Final preparations for the inaugural million-dollar New Annual festival are almost complete as City of Newcastle prepares to kick off its flagship cultural event this Friday.
With a massive pop-up installation known as The Hangar creating a theatrical-style carnival atmosphere in Civic Park and the Pavilion of Sand installation providing a base for indigenous cultural expression in Wheeler Place, Newcastle’s Civic precinct is putting on a new look for the 10-day event.
But it’s not just the city’s cultural heart undergoing a transformation for New Annual, with dozens of cultural shows to play their part throughout the city extending as far away as the Summerhill Waste Management Centre. Other locations include the Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum, The Station, the Carriage Sheds at Foreshore Park, Miss Porter’s House, The Lock Up and Timeless Textiles.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said New Annual was a transformative, citywide event that would enhance Newcastle’s reputation as a hub of art and culture.
“After months of planning, it’s wonderful to see this amazing infrastructure taking shape,” Cr Nelmes said.
“By transforming well-known sites across Newcastle and using both traditional and non-traditional venues to deliver the artistic program, New Annual gives locals and visitors the opportunity to see the city in a new light as they discover new work, fresh perspectives and unexpected performance spaces.
“Over time the festival will grow to become a significant generator of cultural tourism, positioning Newcastle as an innovative and creative community with a vibrant cultural history, an amazing depth of talent within its performing and visual arts sector and a bright future as a smart, liveable and sustainable global city.”
New Annual provides a much-needed opportunity for local and touring artists to get back on stage and in front of audiences following COVID-19’s debilitating impact on the performing arts sector.
More than 100 visual and performing artists will take part in over 50 free and ticketed events during New Annual, which runs from 12 – 21 February. It will include dance, live music, art displays, exhibitions, presentations, talks, and activation events.
New Annual’s program has been designed with the flexibility to operate as a COVID-19 Safe event depending on Public Health Orders. To find out more visit www.newannual.com.
Author: admin
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS UPDATE 10 FEBRUARY 2021
Restrictions will be eased and the 2sqm rule reintroduced across the Greater Sydney region following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant.
The following measures will be effective from 12.01am Friday, 12 February for the Greater Sydney region including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains:
- 1 person per 2sqm will apply at all venues, except for gyms. Weddings and funerals will still be subject to a 300 person cap.
- Masks will only be mandatory on public transport, but will strongly be encouraged in other indoor venues where social distancing is not possible.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this is about striking the balance between keeping the economy going and boosting jobs whilst ensuring COVID-19 is kept under control.
“We want to continue to give the community and businesses the confidence to move forward, especially with the expansion of the 2sqm rule which will allow most venues to double their capacity,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“However, as we ease restrictions it is important we don’t let our guard down – the community needs to continue to play their role in being COVID-Safe and coming forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said restrictions could be eased thanks to the great work of the people of NSW who have followed social distancing guidelines and continued to get tested.
“It is vital people continue to maintain their social distance, come forward for testing, don’t go to work if they’re unwell and wear a mask where they cannot guarantee social distancing,” Mr Hazzard said.
Dr Kerry Chant said we cannot become complacent when it comes to COVID-19 despite there being no recent cases of community transmission.
“We need to continue to practice COVID-Safe behaviours and stay home and get tested if unwell,” Dr Chant said.
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit:
www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Man charged with alleged commercial break and enters in the Hunter
A man will face court next month after alleged stolen goods were found at a Hunter property yesterday.
In December 2020, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation into three break and enter offences which occurred between Sunday 20 December and Wednesday 23 December 2020 at a commercial premises on Junction Street, Telarah.
During the alleged offences, a large amount of equipment and tools were taken from the business.
Following extensive inquiries, about 10am yesterday (Tuesday 9 February 2021), police attended a home on Cessnock Road, Maitland, where they spoke with a 53-year-old man.
During a subsequent search of the property, officers located and seized a large amount of tools believed to be stolen from the Telarah business.
He was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of break and enter house steal value <= $60,000, and one count each of break and enter dwelling with intent to steal and goods suspected stolen in/on premises.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 10 March 2021.
Two charged after alleged break and enter and smashing vehicles – Elermore Vale
Two men will face court today after an alleged aggravated break and enter at a Newcastle home yesterday.
Shortly before 2.10pm (Tuesday 9 February 2021), two men attended a home on Lake Road, Elermore Vale, and allegedly attempted to force entry to the home.
A woman opened the door and the pair allegedly threatened her and a 17-year-old man with baseball bats.
The two men left the home, smashing several windows around the property and continuing to hit and smash several vehicles along Lake Road.
An unmarked police car attached to Newcastle City Police District was conducting patrols nearby when they located and arrested the two men – aged 18 and 16 – and took them to Waratah Police Station.
The older man was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence in company-not steal, and two counts of destroy/damage property. He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 10 February 2021).
The teenage boy was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence in company-not steal and destroy/damage property more than $15,000. He was refused bail to appear at a children’s court today (Wednesday 10 February 2021).
As inquiries are continuing, police are urging anyone whose vehicle may have been damaged to please contact Newcastle Police. Police are also urging anyone who may have dashcam footage or CCTV from the nearby area to come forward.
New information missing Lake Macquarie man may be in Sydney
Police are renewing their appeal for public assistance to find a Lake Macquarie man – who’s been missing for more than two months – after receiving new information.
Patrick Thaidy, aged 60, was last seen at his home on Delasala Drive in Macquarie Hills about 12am on Sunday 6 December 2020.
Family members reported him missing to police later that day and officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced inquiries into his whereabouts; despite extensive searches and inquiries into his movements since then, Mr Thaidy remains missing.
Police and family members hold grave concerns for his welfare due to medical conditions.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have today (Wednesday 10 February 2021), renewed their appeal for assistance from the public after receiving information Mr Thaidy may have been in the Sydney region, including the Redfern and Waterloo areas.
Mr Thaidy is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall, with a medium build, short black hair, facial hair and brown eyes. He is not currently wearing his dentures.
He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, light-grey tracksuit pants tucked into black socks, and white slides.
Anyone who may have seen Mr Thaidy, or has information about his whereabouts, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Appeal for man wanted on outstanding warrants – Newcastle and Mid North Coast
Police are seeking public assistance to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrants in the Newcastle and Mid North Coast regions.
Clint Ivan Morris, aged 31, is wanted on four outstanding warrants for breach of Community Corrections Orders for traffic and assault offences.
He is known to frequent the Jesmond, Wallsend, Newcastle, Cameron Park and Kempsey areas.
He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, between 165cm to 170cm tall, with a medium build and black hair.
Anyone who has information about his whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to contact Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
GREENS ROYAL COMMISSION PRIVACY BILL TO BE DEBATED
The Senate will next week debate legislation introduced by the Australian Greens last year aimed at fixing the lack of confidentiality protections for witnesses giving evidence to the Disability Royal Commission, ensuring that disabled people are able to tell their stories safely.
Senator Steele-John promised last year that if the Attorney General did not take action urgently to protect witnesses and give the Royal Commission the safeguards it needs, then the Greens would introduce the necessary legislation and bring it on for debate.
“The Attorney General has known about the need for these confidentiality protections for more than a year, yet he’s done almost nothing about it. We’re still yet to see a government bill put beofre either house of Parliament,” Steele-John said.
“I’m hopeful that we’ll garner enough support during the debate to bring this incredibly important issue to a vote in the Senate, putting further pressure on the Attorney General to ensure that that people’s privacy is protected beyond the life of our Royal Commission.
“The disability Royal Commission Chair Ronald Sackville AO QC wrote to the Attorney General in February of last year formally asking him to change the law, and in the Royal Commission’s second progress report, released in August last year, the Chair dedicated an entire section (page 37) to the limitations this issue was placing on the scope of the Royal Commission.
“So many people in our community have lost all faith in the system because of the violence, abuse, exploitation or neglect they, or their family, have suffered; they want to know that it is safe to tell their stories.
“Now, as public hearings start again next week, it’s more important than ever that our Royal Commission can hear evidence from as many people as possible.
“We need to urgently change the law and give people the peace of mind that telling their stories won’t cause them more harm. If this government won’t do it, then the Australian Greens will.”
The Royal Commissions Amendment (Confidentiality Protections) Bill 2020 will be debated during Private Member’s time between 10am and 12:20pm on Monday 15th February.
Grants to boost organ donation rate now open
Applications are now open for up to $4 million over four years for national partnerships and up to $450,000 for community-based initiatives in 2021 to encourage more Australians to say “yes” to organ and tissue donation.
Minister responsible for the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA), Mark Coulton, said DonateLife Partnerships and 2021 Community Awareness Grants offer unique opportunities to increase reach and engagement for organ and tissue donation with key target audience groups – both at a national and a local level.
“Increasing awareness about organ and tissue donation and encouraging families to talk about donation and registration, is vital to getting more people to say “yes” to donation,” Mr Coulton said.
“Engaging with a broad suite of national partners and community groups across the country helps drive the importance of organ donation into more Australian homes, leading to greater registration and increased donation.”
Organ and Tissue Authority CEO, Lucinda Barry said the coronavirus pandemic has seriously affected Australia’s national program to increase organ donation, including causing the cancellation of the 2020 Community Awareness Grants round.
“The challenges of 2020 saw a significant drop in both donation and transplantation, making it critical we engage with partners and community groups in 2021 to raise the profile of organ and tissue donation and increase consent.”
DonateLife Partnerships provide opportunity for OTA to partner with sporting, corporate and community organisations who have a national focus to further increase awareness about organ and tissue donation in Australia.
“OTA is looking to partner with organisations that can demonstrate they have a national focus or national platform across the sporting, corporate, media, and community and health care sectors,” said Ms Barry.
Up to $450,000 is available for OTA’s Community Awareness Grants to improve awareness and engagement within the Australian community and strengthen the DonateLife brand.
“This 13th round of grants will support community groups deliver events and innovative digital engagement activities to support the annual awareness building campaign, DonateLife Week 2021,” said Mr Coulton.
“I encourage all Australians to reflect on the life-changing benefits of organ and tissue donation and to show your support by registering to become a donor at donatelife.gov.au and have the all-important conversation with your family, so they know your intentions.”
DonateLife Partnerships and 2021 Community Awareness Grants are provided by the Organ and Tissue Authority as part of its national Community Awareness and Education Program.
This funding was committed in the October 2020 Budget.
Applications for both grant opportunities open on Tuesday 9 February 2021 and close at
5:00pm AEDT on Sunday 7 March 2021.
For more information about the DonateLife Partnerships and Community Awareness Grants, including the assessment criteria and the application process, visit www.donatelife.gov.au/grants
NIGHT-TIME EXPERT TO LEAD NSW’S 24-HOUR ECONOMY STRATEGY
A strategy to unlock Sydney’s cultural and economic potential will be championed by Chair of the Night-Time Industries Association Michael Rodrigues who has been appointed as the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Mr Rodrigues would bring the 24-Hour Economy strategy to life to make Sydney the best place to live, work and play that it can possibly be.
“Our tourism, hospitality and arts sectors have been hit hard by the pandemic, but now we have the opportunity to bring Sydney back better than ever,” Mr Ayres said.
“The Strategy includes a 24-hour Economy Acceleration Program, through which the Government will work with councils and industry to identify and activate unique and thriving economic hubs across Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
“It will result in a network of activated 24-hour economy hubs across Sydney – each offering a distinct experience, and well connected by efficient transport options.
“This ‘Neon Grid’ of hubs across the city will represent Sydney’s diverse and vibrant night economy and we will collaborate with industry and councils to bring it to life, connecting consumers, creatives and entrepreneurs.
“Michael Rodrigues as the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner will spearhead the strategy and bring State and Local Governments and industry together to create safe and vibrant opportunities for people to enjoy the greatest city in the world.”
Mr Rodrigues said he was looking forward to getting down to business.
“I’m excited about the upcoming opportunities and to champion the 24-Hour Economy strategy as we deliver a nightlife that’ll sit alongside New York, London and Tokyo,” Mr Rodrigues said.
“As our city rebuilds from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 24-hour economy strategy is central to NSW’s economic and social recovery. So many industries have had a really tough 12 months, but we are seeing the green shoots of recovery across Sydney and NSW.”
The strategy will focus on driving investment while turbocharging job creation and night time business activity in the CBD and throughout Greater Sydney, by:
- Supporting more integrated planning and place-making within government to enable the 24-hour economy to thrive.
- Encouraging the diversification of night-time activities by supporting a wider variety of businesses at night.
- Nurturing industry and cultural development to help entrepreneurs thrive in the 24-hour economy.
- Exploring ways to enhance mobility and improve connectivity between 24-hour economy hubs through safe and reliable transport; and
- Changing the narrative to attract more local consumption, encourage healthy behaviours, and reinforce Sydney’s status as a global cultural capital.
Alongside his time with the Night Time Industries Association, Mr Rodrigues also co-founded Time Out Australia and has been its managing director for almost a decade. Mr Rodrigues will commence as Commissioner at the end of March.
For more information about the 24-Hour Economy Strategy, visit https://global.nsw.gov.au/24-hour-economy-strategy
LOCKOUT LAWS LIFTED FOR KINGS CROSS
Sydney’s nightlife will be revitalised and boosted, with the NSW Government set to remove the lockout laws in the Kings Cross entertainment precinct.
This move will help stimulate the local economy and boost jobs, while maintaining a focus on community safety.
The changes, part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, bring Kings Cross in line with the Sydney CBD precinct where the restrictions were lifted 12 months ago.
The following changes will take effect from 8 March 2021:
- The 1.30am ‘lock out’ will be removed, so patrons can continue to enter venues like pubs, bars and nightclubs beyond that time;
- The standard 3am ‘last drinks’ time will increase to 3.30am;
- Blanket restrictions on certain drinks, shots, discounted cocktails and use of glass after midnight will be lifted; and
- Requirements for RSA marshals and CCTV will no longer apply.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said while the focus will remain on safety in Kings Cross, the changes will help boost jobs and revitalise a popular area of Sydney.
“Kings Cross has transformed considerably since these laws were introduced over six years ago,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The precinct is now well positioned to continue to evolve into a vibrant lifestyle and cultural destination with a diverse mix of small bars, live music venues and restaurants.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said these changes would help grow Sydney’s night-time economy and attract diverse businesses to the area.
“These measures will help breathe new life into the precinct and enhance Sydney’s reputation as a global city,” Mr Dominello said.
“The ID scanners system, which requires some venues to record patrons’ ID during busy times such as Friday and Saturday nights, will be retained in the Kings Cross precinct as an additional public safety measure.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the changes are key in helping Sydney to shine as a true 24 Hour city.
“Sydney is already an iconic international city and Australia’s number one tourism destination, it’s time to enhance our vibrant nightlife, arts and culture scenes as we bounce back from COVID-19,” Mr Ayres said.
“This is an important step towards implementing our 24-hour Economy Strategy to ensure Kings Cross flourishes into a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe precinct as our city powers ahead with confidence.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the new laws strike the right balance between supporting businesses and prioritising safety.
“NSW Police have done an amazing job maintaining public safety in the precinct, and the community can feel confident law and order will remain a top priority,” Mr Elliott said.
“Police will continue to have a strong presence in the area and I want to assure the community that the easing of these laws does not mean a return to a violent Kings Cross.”
The NSW Government will closely monitor the changes and any impacts and conduct a review in 12 months, as it progresses the implementation of its 24-hour Economy Strategy and engages with stakeholders like the Committee for Sydney and City of Sydney Council around a new vision for the precinct.
In 2019, NSW Parliament established a Joint Select Committee to examine regulations across Kings Cross and the CBD precinct.