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New exhibition gives unique perspective on city landmarks

A new exhibition highlighting the beauty of everyday objects will also provide a snapshot in time of Newcastle’s ever-evolving history.
RACHEL MILNE: Nest is the first major solo exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery by local artist Rachel Milne.

Featuring intimate paintings and portraits set in her home and studio, as well as plein air landscapes of iconic places in Newcastle, the exhibition also includes a series of paintings completed while Rachel was the artist in residence at the former David Jones building.
Abandoned at the time, Milne’s artworks capture a unique moment in the history of the iconic former department store, which is now on the verge of permanent change as part of Iris Capital’s East End development.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the exhibition gives the community an opportunity to experience Newcastle landmarks and everyday objects from someone else’s point of view.
“It is wonderful to see Newcastle Art Gallery showcasing the work of a highly regarded local artist, whose paintings beautifully capture so many different perspectives that will be familiar to Newcastle audiences,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Whether it’s the view from the stage of the Victoria Theatre to the interior of the old David Jones building, which at one time was the heart of retail activity in Newcastle and is in the process of being reinvented by Iris Capital for future generations of residents and visitors to enjoy, Rachel’s work provides a fascinating snapshot in time as our city continues to grow and evolve.”
Rachel MILNE Construction 2020 oil on board 80.0 x 100.0cm Les Renfrew Bequest 2020 Newcastle Art Gallery collection, courtesy the artist
The English-born artist moved to Newcastle in 2013 and quickly made her mark on the local art scene as the winner of the Singleton Portraiture Prize that year. A three-time finalist in the Kilgour Prize at Newcastle Art Gallery, Milne also made the shortlist twice in the prestigious Wynne Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW and has work in the collections of Bathurst and Maitland Regional Art Galleries as well as Newcastle.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said Milne’s richly layered observational works were a wonderful example of the artistic genre of Intimisim, which captures the beauty of everyday objects and scenes.
“Milne’s observational paintings depict ordinary objects like a child’s pram, a chair from her studio or food she has prepared. Paintings of local public swimming pools depict nostalgic scenes that have remained unchanged for years,” Ms Morton said.
“The exhibition also includes recently created works of art by Milne on display for the first time. A series of paintings set in Newcastle artists’ cooperative, Creator Incubator, provide insight into a vibrant creative arts community set in a large industrial space, now re-purposed and part of Newcastle’s ever-evolving history.”
RACHEL MILNE: Nest will be on display at Newcastle Art Gallery from 15 May – 1 August, 2021. As part of the opening weekend, Rachel will take part in a talk with writer Laura Jackel from 2pm on 15 May that will explore Newcastle’s ever-evolving urban landscape and the enduring reference to beauty in the everyday in Milne’s work.

NSW STATEMENT ON THE 2021-22 FEDERAL BUDGET

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet tonight welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s 2021-22 Budget, which delivers more than $3 billion in funding for road infrastructure projects in NSW, alongside tax relief and training initiatives designed to boost the economy and help drive unemployment below pre-pandemic levels.
Mr Perrottet said the Commonwealth’s strong focus on supporting working families and creating jobs was teamed with a strong focus on helping the vulnerable and those in need.
“Josh Frydenberg has delivered a Budget which is the envy of many countries around the world, it’s clear Australia is leading the pack on the way back,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is a Budget which places people at its very heart, ranging from more childcare assistance, help for the aged care sector, medical support in the regions, $2.3 billion for mental health and suicide prevention as well as a billion dollar boost for women’s safety.”
Among funding for NSW in tonight’s Budget:

  • $3.3 billion for priority road projects including $2 billion for the Great Western Highway from Katoomba to Lithgow, $500 million for the Princes Highway, including the Jervis Bay Road Intersection and Jervis Bay to Sussex Inlet Stage 1, $240 million for the Mount Ousley Interchange and $229.4 million for the M12 Motorway.
  • $162.8 million over three years from 2021-22 to support clean-up of damage caused by the February and March 2021 floods.
  • $51.2 million for Eurobodalla Southern Storage.
  • $4.5 million in 2021-22 for a Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund to support those affected by the 2019-20 bushfires.

Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government was currently working on its own 2021-22 State Budget, which will be delivered in June.
“It is vital the Commonwealth and NSW continue to work together. We have been handed the biggest challenge in a generation, but also the opportunity of our generation,” Mr Perrottet.

Man presents to hospital with stab wounds – Edgeworth

A man is in a stable condition after presenting to hospital with several stab wounds overnight.
About 12.10am (Wednesday 12 May 2021), emergency services were called to a home on Renfrew Crescent, Edgeworth, after reports a man had been injured in an altercation.
Upon arrival, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and were notified that a 30-year-old man had presented at John Hunter Hospital suffering stab wounds to his arms and buttocks; his injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Police have been told the man was confronted by three people at the home before he was assaulted and stabbed.
Detectives have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and how the man came to be injured.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the nearby area between 11.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 11 May 2021) and 12.30am today, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man issued infringement for offensive conduct – Newcastle

A man has been issued an infringement notice following an investigation into an alleged spitting incident at Newcastle last week.
A man is alleged to have spat on the footpath outside a courthouse on Hunter Street, Newcastle, on Friday 7 May 2021.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, assisted by Mt Druitt Police Area Command, commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, a 38-year-old man attended Waratah Police Station today (Tuesday 11 May 2021), where he was issued with a criminal infringement notice for offensive conduct.

Greens: Evidence-based respectful relationships education works

The Australian Greens have welcomed today’s release of the positive evaluation of Our Watch’s primary school education program, Respectful Relationships Education to Prevent Gender-Based Violence, and called on the government to fund a national roll out.
Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for women, Senator Larissa Waters said: 
“Spoiler alert, evidence-based respectful relationships education works – not milkshake metaphors.
“Our Watch’s pilot programs in Queensland and Victoria, delivering age appropriate, whole-of-school and evidence-based respectful relationships, have been evaluated as successful.
“To address the crisis of violence against women and girls, the federal government should fund a national rollout of Our Watch’s program. All students, no matter which school they attend should get the benefit of learning about respect, gender equality and not letting their career aspirations be limited by their gender.
“Wasting millions of public dollars on an ineffective and confusing milkshake video was shameful, when that money should be spent on programs with proven outcomes.
“The Respect@Work report recommendations, accepted by this government, called for investment in expert-designed, whole-of-school respectful relationships programs to help end the cycle of violence by addressing what lies behind it – gender stereotypes and gender inequality.
“The PM now needs follow through in next week’s budget and include $190 million to support a national roll out of Our Watch’s effective respectful relationships training program.”
Greens spokesperson for Education, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, said:
“The government has a bad track record on respectful relationships education, but funding a national rollout of Our Watch’s program would be a big step in the right direction.
“Urgent investment is required in whole-of-school programs that tackle the issues clearly and are known to work.
“School education is as much about ensuring young people become respectful members of the community as it is about learning the ‘hard’ skills and knowledge required for the modern world.”

Film series uncovers stories of Newcastle

Newcastle’s role in a 19th century art revolution that preserved important Aboriginal cultural knowledge has been highlighted in a new film.
Lycett and Wallis: Unlikely Preservers of Aboriginal Knowledge tells the story of English-born convict Joseph Lycett, who was transported to Australia for forgery in 1815 and was later commissioned by Captain James Wallis, Commandant of Newcastle, to document the landscape and burgeoning township of Coal River/Mulubinba (Newcastle).
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, City of Newcastle Director of City Wide Services Alissa Jones, filmmaker Tony Whittaker, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton, filmmaker Chit Chat von Loopin Stab, Councillor Carol Duncan, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz and City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath.
Created in a time before cameras existed, Lycett’s paintings have become an invaluable record of traditional Aboriginal life in Newcastle as it had existed for thousands of years, depicting the rich culture and lifestyle of Australia’s first peoples with images of corroborees, hunting techniques, fishing, funerals and visions of laws being enacted.
The film examines the significance of Lycett’s work and its importance to Aboriginal people today, as well as the role Wallis played in the development of Newcastle and Lycett’s work.
It was created by Newcastle songwriter, producer and musician Chit Chat von Loopin Stab (aka Glenn Dormand) and fellow filmmaker Tony Whittaker as part of their Stories of Our Town series, which also includes films on the Star Hotel riot, BHP and the Scott Sisters.
With grants from City of Newcastle, the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund and private sources, the filmmakers are hoping to make at least 12 documentaries as part of the series.
Lycett and Wallis: Unlikely Preservers of Aboriginal Knowledge features interviews with a range of subjects including Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton and Gallery Curator Sarah Johnson, Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird and Councillor Carol Duncan, whose personal Facebook group Lost Newcastle provided the initial inspiration for the Stories of our Town series.
Three of Lycett’s paintings examined in the film form part of the Newcastle Art Gallery collection – ‘Inner View of Newcastle’ c1818, ‘Newcastle NSW looking towards Prospect Hill’ c1818 and ‘View with cattle in foreground, Hunter River’ c1818.
The film was officially launched with a special screening at Newcastle Art Gallery and is now available to view via the Stories of Our Town website.
The filmmakers also recently released a short film, The Islanders: Chats with Vera Deacon, which was created in collaboration with Newcastle Libraries and University of Newcastle Library and is a collection of stories from Vera’s early life on the islands of the Hunter River.
The writer, philanthropist and passionate historian was named a Freeman of the City in 2019 in recognition of her contribution to Newcastle’s heritage, conservation and local history.
The film was commissioned by Newcastle Libraries as a contemporary twist to traditional oral history projects and makes the most of the capabilities of the new Digital Library Storywall, where it will be available to view by the community.

MASS VACCINATION CENTRE OPENS

The mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park has opened today with thousands of people booked in to receive the COVID-19 vaccine this week.
During its first weeks of operation, the Centre will focus on delivering Pfizer vaccinations to priority groups including healthcare workers, emergency services workers as well as quarantine and border workers and their households.
Bookings are required.
Members of the general public aged 40-49 are invited to register their interest in receiving the Pfizer vaccine through NSW Health. They will be contacted when a booking is available. People aged 40-49 can register here from 5pm today: nsw.gov.au/
From Wednesday 12 May, people aged 50 and over can book their AstraZeneca jab at the mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park, if they are unable to obtain the vaccination from their GP. These bookings will be available here; covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the centre at Sydney Olympic Park would operate six days per week from 8am to 8pm.
“The mass vaccination centre will be able to administer up to 30,000 vaccines per week once it is up and running, that means around 5,000 vaccinations per day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Centre, combined with the more than 100 NSW Health run clinics and hubs, means NSW Health can administer around 60,000 vaccines each week across the State.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said about 200 registered nurses and midwives will work at the Centre forming about two-thirds of its 300-strong workforce.
“Opening a vaccination centre of this scale at Sydney Olympic Park is a massive and unprecedented undertaking, and one I’m very proud of as Health Minister,” Mr Hazzard said.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged everyone in NSW who can be vaccinated to do so.
“Vaccination is very effective at reducing your risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 and will also reduce the chance you will pass on the infection to your loved ones,” Dr Chant said.

BRAND NEW POLICE STATION FOR SINGLETON

The Singleton community in the Upper Hunter will benefit from a brand new police station, thanks to $12 million in funding from the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined NSW Nationals candidate for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzell at Singleton Police Station today to make the announcement, and said it will be a significant boost for the region.
“The current police station in Singleton has been serving the community since 1867 and the heritage listed building is home to around 50 staff,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The new fit-for-purpose station will meet the needs of the growing Hunter Valley Police District and mean Singleton can continue to be well resourced by NSW Police as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to building a safer and stronger Upper Hunter.
“I want to thank all the officers and staff working within the Hunter Valley Police District for your service and dedication to the people of NSW and this brand new police station should better serve the deserving community of Singleton and surrounds.”
Mr Elliott said the Singleton Police Station will have the state-of-the-art resources that our modern police force needs to operate effectively.
“Police numbers in the Hunter Valley Police District have been steadily increasing, from 163 in 2019 to 181 this year, and with the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering an additional 1500 police over four years, that number is only likely to grow,” Mr Elliott said.
“A new police station for Singleton will accommodate the growing number of officers for years to come and provide a fantastic facility for current staff and the community.
“This is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to the NSW Police Force, with 36 Police stations built or upgraded since 2011 and continued investment in police infrastructure.”
In 2020-21, the NSW Government is investing a record $287.7 million in NSW Police Force capital projects.

BUILD BEGINS ON AUSTRALIAN FIRST HOSPICE IN MANLY

Manly will soon house Australia’s first palliative care hospice for young people living with an incurable illness, with construction to commence shortly.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Manly James Griffin visited the site of the former Manly Hospital today to turn the first sod on the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice.
“This is the first hospice in Australia dedicated to 15-24 year old patients living with an incurable illness, providing first class palliative care services and support during the most challenging of times,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The hospice will welcome families from right across NSW, including in rural and  regional areas.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will provide specialised care, including bereavement support and counselling.
“The Manly community has made the development of this vital hospice right here on our beautiful coast possible through their wonderful support and donations,” Mr Griffin said.
“More than $6.5 million has been raised by the community for this project. This was boosted by an $8 million investment from the NSW Government along with $5 million from the Federal Government.
“This hospice will fill a much-needed gap for young people who outgrow Manly’s renowned Bear Cottage or have been diagnosed with life-limiting conditions as a young adult.”
The Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will have eight bedrooms for patients, breakout spaces including a media and games room, as well as two family accommodation units with two bedrooms each.
Construction of the hospice is scheduled for completion in late 2022 and is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments, as well as generous community donations.
Health Infrastructure is working closely with the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) and expert clinicians to deliver the hospice, which will be located at the former Manly Hospital site on the North Head headland.
For further information and to support the Hospice, visit the NSLHD website.

NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE – 7 MAY 2021

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS UPDATE

  • Given the latest cases of community transmission and updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, COVID-19 restrictions will be temporarily tightened across Greater Sydney.
  • The following measures are effective until 12.01am Monday, 10 May for the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains):
    • Visitors to households will be limited to 20 guests – including children;
    • Masks will be compulsory on public transport and in all public indoor venues, such as retail, theatres, hospitals, aged care facilities and for front-of-house hospitality staff (except in a hospitality venue when eating or drinking);
    • Drinking while standing up at indoor venues will not be allowed;
    • Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
    • Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings with a strong recommendation that no more than 20 people should be on the dancefloor at any one time; and
    • Visitors to aged care facilities will be limited to two people.
  • It is also strongly recommended the community avoids mingling in large groups over the coming days, and is careful not to put our most vulnerable at risk.
  • For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

NSW LOOKS TO LEAD THE WAY WITH mRNA VACCINES

  • Premier Gladys Berejiklian has brought together the State’s leading experts in mRNA technology as NSW looks to create a new medical manufacturing and research industry.
  • Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use mRNA technology. However, Australia currently has no long-form RNA manufacturing capacity.
  • NSW is home to nationally and globally significant programs of genomic medicine development, particularly in the fields of gene therapy, gene-modified cell therapy and RNA therapy. These therapies treat a wide range of conditions including genetic diseases, cancers, infectious diseases and cardiac conditions.
  • NSW already has capabilities in the advanced manufacture of viral vectors, plasmids and short-form RNA, which are key technologies used for these therapies. The addition of mRNA capacity to this manufacturing network would significantly strengthen local research and development programs.

FASTSTREAM OPEN FOR TEACHERS AND GRADUATES

  • The first teaching career fast track program in NSW has opened for applications for aspiring graduates and current teachers who want to turbocharge their careers to become a principal within 10 years.
  • The FASTstream program, beginning in Term 1 2022, aims to attract high-quality teaching staff to regional NSW and other hard-to-staff parts of the state.
  • The FASTstream program will incentivise up-and-coming teachers and graduates by preparing participants for principal roles in up to 10 years, fast tracking the existing average of 20 years.
  • In the program’s inaugural year, 30 current teachers and 20 teaching graduates will be selected to participate.
  • For more information or to apply, visit: https://teach.nsw.edu.au/enhance-your-career/faststream-recruitment.

FIVE PROJECTS SET TO ACCELERATE BASIN PLAN

  • Implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan has shifted up a gear, following agreement between the Commonwealth and Basin states.
  • Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey has announced details of the five accelerated key Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) projects agreed to at last week’s Murray Darling Ministerial Council meeting.
  • In addition to agreement being reached last week to accelerate a suite of projects to enable delivery by 2024, Ministers have recognised the unique sensitives around Menindee and Yanco and have agreed that NSW will spend the next two months re-working these projects.
  • For details on the SDLAM Acceleration Program including full details of the five accelerated projects, please visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/sdlam.

AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST ROAD TUNNEL PROPOSED FOR GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY UPGRADE

FLYING KANGAROO TO STAY IN THE PREMIER STATE

  • Qantas will continue to call NSW home with its global headquarters to remain in Sydney following an in principle agreement with the NSW Government.
  • The announcement secures thousands of existing and future jobs for NSW and includes several other benefits including Sydney being the exclusive launch city for Qantas’ ultra-long-haul non-stop flights to cities such as London and New York.
  • The commitment also confirmed:
    • The construction of a new Flight Training Centre with aircraft simulators to be based in NSW from 2023;
    • Plans for expansion of Qantas Loyalty team in Mascot;
    • Qantas working with the NSW Government to develop a comprehensive indigenous and diversity employment program.
  • The final binding agreement will be subject to ongoing detailed negotiations.

FEMALE CHANGEROOMS ARE TOP PRIORITY IN $100 MILLION FUND FOR REGIONAL NSW

  • Female sporting teams across regional NSW will benefit from new and improved facilities and regional towns will soon see even more investment in community infrastructure and programs that will make a big difference to everyday life in the bush, thanks to the $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund.
  • Applications are now open for Round Four and communities are encouraged to apply.
  • Getting facilities up to date, particularly women’s change rooms, will ensure all female athletes are supported to take part in a wide range of sports, including once male dominated codes.
  • The Stronger Country Communities fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. Applications for Round Four open 1 May 2021 and close on 25 June 2021. For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF.

$135 MILLION TO HELP SAVE LIVES ON OUR ROADS

  • Road users across the state are set to benefit from a $135 million investment in road safety projects under the latest round of the $822 million Safer Roads Program.
  • 78 lifesaving projects will be financed this year through the Community Road Safety Fund.
  • The Safer Roads program is estimated to prevent the loss of more than 1500 lives and serious injuries on our roads over 15 years. That’s 1500 people making it home safely to their families because of these projects.

LOCALLY EXTINCT FISH RETURN TO MACQUARIE RIVER AFTER 70 YEARS

  • More than 70 years after the species were last recorded in the catchment, 7,500 juvenile Macquarie Perch have been released back into the Macquarie River catchment at Winburndale Dam.
  • The project was funded under the Government’s $10 million 2019/20 NSW Native Fish Rescue Program.
  • Conditions are now ideal for these fish to flourish in and it’s expected their populations will be able to thrive over the coming years.