Community to help shape future use of Lismore buyback land

Planning for the future use of more than 500 blocks of flood buyback properties is underway thanks to a partnership between the Minns Labor Government and Lismore City Council.

Since devastating floods hit Lismore in 2022, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has voluntarily purchased properties at the highest risk of repeated flooding, protecting households and reducing long-term disaster risk.

This amounts to 50 hectares of land in the city that can now be repurposed, with Council and the community having a direct say in its future. 

While the land can no longer be used for housing, a risk-based approach will be used to determine future uses that are compatible with flooding. Planning will consider how the space connects with surrounding areas, supports community needs and complements the CBD and local economy. Making sure that any future use will not increase flooding risks for neighbouring properties is also critical. 

Lismore Centre will be the first precinct plan to be developed from early 2026, followed by North Lismore, South Lismore and East Lismore.

Expressions of interest for planners, engineers and other experts to work on this project will open soon.

Community members will be invited to have their say through a mix of in-person and online engagement opportunities throughout 2026. Details about the timing and format of consultation will be announced later this year.

For more information and to keep up to date go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/resilient-homes-program/home-buybacks/future-buyback-land-use

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“The Lismore Precinct Plan is the start of another important journey for Lismore, one more positive step towards a safer and more resilient future.

“The Home Buyback Program has given certainty to hundreds of families and reduced the risk of repeat flooding impacts on residents in some of the most vulnerable areas of Lismore.

“Now we have an opportunity to reimagine this land, creating beautiful neighbourhoods that build community connectiveness and resilience as well as support and grow the local economy.

“Planning for the future use of this land must be carefully and sensitively managed, and the voices of the whole community — those who live, work and own businesses there – will be central to the process.”

Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:  

“The buyback program has provided long-term security for more than 500 Lismore households impacted by the 2022 floods. This next stage is about working together with the community to create a shared vision for land that can no longer be residential but can still deliver lasting benefits for the city.

“This is about building a safer, more resilient Lismore for the long term. By carefully planning each precinct and involving the community, we can create spaces that enhance connectivity, provide amenity and support local economic activity.”

“We will be taking a similar approach with other areas of the Northern Rivers working collaboratively with Councils and communities to plan for the use of buyback land.”

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said:

“The Lismore Precinct Plan is a crucial milestone in the recovery of our city and our community as we build in resilience to future weather events.

“Lismore City Council has partnered with the State Government to reimagine Lismore’s future following the buyback program and ensure the views of the community inform that vision.

“It’s about setting Lismore up for the future as a great place to work, invest and raise a family.”

$12 million awarded to support prevention research across NSW

The Minns Labor Government has announced the successful recipients of Round 7 of the Prevention Research Support Program (PRSP), with $12 million in funding awarded to three research groups.

The funding will support the formation of new research streams, or groups of organisations who will collaborate and focus on three key priority areas.

This investment will build the State’s research capacity and will enable the translation of evidence from research into policy and practice to improve health outcomes.

The research will focus on three key priority areas:

Stream 1: Preventive health – Obesity, diabetes and physical activity.

Led by Professor Philayrath Phongsavan from the University of Sydney, the stream will focus on embedding a population health and preventive care approach to obesity and diabetes prevention and management. It will also focus on primary and secondary prevention approaches for adults and children to increase physical activity.

Stream 2: Infectious disease capability, preparedness and response.

Led by Dr Jen Kok, Centre for Infectious Disease and Microbiology – Public Health at Western Sydney Local Health District, the stream will focus on resilient surveillance for respiratory viruses with human pandemic or epidemic potential.

Stream 3: Maternity and the first 2000 days.

Led by Professor Dharmintra Pasupathy from the University of Sydney, the stream will focus on preventive care, management of alcohol and substance use, and service interventions to prevent the primary causes of low birth weight.

Round 7 grants will run from July 2026 to June 2030, with $4 million allocated to each of the research groups over the four-year period.

Each funded stream includes a range of academic organisations and partners who will work closely with NSW Health organisations and other health services in NSW, bringing together a breadth of expertise to ensure research is translated into policy and practice.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are investing in research to improve preventative healthcare, helping keep people healthy and out of hospital.”

“These grants bring together some of our best and brightest minds from across more than 20 academic, policy, health service and community organisations to help translate research into practice to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities.”

Minister for Research David Harris:

“By bringing together researchers from a diverse range of expertise, this program will help foster the knowledge and evidence needed to influence both policy and practice.

“We are proud to be investing in research in these prevention priority areas, which will improve system and community outcomes in NSW.”

Chris Minns, Janelle Saffin and Daniel Mookhey double down on closing business connect on eve of small business month.

The Minns Labor Government has doubled down on shutting the successful Business Connect program tomorrow, one day before Small Business Month begins this week. 
 
Chris Minns, Janelle Saffin and Daniel Mookhey will spend Small Business Month claiming to celebrate enterprise, spinning out token announcements and blaming everyone but themselves, when the truth is they shut down the one program that delivered real help. 
 
 Business Connect has delivered free, expert advice to more than 60,000 small businesses, supported over 40,000 jobs and returned $1.50 for every $1 invested. In one survey 96% of participants reported satisfaction and 98% said they would recommend the program. 
  
Forecasting shows that if Business Connect had continued, more than 13,500 small businesses a year would have been supported by 2032, with each year almost 7,000 full time jobs backed and more than $5 million in net economic benefit delivered. 
  
Instead of backing small business, Chris Minns, Janelle Saffin and Daniel Mookhey have axed a program with a proven record of growth and survival. At the very time Business Connect ends, according to the latest Business NSW Business Conditions Survey data shows: 
  
97% of businesses are struggling with productivity 
65% are hit by rising costs 
42% face skills shortages 
41% are weighed down by red tape 
  
NSW is now the worst state in the country for business insolvencies, both in total and per head. In 2024-25 a record 7,643 businesses were forced into insolvency – a 26% rise in just one year.
 
NSW Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said small business is the backbone of our economy.
 
“Axing Business Connect the day before Small Business Month insults every mum, dad and young person giving it a go. The Premier found $7.9 million for a political deal for a new taxpayer-funded gun lobby advocacy body, but nothing for small business.” Mr Speakman said.
  
Shadow Treasurer, Damien Tudehope said Business Connect returned more than it cost. For every $1.00 invested, it delivered $1.50 back.
 
“At a time when insolvencies are at record highs, this is exactly the wrong program to axe,” Mr Tudehope said.  
  
Shadow Minister for Small Business, Tim James said Business Connect is practical, personal and proven.
 
“It gives small business owners real advice on planning, finance and resilience. Instead of standing with the people who keep our communities going, Labor has axed a lifeline and left families to fend for themselves,” Mr James said.  
  
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Mark Coure said from start-ups to advanced manufacturing, every thriving industry relies on programs like Business Connect.
 
“Labor has cut jobs, cut growth and chosen politics over people,” Mr Coure said.  
  
The closure comes as the majority of Business Connect clients were micro businesses with fewer than four employees and 60% were women, most seeking advice on business planning, marketing and starting up. 
  
Even in September alone, Business Connect ran practical events across the state, from tender readiness workshops for start-ups, to Aboriginal business procurement for government pitches seminars in the Hunter, to small business planning sessions in Western Sydney and digital marketing workshops for creative professionals. All of that ends on the eve of Small Business Month. 
  
Instead of supporting small business, the Minns Labor Government has found $7.9 million for a deal with the Shooters Party to set up a new gun lobby dominated Conservation Hunting Authority that will be required to promote hunting regardless of evidence. 

Strengthening ties with the UK

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his official visit to the United Kingdom.

In London, the Prime Minister met with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, to discuss defence and security cooperation, climate and energy transition, and trade and investment opportunities.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the AUKUS partnership, which will expand security, create thousands of jobs in each nation and deliver significant industry and workforce benefits for all partners.

Leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals and critical technologies, particularly across the defence sector.

Prime Minister Albanese joined Prime Minister Starmer, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir of Iceland at the Global Progress Action Summit. He had bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Spain and Canada while at the Summit.

The Prime Minister had an audience with His Majesty King Charles III at Balmoral Castle.

The Prime Minister spoke at the UK Labour Party Conference at the invitation of Prime Minister Starmer.

The Prime Minister will now travel home to Australia, stopping off in Abu Dhabi where he will meet with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and discuss the historic commencement of the landmark Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Our focus always when representing Australia overseas is how it can benefit Australians at home.

“As old friends, the UK and Australia are working together to realise new opportunities for Australians and the British people on both sides of the world.

“It is always a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister Starmer and reaffirm the strength of the Australia–United Kingdom relationship, including through the AUKUS partnership with the United States.

“It was an honour to be received by His Majesty The King at Balmoral Castle.”

‘No $50 showers’, Greens tell Minister Rae to fix aged care copayments before November deadline

The Greens have written to the Aged Care Minister, Sam Rae, urging him to act to prevent aged care recipients from having to pay up to $50 each day just to get support with showering and taking medication when changes are introduced, as the ABC reported this week. 

Under the new co-payments system for aged care, due to come into effect on November 1, older Australians receiving home care for “non-clinical” supports will be subject to co-payments. 

The Inspector-General of Aged Care has raised concerns that the co-payments system will cause older Australians to forgoe essential care, and have downstream impacts for hospitalisations and premature entry into the residential care system.

The Greens opposed the new co-payments system and were the only Senators to vote to remove it when the Aged Care legislation moved through the Senate last year.

No one assessed for Aged Care after 12 September 2024 will be grandfathered or subject to the “no worse off” principle, meaning potentially hundreds of thousands of participants will be on the new rules from 1 November, many of whom may be unaware that they are about to face new charges due to the confusion of the government’s reforms.

Extract from the letter from Greens spokesperson for Older People, Senator Penny Allman-Payne, to the Minister for Aged Care, Sam Rae:

“All Australians want to have faith that they will be looked after in their old age, and be able to access the care that they need at the time that they need it.

“But unfortunately, these aged care reforms are taking Australia in another direction, where the worse your health is, the more you’ll pay. And many older Australians will be squeezed out of care entirely by the Government’s price increases.”
(full text available here)

Greens say childcare executive bonuses are further proof the for-profit system is failing our children

Revelations that executives at major for-profit childcare companies, including G8 and Affinity, pocketed bonuses worth hundreds of thousands of dollars despite repeated safety and quality breaches are yet more evidence that the for-profit model is failing families. 

Bosses at Australia’s largest for-profit providers received pay rises and bonuses of up to $500,000 last year even as centres under their watch were cited for multiple safety breaches. 

The Greens have consistently called out the failings of the for-profit childcare system. Currently, only 13% of private providers are rated as “exceeding quality standards”, compared to almost a third of public and not-for-profit centres.

The Greens have secured a Senate Inquiry into the safety and quality of early learning which is examining how the system, including the lawed childcare subsidy, props up private cowboy operators and undermines safe, high-quality care.

Australian Greens spokesperson for early childhood education and care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May: 

“As a parent of young kids myself, families are right to be outraged that executives are pocketing bonuses for hitting short-term KPIs while private providers charge parents through the roof and still deliver lower standards of care.

“These operators treat children like line items on a balance sheet , chasing enrolments and shareholder returns at the expense of safe, high-quality care. And the evidence shows kids are being put at risk.

“Trust in the early learning system is at an all-time low, and these bonuses are further proof the for-profit model prioritises profit over quality care and education.

“Leaving early learning to the market is both flawed and dangerous. That’s why we’ve  secured a vital Senate Inquiry into early learning safety and quality, which is now underway.

“Ultimately, we need a universal, affordable system that treats early learning as a public good, not a private commodity. 

“At the very least, money going into executive bonuses should instead be spent lifting quality and properly paying educators.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 September

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 September 2025 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 23 September 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Newcastle Jets Australia Cup Final

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulates the Newcastle Jets for reaching the Australia Cup Final where they’ll play Heidelberg United in Melbourne on 4 October and expresses Newcastle’s best wishes to the team.

Continued advocacy for New Lambton residents impacted by the landslip

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that reaffirms Council’s support for the affected residents of the New Lambton landslip and resolves to write to the NSW Premier and Leader of the Opposition to advocate for Council’s position that the Reconstruction Authority should lead recovery efforts and resolves to write to local State MPs requesting their support.

2005 Bali bombing commemoration

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes 1 October marks 20 years since the tragic events of the 2005 Bali bombings, which claimed the lives of 20 civilians including Newcastle residents Jenny Williamson, and Colin and Fiona Zwolinski.

Ordinary business

2025 Local Government NSW Conference

Council voted to endorse 47 motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales 2025 Annual Conference and nominated the following councillors as voting delegates: Lord Mayor Cr Dr Ross Kerridge, Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson, Cr Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Cr Paige Johnson.

Adoption of council policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the Code of Conduct for Councillors, Staff, Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisors, and additionally the Procedures for Administration of the Code of Conduct. Council laid on the table the approval of the Effective Communication Between Councillors and Staff Policy.

Adoption of Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement amendment

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020 (LSPS 2020 (Update 2025).

Public exhibition of draft Community Land Plan of Management

Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the draft Community Land Plan of Management for a minimum of 28 days in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Newcastle Show Day 2026 and 2027

Council voted to make a biennial application to the Minister for Industrial Relations seeking a Local Public Holiday for Newcastle Show Day in 2026 and 2027. If that’s not approved, Council requests approval for it to be proclaimed as a half day Local Public Holiday, and if that’s not approved, request it be proclaimed as a Local Event Day.

Dedication of roads, lanes and pathways – Roads Dedication Project 2024

Council voted unanimously to approve the dedication of nominated and reassessed Roads, Lanes and Pathways that were previously private, and dedicate one Council-owned parcel of land as public road and note the completed transfer of Crown lanes.

Asset Advisory Committee Charter review

Council approved the reviewed Asset Advisory Committee Charter.

Executive monthly performance report

Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2025.

Notices of Motion 

Notice of motion to rescind a council resolution – State Significant Development – planning proposal for 144 Boundary Road (Eden Estates)

Council voted to rescind the previous resolution for the State Significant Development Planning Proposal for 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, to enable further consideration and discussion between Councillors.

Submission to State Government – Review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event

Council voted unanimously to request the CEO prepare a submission to the State Government review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event, with reference to the Reconstruction Authority’s response to the New Lambton landslip.

Lord Mayor Earthquake Fund

Council voted unanimously to establish if funds from the Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Fund are able to be utlised by residents and/or City of Newcastle as part of the recovery phase of New Lambton landslip.

Protecting koala populations

Council voted unanimously to request the NSW Government update the Blue Gum Hills National Park Plan of Management 2007 to incorporate the results of City of Newcastle’s koala drone surveys and consider the inclusion of the Blue Gum Hills National Park in the NSW Great Koala Park. Council also requests that as part of the assessment of the State-led planning Project at 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, a drone survey be undertaken to assess the site for koalas.

Commitments for social and affordable housing on State Government land in Broadmeadow

Council voted to write to the Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing, and Member for Newcastle to call for increased social and affordable housing targets on three parcels of state government re-zoned land within the Broadmeadow Precinct to deliver 30% social and affordable housing on government owned land.

Transition plan for the greyhound racing industry in Newcastle

Council noted the regulation of the greyhound racing industry, including animal welfare standards and licensing of tracks, is the responsibility of the NSW Government and endorsed the establishment of a transition program for industry workers and community associated with The Gardens in the event the NSW Government decides to phase out Greyhound racing.

Newcastle council stands with community: racism has no place in Newcastle

Council voted to reaffirm Newcastle’s commitment as a welcoming city for every person, regardless of ethnicity, age, sexuality, religion, ability, language, gender, culture, country of origin, or visa status.

Georgetown village centre renewal enters next stage

New road surfaces, more green space and improved footpaths are on the way in Georgetown as City of Newcastle begins work on the latest upgrades to the neighbourhood’s shopping precinct.

The multimillion-dollar project aims to improve the look and feel of Georgetown and enhance safety and accessibility for all members of the community. 

Early drainage works kick off the beginning of stage 2 upgrades at the corner of Cowper St and Georgetown Rd. From L-R City of Newcastle Interim Executive Manager Project Management Office Matthew Bennett, Cr Siobhan Isherwood, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, Cr Mark Brooker and Project Manager Grant Mansfield. 

Widened footpaths will make it easier to navigate Georgetown on foot, while new seating and landscaped areas including more than 30 new street trees will enhance the feel of the public spaces.

The current stage of the project will also deliver new road surfaces on Georgetown Road and Moate Street for a smoother drive.

City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Manager Project Management Office Matthew Bennett said the project will improve the already thriving village centre.

“Georgetown has a strong business community and this project will help create a more engaging environment for visitors to stop, shop, and enjoy,” Mr Bennett said. 

“Similar projects across the city at local centres like Llewellyn Street in Merewether and Beresford Avenue in Beresfield have delivered for those communities, and we’re excited to see the benefits this will bring to Georgetown.”

New pedestrian and shared crossings will make it safer for walkers and increase connectivity to the city’s growing cycleway network, while key infrastructure changes include moving overhead power lines underground to increase tree canopy, upgrading a 100-year-old water main, and improvements to stormwater drainage.

Aerial view Georgetown RoadAn artist’s impression of the intersection of Georgetown Road and Moate Street, illustrating features of the upgrade including a new pedestrian refuge for safer crossing, wider footpaths and landscaped areas with seating and more planting.Initial work on the project was completed last year, including new speed control devices to improve safety in the area and the installation of two 60kw electric vehicle charging stations to support City of Newcastle’s commitment to sustainability.

A new public plaza at the intersection of Moate Street and Georgetown Road will form part of a future stage of work, with the community to be invited to have their say on the design early next year.New shared crossing proposed for Georgetown RdAn artist’s impression of Georgetown Road, which illustrates the new raised shared path crossing, street trees and landscaping, street furniture and smoother roads that form part of the local centre upgrade.Georgetown is being upgraded through City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, which invests in communities across Newcastle. 

Other local centres completed include Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Mitchell Street, Stockton; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara; Sandgate Road, Shortland and Blackbutt Village, New Lambton.

To stay up to date with the latest information visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

City of Newcastle transforms iconic spaces for New Annual’s opening weekend

Newcastle’s coastline and civic spaces have been reimagined as vibrant stages for art, performance and community connection ahead of the New Annual festival, which kicks off on Friday. 

The opening weekend of City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival features diverse events, activities and performances that invite audiences to rediscover the city through storytelling, from fantastical mini putt-putt at The Station, to immersive theatre at the Newcastle Ocean Baths. 

Preview of New Annual public art trailArtist Jen Denzin gives a sneak peek of her Argo Escargot shipping container installation to Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon and Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull.

New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said this year’s program invites audiences to see Newcastle and the places they know best through the eyes of local artists.

“This year, New Annual opens up opportunities for artists to connect with audiences through familiar spaces in new ways as they pay homage to the places that have shaped our city’s identity,” Ms Loudon said.

“With over 70% of the program featuring local artists, it’s Newcastle but not as you know it as they reimagine the spaces we know and love.”

Three giant shipping containers have transformed Camp Shortland into a public art trail that invites visitors to listen to a starfish through a sensory sound installation and experience a whole new view of the world via a walk-in camera obscura.

Newcastle artist Jen Denzin has turned the third container into a wild exploration of the storms, shipwrecks and spectral echoes of the past that have shaped her coastal home.

The trail continues down at The Station, where Denzin has collaborated with Sydney-based artist Rosie Deacon to create a whimsical six-hole mini putt-putt course especially for New Annual.

Back on the coastline, the Newcastle Ocean Baths and its bathers provide the backdrop and inspiration for an exhibition by local photographers Lee Illfield and Edwina Richards, as well as the creative reimagining of real-life stories by Newcastle production company Whale Chorus and playwright Ang Collins in their live theatre performance Meet Me at the Baths.

This weekend will also see the Newcastle Ocean Baths make its debut as a live music venue, with the first two of five scheduled ‘Soak’ sunset sessions by local and globally renowned music talent.

The Soak lineup includes Newcastle post punk band Dust, and a one-night-only collaboration between renowned beatboxer Tom Thum, Filipino and Murrawarri artist DOBBY and leading jazz composer Freyja Garbett.

A memorable musical line-up will also help set the vibe on Laman Street for New Annual’s vibrant First Night Art Party with high energy pop sets from Haiku Hands, Kira Puru and Devaura, while roving performances from the awe-inspiring Erth Underwater Divers and free drop-in art workshops will deliver a family-friendly atmosphere.

For one night only, Newcastle Art Gallery’s façade will be transformed into a canvas for shared storytelling, with projected animations co-created by Art Thinking with local children inspired by the Gallery’s new commissions by First Nations artists. 

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said that New Annual is a fantastic example of how City of Newcastle continues to lead in creative placemaking. 

“With support from the NSW Government, the festival is drawing visitors from across the region and beyond, giving them a chance to experience our city’s infrastructure in bold, imaginative ways. It’s a celebration of place, and a powerful driver of cultural tourism,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

Other opening weekend highlights include the uplifting and unpredictable onstage filmmaking experience, POV, at Newcastle Museum, the transcendence of Jonny Hawkins’ Dancefloor Conversion Therapy and the chance to join a singing workshop with men’s choir sensations Spooky Men’s Chorale before experiencing their magnificence live on stage at City Hall.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said New Annual continues to showcase the city’s commitment to culture, tourism and economic development.

“New Annual is more than just a celebration of creativity; it’s a significant investment in our local arts community and a bold statement about Newcastle’s identity,” Cr Pull said.

“By showcasing the incredible talent we have right here in our city, we not only support our artists, but also drive tourism, boost the local economy, and reimagine Newcastle as a vibrant, cultural destination for both residents and visitors alike.”
 
New Annual is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Transport for NSW Open Streets and Permit/Plug/Play Pilot programs, Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Create NSW and the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.  

The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event.

New Annual runs from 26 September until 5 October with 10 days of music, theatre, dance, visual arts and public art. More than 60% of the events are free and family friendly.

Visit https://newannual.com/ for the full program and to download a map of the public art trail.

Milestone moment as Newcastle Art Gallery reopens its doors for first look inside expanded building

City of Newcastle welcomed the community back into the Newcastle Art Gallery today, unveiling the first new spaces completed as part of its landmark expansion project. 

Visitors were treated to a taste of the Gallery’s $145 million collection alongside major First Nations commissions and acquisitions, which are on display across three of the new gallery spaces, entry foyer and soaring central atrium. 

Newcastle Art Gallery reopensArtists Renae Lamb, Julie Squires and Shellie Smith, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM, City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath, Newcastle Art Gallery Society President Prue Viggers OAM, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey and artist Adam Manning celebrate the first look inside the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery today.

The celebrations began this morning with an opening that championed the Gallery’s First Nations First ethos and will be capped off tonight with a high energy First Night Art Party on Laman Street as part of the New Annual festival.  

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said New Annual was the ideal time to give the community a preview of the reimagined Gallery.  

“Celebrating this milestone at the Gallery on the first day of our flagship arts festival New Annual is a fitting acknowledgement of our commitment to art and culture, and its role as an economic and tourism driver for our region,” Mr Bath said. 

“We have created a purpose-built home for our nationally significant collection and an attractive destination for major touring exhibitions, which will ensure Newcastle Art Gallery takes its place as one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions.  

“The new spaces we have opened today are just a taste of what is to come and I look forward to celebrating the full reopening of the Gallery in February next year.” 

Guests gather in the central atrium at Newcastle Art GalleryGuests gather in the central atrium of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery following today’s reopening event, which championed the Gallery’s First Nations First ethos.

The expansion project has more than doubled the size of the Gallery, delivering an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space. 

A number of these new spaces have been named in honour of the community members and artists whose generous donations helped make the expansion possible, including Valerie and John Ryan, Margaret Olley, Robert and Lindy Henderson and Mary and Richard Owens AM. 

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the expanded Gallery would be a permanent tribute to all those who had shown their support for the project over many years. 

“This expansion is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our community,” Ms Morton said. 

“We are deeply grateful to the individuals, families, and organisations including the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, as well as the contributions of the Australian and NSW Governments, whose belief in the value and importance of art has helped turn this vision into reality. 

“We are proud to honour the incredible generosity of our major patrons by naming new spaces in the Gallery in recognition of their contributions. These names will forever be part of our story, reminding every visitor of the deep and lasting impact philanthropy has on the cultural life of our city.” 

Valerie Ryan was a Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation member and former governor. She gifted the residue of her estate, with an estimated value of $20 million, equally to the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and the Hunter Medical Research Institute. It is thought to be the largest bequest in Hunter history.

Margaret Olley had a significant and long-standing connection to Newcastle and the Newcastle Art Gallery. Her legacy includes 48 works gifted to the Gallery during her life (often on her birthday) and a $500,000 bequest for the expansion of the Gallery via the Margaret Olley Art Trust. 

Former Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation President Robert Henderson and his wife Lindy are long-time advocates and supporters of the Gallery. In 2022, the Hendersons pledged to match the Margaret Olley Art Trust’s gift toward the Gallery expansion.

Richard Owens, alongside his wife Mary, was a generous philanthropist and volunteer, pledging $500,000 towards the transformation of the Gallery. Richard was pivotal in the establishment of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and was Chairperson of the Foundation for some time.

The expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through bequests, gifts and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign. 

The Gallery is open Friday to Sunday each week with timed entry and free guided tours. Visitors can also check out the new retail shop, which champions local makers and creators, and view the inaugural window commission by Newcastle artist Maggie Hensel-Brown in the Learning Studio. 

The entire Gallery will be reopened in February next year, in conjunction with a major exhibition of works of art from the collection and the unveiling of the commission by internationally renowned artist Fayen d’Evie. 

Visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/ to stay up to date with the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project. 

Tickets for free guided tours of Newcastle Art Gallery can be booked via https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/events/guided-tours