publicly in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

The full Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct is available on the CN website.

Sustainability, access and inclusion are at the forefront of enhanced provisions for new developments that were endorsed by Councillors at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

City of Newcastle’s (CN) newly adopted Development Control Plan (DCP) 2023 features improvements to design guidelines that minimise the impact of extreme heat on the community, encourage more active modes of transport, and address the needs of ageing people or those with mobility needs.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council’s endorsement is the result of a collaborative effort with the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee, DCP Working Party, industry stakeholders and our community.

“This is the most comprehensive review we have undertaken to update planning and design guidelines for the city to better address environmental impacts, mobility and our ageing population,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Extensive community and industry consultation has helped inform key features of the final DCP, which in the long term will deliver better outcomes for the community in alignment with CN priorities, including the Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan, the Local Strategic Planning Statement and best practice guidelines.

“The Newcastle DCP 2023 details enhanced sustainable housing development guidelines to reduce emissions in our built environment and to reduce the community’s exposure to climate change impacts, whilst protecting our environment for future generations.”

The latest forecasts show the population is set to increase by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041 in the Newcastle local government area, which will stimulate demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings.

“As Newcastle’s population grows and ages, it’s vital we have effective planning guidelines in place to increase accessibility in our city and to create new liveable housing options that address mobility together with disability access requirements,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor and Chair of the DCP Working Party, Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk said sustainability, the environment and accessibility were key focus areas in the adopted DCP.

“The DCP 2023 will future proof the city by ensuring that developments result in buildings that are people-centred and climate ready, because everyone deserves a safe and healthy home to live in,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“The new controls to support biodiversity and address urban heat will deliver real outcomes for our local environment and our community by promoting healthy and sustainable buildings and outdoor spaces.

“The infrastructure that supports this is vital to people with diverse mobility and ability needs, and will combine with greater access to active and public transport to ease traffic congestion, reduce parking stress and improve our health and air quality.”

A day in the life of a modern café, inspired by Goldbergs on Darby Street, is a taste of the local flavour that features in the UpStage at the Playhouse program.

Written by Carl Caulfield, Karma Kafe showcases hard-working young staff and a diverse bunch of regulars and is one of four new and reimagined works that will call the Civic Theatre’s intimate Playhouse home in 2024.

Deputy Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Margaret Wood said this is an incredible opportunity to introduce works by home-grown theatre companies.

“Civic Theatre and City of Newcastle are investing in local productions, providing space and marketing support to local creatives,” Cr Wood said.

“We invited Newcastle’s creative and performing arts community to express their interest in being part of UpStage and we’re excited about the range of applications, especially the top four productions.

“The atmospheric 195-seat Playhouse is ideal for presenting smaller shows and we’re hoping a program such as this cements the connections between the theatre, our community, and the arts industry.”

Alongside Karma Kafe, another original production on the program is Blueberry Play, written by Ang Collins, a one-woman show that explores the highs and the lows of being a teenage girl in a small town, packed with heart, humour and aching nostalgia.

The Magic Hour, a dark comedy written by Vanessa Bates, is described as Little Red Riding Hood meets Trainspotting, featuring an episodic take on Grimm’s fairy tales, where Jack’s beanstalk grows in his parent’s backyard and Rapunzel’s tower is on top of a housing commission high-rise.

Romeo and Juliet reimagined by Charlotte De Wit & Pip Thoroughgood is an adaption of the timeless classic, which seeks to bridge the gap between centuries, weaving the enduring beauty of Shakespearean prose with the visceral power of movement, dance and physical theatre.

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the program will bring local shows to local audiences and highlight the creativity in our region.

“The fact all four of these productions have been written by Newcastle playwrights just shows the depth of talent we have in our city,” Ms Wallace said.

“The Civic Theatre is aiming to build the capacity and exposure of our artists and to build Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural capital.

“It’s wonderful to see original and re-imagined productions form part of the UpStage at the Playhouse program.”

Each show will be given a two-week placement in the Playhouse, which is co-located in the same building as the iconic Civic Theatre.

Tickets for UpStage at the Playhouse will go on sale from 15 February 2024, with shows to run from August to November.

For more information visit https://www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/upstage

Families across the city will have more reasons to plan a trip to their local park thanks to City of Newcastle’s million-dollar investment into upgraded playground equipment and new amenities.

Recreational areas such as Rawson Park at Stockton, Adamstown No.2 and Waratah’s Coolamin Reserve will receive new equipment as part of City of Newcastle’s annual improvement program, while Islington and Lambton Park playgrounds will be upgraded with new rubber softfall and equipment respectively.

Designs for the playgrounds are currently being finalised, with construction expected to start early in the new year.

City of Newcastle is also enhancing the experience of families visiting Newcastle’s largest playground, with new amenities now open at the $2 million Wallsend Active Hub.

Wallsend Active Hub has become one of Newcastle’s most popular playgrounds and multi-purpose recreation spaces since opening in November 2022, catering for community members of all ages with a bike pump track, climbing walls, multi-sport courts, rebound wall and fitness equipment. Future stage two works will include a barbecue area, shelter and seating.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says City of Newcastle has invested more than $10 million into playground projects over the past five years as part of its commitment to delivering enhanced recreational opportunities for the community.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and their local playgrounds, which provide local children and families with the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Not only does City of Newcastle upgrade up to five playgrounds a year through its annual improvement program, we also invest additional funding into district level projects such as the new $3 million inclusive playspace at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park, which will begin construction early next year.

“I’m also glad to see the addition of the new toilet amenities at Wallsend Active Hub, which will enhance the comfort and experience of local residents and visitors from across the region who travel to enjoy its diverse offering of recreational opportunities.”

Newcastle has more than 116 playgrounds across the Local Government Area and has an ongoing program of upgrading and renewing the facilities. Five playgrounds were upgraded under the program during the past 12 months including Beresfield’s Vera Wilson Park, Loch Ness Drive Park in Fletcher, Harold Myers Park in Birmingham Gardens, Avon Street Reserve in Mayfield, and Waratah Park.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works to stay up to date with progress on playgrounds and other projects in your area.

Local stories and ambitious exhibitions will continue to take centre stage at two of Newcastle’s key cultural institutions thanks to an extended multiyear funding allocation from the NSW Government.

Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Art Gallery’s existing three-year agreements with Create NSW have both been extended for an additional 12 months, bringing the combined total investment in the facilities to almost $850,000 over four years.

Create NSW has also recognised the leading industry knowledge and expertise of City of Newcastle’s Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, appointing her as Chair of the Museums and History Artform Advisory Board.

Ms Baird is the first Director of a regional museum appointed to the highly respected role and will follow on from the tenure of Australian Museum Director Dr Kim McKay AO.

She has also recently been reappointed as Vice President of the National Council for the Australian Museums and Galleries Association Incorporated (AMaGA).

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes congratulated Ms Baird on her appointment and welcomed the funding from the NSW Government, which reflected the quality of exhibitions, collections and programming produced by both the Museum and Art Gallery.

“Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Art Gallery are vibrant, award-winning cultural attractions, which play an important role in interpreting and preserving our city’s fascinating history and providing a time capsule of Australian art dating back to the earliest days of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Their respective collections and exhibitions also add to the rich diversity of experiences that help attract visitors to our city.

“Julie’s appointment reflects her expertise, innovative leadership and years of dedication to the Australian galleries, libraries, archives, and museums sector. It acknowledges the importance of Local Government funded museums in the cultural landscape.”

Ms Baird said the Create NSW funding had allowed Newcastle Museum to expand its program of self-curated exhibitions to tell more local stories.

“Newcastle Museum’s vast collection allows visitors to gain a sense of Newcastle’s unique identity by exploring the city’s past, present and future, while our exciting annual program of self-curated and touring exhibitions are on the cutting edge of contemporary museum practice,” Ms Baird said.

“This funding has supported our ongoing commitment to serving the city with diverse and inclusive programs and award-winning exhibitions that tell the story of Newcastle.

“This has included everything from the award-winning 1×4, which we have now toured to seven other museums and galleries across three states, to the community-led insight into Newcastle’s skateboarding culture, Shralp, and celebrating the talent of Newcastle’s diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives through FIRST.

“I was also blown away by my appointment – to have a regional museum Director as the head of the Advisory Board acknowledges the professionalism and skills within our regional areas and recognises that a significant portion of the cultural innovation and leadership in our industry is coming from centres outside of Sydney.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the additional funding would continue to support the Gallery’s ambitious programming and future plans for the reimagined Art Gallery’s reopening.

“Having been a member of the Create NSW Visual Arts Advisory Board over the past four years, I have seen first-hand the incredible quality on offer across the state’s visual arts institutions, so I am absolutely delighted and extremely grateful that Newcastle Art Gallery has continued to be supported given the record number of funding recipients in the Visual Arts funding category,” Ms Morton said.

“Newcastle Art Gallery is held in high regard across the Australian arts community, home to a nationally significant collection worth more than $126 million and with an award-winning artistic program drawing local, national and international audiences to our city.

“This esteem will grow further as we progress with our long-awaited Art Gallery expansion project, which will significantly increase the Gallery’s capacity to present even more exhibitions and programming that showcase our incredible collection while supporting contemporary practice and artists’ groundbreaking ideas that engage and broaden our audience.”

The hugely popular Big Picture Fest will extend its artistic legacy across Newcastle in 2024 as one of 15 projects awarded a share of almost $1 million in funding by City of Newcastle (CN).

Buildings in the city CBD will become blank canvasses waiting to be transformed during the large-scale street art event, which will be held in Newcastle for the third time as part of CN’s City Centre and Darby Street Special Business Rate (SBR) program.

The latest round of funding from the SBR program will also see the return of the popular Chalk the Walk pavement 3D art event, as well as the third instalment of the successful West Best Bloc Fest music showcase.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said successful initiatives like City of Newcastle’s SBR funding program provided invaluable support for the city’s CBD business precincts and created vibrant, activated spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy.

“SBR initiatives such as West Best Bloc Fest, which will see more than 100 local musicians perform in venues across the city, are proven to not only attract an influx of visitors but also drive new and expanded economic opportunities for our local hospitality venues, arts and cultural sector,” Cr Clausen said.

“Big Picture Fest is a great example of how Special Business Rate funding can be used to help beautify and activate our local business precincts, which not only provide a boost to the economy but supports local jobs.”

Big Picture Fest Newcastle Director Katerina Skoumbas said the popular international street art festival would return to Newcastle in 2024 thanks to continued SBR support from City of Newcastle.

“We are excited to be extending the Big Picture Fest program into the East End in 2024 with some vibrant and eclectic street art planned for our third edition of the event, “Ms Skoumbas said.

“The SBR funding received for Big Picture Fest benefits many local businesses in the city centre. This roaming event increases the vibrancy of the City Centre by engaging visitors in an interesting way, which leads to increased visitation in the area and spending in many of our city’s hospitality venues.”

Special Business Rates are collected from businesses in Newcastle City Centre / Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend for the promotion, beautification and development of those precincts.

Other successful projects under this round of City Centre and Darby Street funding include the mouth-watering return of Newcastle Food Month, Shakespeare Under the Stars, Sculptures @ Scratchley and the Devonshire St Laneway Activation Project.

Successful City Centre / Darby Street SBR projects include:

West Best Bloc Fest – an annual block festival curated to showcase 80 plus emerging and established local musicians spread across supporting venues around the local West End block.

Kindle Winter Wellbeing Festival – this festival will unite the community via a calendar of bespoke events co-designed by businesses, artists and wellbeing practitioners to connect the community during winter. From music, kids’ discos, light activations, comedy and digital sensory spaces, this all-age event promotes community well-being and supports local businesses.

Chalk the Walk, Newcastle 2024 – 3D artwork trail in key City Centre and Darby Street outdoor locations.

Newcastle Food Month – returning in April 2024, this month-long project promotes what makes Newcastle and the surrounding precincts a gastronomic playground.

Stories – Women of the Hunter in Photography will share the stories of over 30 local storytellers during a six week curated exhibition, coinciding with International Women’s Day 2023, with public art installations, talks and practical workshops.

Newcastle ALIVE! Winter Festival – a multi-event program featuring 100 per cent local creatives to attract more trade to precinct businesses.

Devonshire St Laneway Activation Project – three events will be activated in Devonshire Street Laneway, to link into and support events and celebrations important to Newcastle and LGBTQIA+ communities. Each activation will run for three to four days and include visual art light projection displays, plus activities unique to each event such as pantomime theatre productions, markets, art exhibitions, and outdoor dining experiences.

Sculptures @ Scratchley – a free public outdoors sculpture exhibition at Fort Scratchley open to all artists.

Procession of Giants – Curious Legends will deliver two large scale events, Luminous Creatures and Whale Song to engage the community in a series of fun and inspiring activities.

Shakespeare Under The Stars – Whale Chorus will deliver a third season of Shakespeare Under The Stars with the beloved comedy ‘Twelfth Night’ in Pacific Park and will bring an estimated 3,600 visitors into the city centre during the summer months.

Big Picture Fest 2024 – locals and visitors are invited to watch local and international artists paint large-scale murals in real time over three days. In its third edition, this free festival program will extend into the East End through an outdoor exhibition in partnership with Iris Capital, a mentor program with The Lock Up gallery and projections on the University’s Q building.

Newcastle Bar Awards – in recognition and celebration of bartenders, mixologists, and brewers who are moving Newcastle’s drink culture forward. The awards will run in conjunction with a program of consumer events, hosted by Newcastle venues in its lead up, together with a People’s Choice Award that will ask the community to vote for their favourite local bar.

Reasons to visit Hunter Street Mall and Eastend Village – Ka fey café will boost local businesses in Hunter Street Mall by incentivising patrons through coordinating discounts, loyalty offers and events.

City of Newcastle Activation Project – this project will be delivered by Newcastle Tourism Industry Group to leverage significant major events that come to the city ensuring the economic benefit is spread beyond the event itself. The funding will activate and showcase local businesses creating an excitement and energy that ensures locals and visitors alike have an enhanced experience that involves preshow specials, after party drinks, theming and branding that builds hype and showcases the City of Newcastle as a cohesive major event destination.

Reactivation of ‘Live Spots 2023 / 2024’ – activating spaces other than live music venues and pubs.