Newcastle green thumbs went head-to-head to enliven their neighbourhoods by entering City of Newcastle’s (CN) ‘Green Our City’ street garden competition.
Applications for the competition closed in September 2022 and since then, entrants have been busy bees planning, planting and pruning their street gardens to perfection.
Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen visited The Junction to congratulate the winner, Jennifer Ray.
The competition’s judging panel said that Jennifer’s garden showed care, creativity and a consideration of native plants and animals.
The winning garden features beautiful timber edging, a driftwood log, and a good variety of natives planted around a bottlebrush street tree, creating a unique habitat for lizards, pollinators, and small birds.
As well as being able to lay claim to having the best new street garden in Newcastle, Jennifer will receive $500 to spend at a local nursery of her choice.
Eleven entries were received and scored against four main criteria including vitality, maintenance (weed free), aesthetics and safety.
Jennifer Ray said she has been humbled by the comments of praise and thanks that have come from neighbours and passers-by appreciating the garden.
Street gardens are a great way to meet others and foster a sense of community. They provide essential understorey vegetation to capture stormwater, offer habitat for pollinators such as insects and birds, and improve carbon content in the soil.
CN offers a wide range of support to residents looking to revitalise their neighbourhood, whether they are looking to simply remove turf and weeds, revegetate, or build a productive vegie garden in raised beds.
Plans to build the city’s largest playground at Foreshore Park are in full swing with a $2.27 million funding boost from the State Government.
The 8,400 sqm Livvi’s Place inclusive regional playground and waterplay area form the centrepiece of City of Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, which was unanimously adopted at last night’s Council meeting following extensive community consultation throughout the design process and a recent four-week public exhibition.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the $2.27 million grant will accelerate the delivery of the $12 million stage one project.
“Following the unanimous adoption of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan last night, City of Newcastle will now get to work on delivering this shared community vision for the iconic Harbour Foreshore precinct,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This project will help realise the full potential of one of Newcastle’s premier open areas, creating a drawcard destination for locals and visitors from across the region to enjoy.
“City of Newcastle continues to invest significantly in the delivery of recreation opportunities for our community and I am pleased to see the NSW Government demonstrating its support for our ambitious plans at Foreshore Park through this funding.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the NSW Government is supporting the project with $2.27 million though Round Nine of the Resources for Regions program.
“This will be a place where people of all ages and abilities can come together, have some fun and enjoy everything Newcastle has to offer,” Mr Martin said.
“This is exactly the kind of project Resources for Regions was designed for, helping mining communities that contribute so much to the NSW economy.
“The playground precinct will offer something for everyone, with an elevated tree-lined boardwalk, accessible amenities, picnic areas and plenty of play spaces and equipment to enjoy.”
The Harbour Foreshore Masterplan will be delivered in stages, with the playground and waterplay area scheduled to commence construction in 2023.
While detailed designs for the fully-fenced accessible playground are currently underway, initial concepts included in the Masterplan feature junior and toddler areas, water-based play, a giant maritime-inspired swing set with inclusive swings, natured-based play areas and quiet space, connected via accessible paths, seating, gardens and lawns.
The playground will have a distinctly Newcastle character and pay tribute to the city’s Aboriginal heritage with a central whale-themed swing area that takes inspiration from a traditional Awabakal story, while giant canoe-shaped communal benches in the tree-studded picnic area will offer a place of respite.
An elevated climbing structure at the heart of the playground will represent giant nuts and bolts, symbolising Newcastle’s strong industrial ties. The structure will also contain slides, nets and sensory activities, while a surrounding accessible soft-fall area will include carousels, trampolines, rockers and a dual accessible flying fox.
The area will also have a waterplay area unique to Newcastle, accessible amenities including a changing places room, and a kiosk which will service both the playground and the wider Foreshore Park.
The Harbour Foreshore Masterplan is designed to create new connections between the city and the harbour’s edge around Foreshore Park and along Joy Cummings Promenade. It includes increasing the amount of shaded canopy within Foreshore Park by 250% from 2,800 sqm to 9,800 sqm.
The Livvi’s Place playground will be developed in collaboration with Touched by Olivia and Variety – the Children’s Charity, who have provided funding and expertise to assist with the design phase.
Scientific research and technological development will be turbocharged as part of a $117 million NSW Government investment to improve vital infrastructure and equipment that will support our world-leading scientists and innovators.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the Innovation Research Acceleration Program (IRAP) is part of the landmark Future Economy Fund, which was announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
“The world’s biggest companies started with a simple idea, and this R&D acceleration program will help unlock opportunities, foster innovation and kickstart businesses that will create the industries and jobs of the future,” Mr Kean said.
“The Future Economy Fund will make strategic interventions and investments across the business life cycle, and the IRAP targets the critical first stage.”
The IRAP will have two streams of funding:
· Infrastructure Build Out Program: a $31 million one-year program supporting shared research and innovation infrastructure that will underpin future industry, and technology needs defined by the 20-year R&D Roadmap. · NCRIS Support Program: an $86 million four-year fund for NSW research facilities supported by the Commonwealth’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). The funding will boost research capability and capacity across areas including microscopy, nanofabrication, bioplatforms and imaging.
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said NSW is home to world class research institutions and expertise and this investment would unlock more opportunities to tap into our leading human capital and infrastructure.
“Research and innovation infrastructure, including high-tech facilities and equipment, underpins the State’s ability to turn R&D into real commercial outcomes, jobs and new industries,” Mr Henskens said.
“Often such equipment and expertise is expensive or unattainable for many research organisations and companies. The IRAP is designed to enable the delivery of, and equitable access to, essential research and innovation infrastructure.
“This means more innovative ideas will be given the support and access they need to develop, which in turn will help grow our economy and secure NSW’s position as Australia’s innovation engine room.”
More information about the program and how to apply is available online.
More than 65 organisations have received funding from the NSW Government to facilitate projects and initiatives to drive greater unity and harmony in diverse communities.
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said each of the 69 groups had received a share of $1.4 million in funding through the NSW Government’s Stronger Together Projects grants program.
“Due to an overwhelming amount of interest and more organisations wanting to run programs in their communities, we increased the original funding allocation of $400,000 to $1.4 million,” Mr Coure said.
“This benefits more organisations and, of course, the communities they run the programs in.
“The increase in funding was only made possible thanks to the NSW Government’s strong economic management.”
Since 2021, more than $2 million has been allocated through the Projects Grants program, which has been shared by 100 organisations to run initiatives in their local communities.
“The NSW Government recognises the important role organisations play in their respective communities,” Mr Coure said.
“These organisations understand their communities better than anyone, and that is why we empower them to deliver this work by investing in their projects.”
The grants support 12-month projects and range in value from $20,000 to $40,000. Each of the successful organisations will use the funding to facilitate their programs and initiatives in 2023.
The NSW Government has committed almost $200 million in new funding to implement a number of the recommendations from the independent Flood Inquiry.
The funding will ensure emergency services are better equipped to respond to future disaster events and support impacted communities during recovery.
It builds upon work that is already underway to implement recommendations of the Inquiry, including passing legislation to establish the NSW Reconstruction Authority and appointing a Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Management in the NSW Police Force.
Key elements of the package are additional dedicated flood rescue vehicles, including 60 Inflatable Rescue Boats and 16 high clearance vehicles, the ability to train an additional 2,350 personnel in flood rescue, support for volunteer initiatives, and increased funding to ensure seamless coordination of evacuation centres and emergency accommodation.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the key focus of this funding was the State’s emergency response and recovery functions.
“Events of this year alone show that the conditions we are facing and the magnitude of the natural disasters need this level of support to ensure our frontline agencies are well-placed to continue delivering for the community,” Mr Perrottet said.
The $199.4 million new funding includes:
$159.5 million to enhance NSW’s flood rescue capability for our emergency services agencies and volunteer organisations (recommendation 4), including the NSW State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Volunteer Rescue Association;
$16.8 million to support the Department of Communities and Justice in its delivery of key disaster welfare functions, including evacuation centres (recommendation 5);
$11.9 million to better support volunteerism, including training community members who may become ‘spontaneous’ volunteers in a disaster (recommendation 6);
$6.5 million to enhance Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley flood evacuation modelling (recommendation 26);
$2.2 million to commence the establishment of the NSW Reconstruction Authority following passage of legislation (recommendation 15);
$1.9 million to support support NSW specific climate and weather research (recommendation 2);
$1.8 million to Service NSW to enhance customer support for disaster affected individuals and businesses by streamlining grants delivery (recommendation 10);
“Our combat agencies will benefit from more resources to respond to disasters, and our service agencies will be better equipped to support the people of NSW through the recovery process,” Mr Perrottet said.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s response balanced the need for rapid changes with long-term planning.
“The current flood risk across parts of the Central West, as well as the ongoing recovery of communities hit by floods earlier this year including the Northern Rivers, clearly shows us, that no matter where you live in the State, now is the time for action to better prepare, respond and recover the next time a disaster strikes,” Mr Toole said.
“Already as part of our response to the Inquiry, we have announced Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM’s appointment as the new Deputy Commissioner, Emergency Management to oversee and coordinate emergency services’ response to future natural disasters right across the State.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding will allow first responders to better protect communities from a range of weather events.
“The NSW Government is committed to addressing the recommendations in the independent Flood Inquiry which will equip us to better respond to and recover from all types of natural disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
“Many communities across inland NSW continue to be confronted with major flooding and we remain focused on supporting all of the impacted families, farmers and business owners during this difficult time, but we are also working hard to improve the capability of our combat agencies to better fight the floods of the future.”
The NSW Government continues to progress implementation of all the recommendations from the Inquiry and will make further announcements in 2023.
The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards recognises the best of Australian literature and celebrates writing as a valuable cultural and intellectual influence.
Today in Launceston, the 2022 award winners have been recognised for their contributions and literary talents.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Awards highlighted the creativity and excellence of Australian literature.
“It is through great writing we are able to celebrate and build upon our cultural and creative identity,” the Prime Minister said.
“I congratulate this year’s winners and thank them for their efforts in showcasing the diversity of Australian voices.”
Minister Burke said these awards are fundamental in creating a pathway for future and aspiring authors, poets and historians.
“The work Australian writers do matters. It matters because it shapes the narrative of our everyday lives, and that is something that needs to be supported.
“Writers provide the pathway for Australians to know themselves, for us to know each other and for the world to know us.
“It’s important we make sure that Australian stories continue to be told, both here at home and overseas. Thank you to all this year’s winners for doing just that.”
The Awards are presented in six categories – fiction, poetry, non-fiction, Australian history, children’s and young adult literature with winners sharing in the total prize pool of $600,000.
We thank the independent judges Professor Chris Dixon, Dr Deborah Hope, Troy Bramston, Professor Gail Pearson, Chris Mitchell, Geoffrey Lehmann, Associate Professor Sandra Phillips, Stephen Romei, Peter Craven, Caroline Overington, James Roy, Demet Divaroren, Erica Wagner, Paula Kelly Paull and Dr Anthony Eaton for their work.
Prime Minister Albanese will travel to Papua New Guinea from 12-13 January to attend the Annual Leaders’ Dialogue alongside his counterpart Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby.
Following the Dialogue, the Prime Ministers will travel together to Wewak on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea to visit the resting place of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
Prime Minister Albanese said:
“I have spent time with my good friend Prime Minister Marape on several occasions this year, including here in Australia at the Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby League match.
“I am looking forward to starting the New Year with a visit to Papua New Guinea to reinforce the strong bond between our two countries.
“Australia and Papua New Guinea are close not just geographically, but also because of our long history and shared vision for the future.
“I thank Prime Minister Marape for the invitation and look forward to continuing our discussion in Port Moresby and Wewak.”
Today in Vanuatu, Australia and Vanuatu signed a Bilateral Security Agreement.
Australia and Vanuatu’s security is intertwined and we are committed to enhancing the peace, prosperity, resilience and safety of our region for future generations.
The Agreement recognises that our security cooperation must continue to adapt, including to better address the implications of climate change, to help manage the human security effects of COVID-19, and to meet shared challenges across the full scope of the 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security.
The Agreement cements our ability to work together across a broad range of security cooperation areas including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; policing, law enforcement and justice; defence; border security, human security; environment and resource security; biosecurity; cyber security; maritime safety and security; and aviation safety and security. It also enables strengthened information and assessment exchange.
A new joint security dialogue will help guide implementation.
As nations committed to democracy, accountability and transparency, the Agreement will be publicly available.
Australia also handed over the newly redeveloped Mala Base Wharf and gifted police boat RVS Mataweli to Vanuatu as part of our long-standing maritime security cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:
“The Australia-Vanuatu Bilateral Security Agreement is a practical expression of the family first approach to peace and security in our region. It reflects Australia and Vanuatu’s ongoing commitment to working together as members of the Pacific family to address shared security challenges.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:
“Australia and Vanuatu enjoy a deep security partnership developed through decades of practical cooperation. This Bilateral Security Agreement will formalise our partnership across the full suite of our shared security interests and make a valuable contribution to the security of the Pacific family.”
Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP said:
“Australia and Vanuatu over many years have worked together as members of the Pacific law enforcement community to combat security challenges to keep the Blue Pacific safe. The bilateral security agreement will take these relationships across the law and justice sector to a new level.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:
“This Agreement builds on our strong and enduring security partnership based on respect, shared values, and decades of cooperation. It will underpin our ability to contribute to our region’s security, giving effect to the 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.”
First Nations artists are being invited to take part in a major new community exhibition being curated by Newcastle Museum.
Entitled FIRST, the exhibition will challenge perceptions of traditional and modern creative practices by showcasing the diverse works being produced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this exhibition would be the first of its kind for the Museum.
“Newcastle Museum is on the cutting edge of contemporary museum practice and has been nationally recognised for its innovative exhibitions, which create insightful ways to interpret and preserve our city’s fascinating history,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This exhibition will provide a wonderful avenue through which we can gain new perspectives and celebrate the work of local emerging and established First Nations creatives.”
Newcastle Councillor and proud Wiradjuri woman Deahnna Richardson said Newcastle Museum offers an invaluable vehicle through which we can tell our city’s story and understand our identity.
“The Awabakal and Worimi communities have cared for this country we call Newcastle for more than 60,000 years and have carried rich and diverse arts practices and knowledge through many generations to contemporary life,” Cr Richardson said.
“I applaud Newcastle Museum for working alongside the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to provide a space to celebrate their extraordinary creative and cultural practices.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island creatives who have a link to Newcastle and the Hunter are invited to submit an expression of interest to take part in the free exhibition, which will be on display at Newcastle Museum beginning in April next year.
City of Newcastle’s Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Director Julie Baird said the project has a strong focus on collaboration and consultation, employing First Nations creatives in the development of the exhibition.
“FIRST offers a blank canvas for creatives to broaden the community’s perception on contemporary and traditional practices,” Ms Baird said.
“It will offer new insight into the variety and possibilities offered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives while also providing them with an opportunity to leave a first and lasting impression with potential collaborators, clients, and audiences.”
The exhibition will be accompanied by an online portfolio where visitors can connect directly with artists’ online profiles.
Expressions of interest are open now and will close on Sunday 12 February. Visit the Newcastle Museum website for more information.
