Community News
- intouch Magazine
- Oct 1
- 6 min read
Discover what's happening in your local community this October...
NEWCASTLE AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL OPENS, CONNECTING THE HUNTER TO THE WORLD
Newcastle Airport has officially opened its new international terminal, marking a transformational moment for the Hunter Region's economic future and global connectivity. More than 300 guests and passengers gathered for the milestone celebration, featuring a spectacular RAAF flyby and a proud showcase of Hunter culture. The evening opened with the RAAF flyby, followed by a Welcome to Country from Worimi Elder Uncle John and a Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Justin Ridgeway. Guests were treated to live music and the region's finest food and wine through Tastes of the Hunter, with proceedings hosted by Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes.
Addresses from key dignitaries included Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy MP, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley MP, Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson MP, Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson and Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle Callum Pull. Formalities concluded with the unveiling of commemorative artwork by local artist Mitch Revs.
The facility represents far more than just an aviation upgrade – it's a $55 million federal investment from the Albanese Government that positions the region as a genuine international gateway, with projections showing $12.7 billion in economic activity over the next 20 years, an additional 850,000 visitors and an estimated 4,410 ongoing jobs through new tourism and trade opportunities.
"Our region's new international terminal is a legacy asset built today for the decades to come," said Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton.
"This terminal is a physical representation of our commitment to delivering the airport our region deserves, connecting the people of the Hunter to the world."
The economic projections are substantial: $12.7 billion in economic benefit over the next 20 years, including $6.2 billion into the visitor economy, $6.5 billion in freight activity, and more than 4,000 jobs. The construction phase alone supported 500 jobs, with an estimated 4,410 ongoing positions expected through new tourism and trade opportunities.
Acting Minister for Infrastructure Julie Collins emphasised the terminal's capacity to welcome more passengers with "a better, smoother experience for regional travellers and incoming visitors alike." Minister Pat Conroy described it as "a game-changer for the region" and "an investment in our region's future."
Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson reflected on the collaborative achievement: "The Newcastle International Airport Expansion is proof of what we can achieve with strong investment and a clear vision for regional growth."
The terminal's capabilities will be immediately tested when Jetstar begins three weekly services to Denpasar, Indonesia, on 21 October, resuming regular international flights from Newcastle. This follows the introduction of new direct flights to Perth, which commenced in September.
Sustainability remains central to the facility's design, building on Newcastle Airport's achievement as the first Australian airport to reach Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+, placing it in the top 12% worldwide for carbon management. The airport achieved Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2024, six years ahead of target.
Newcastle Airport currently serves 1.3 million passengers annually, with forecasts indicating growth to 2.6 million by 2036, and an ultimate capacity of 5 million passengers per year. As international flights prepare for departure, the Hunter region stands ready to embrace its role as a genuine international gateway.
NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY UNVEILS STUNNING NEW SPACES IN LANDMARK EXPANSION
Newcastle's cultural landscape reached a significant milestone late last month as the Newcastle Art Gallery reopened its doors, offering the community its first glimpse inside the spectacular $145 million expansion project that has more than doubled the gallery's size.
The highly anticipated preview, timed perfectly with the launch of the New Annual arts festival last month, showcased three magnificent new gallery spaces, a welcoming entry foyer, and a breathtaking central atrium where visitors gathered to experience the transformed cultural institution.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath described the timing as ideal, noting that celebrating this achievement during the city's flagship arts festival perfectly demonstrates Newcastle's commitment to art and culture as both an economic and tourism driver for the region.
"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," Mr Bath said.
The expansion will deliver an additional 1,600 square metres of exhibition space, creating a world-class venue that honours both the gallery's rich heritage and its exciting future. Visitors can now explore carefully curated displays featuring major First Nations commissions and acquisitions, reflecting the gallery's strong commitment to First Nations First principles.
Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM emphasised that this expansion represents far more than additional space – it's a testament to the extraordinary generosity of the community spanning many years. The project has been supported by remarkable philanthropy, including what is believed to be the largest bequest in Hunter history from the late Valerie
Ryan, who gifted an estimated $20 million through her estate.
Several new spaces have been thoughtfully named to honour the generous donors whose contributions made this vision possible. The legendary Margaret Olley, who maintained a significant connection to Newcastle throughout her career, is remembered through her 48 gifted works and $500,000 bequest. Former Foundation President Robert Henderson and his wife, Lindy, pledged to match Olley's contribution, while philanthropists Richard and Mary Owens donated $500,000 toward the transformation.
The expansion project represents a true partnership between community generosity and government support, with $5 million each from the Australian and NSW Governments, plus $12 million raised through the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation's dedicated fundraising efforts over many years.
Currently operating Friday to Sunday with timed entry, the gallery offers free guided tours that allow visitors to fully appreciate the architectural achievement and artistic treasures on display. The new retail space champions local makers and creators, while the Learning Studio features an inaugural window commission by Newcastle artist Maggie Hensel-Brown.
While the preview offers just a taste of what's to come, art lovers can look forward to the complete gallery reopening in February 2026, which will coincide with a significant collection exhibition and the unveiling of a commission by internationally renowned artist Fayen d'Evie. The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery stands as a shining example of what's possible when community vision, philanthropic generosity, and government support unite behind a shared cultural dream.
Visit www.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 www.newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/events/guided-tours.
REGIONAL POWERHOUSES PARTNER FOR PROSPERITY
A newly minted partnership between Lake Macquarie City Council and Central Coast Council is set to drive investment, innovation and advocacy across the two local government areas.
The partnership agreement was tabled at both Lake Macquarie and Central Coast Councils at their respective meetings late last month. Following those meetings, Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz and Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna formally signed the agreement.
Both Mayors praised the initiative as a significant step forward in ensuring the region receives the recognition and support it deserves. Mayor Adam said the councils represented a combined population of almost 600,000 people, covering some of the most important development and growth sites in NSW.
“It’s not just a border we share with the Central Coast Council,” he said.
“It’s our environmental, social and economic values, and our vision to grow our cities to make them places where people want to live, work and invest for generations to come.”
“By aligning our efforts, we can more effectively represent our communities to NSW and Federal Governments, ensuring our collective voice is heard and our priorities are supported.”
Central Coast Mayor McKinna said that by working together, we are better placed to address today’s challenges and lay the foundations for a well-planned future across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie regions.
“This partnership reflects a strong and enduring commitment to work together in good faith. It is founded on mutual respect and a unified purpose to support the development of meaningful and lasting outcomes for our region,” Mayor McKinna said.
Under the partnership, the two councils will keep each other informed of key projects, activities and strategies, and will collaborate more closely on shared areas of interest.
Those areas of interest include:
The Morisset-Warnervale growth corridor
Community infrastructure affecting both LGAs
Energy transition initiatives, including Eraring and Vales Point
Collaborative use of assets and resource to help the community
“We will also explore opportunities to streamline our operations through a coordinated or joint approach to suitable projects,” Mayor Shultz said.
Mayor McKinna said a partnership committee comprising the Mayors, Council CEOs and a steering group would meet at least twice a year to “strengthen the relationship and deliver for our communities”.
Combined, the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie LGAs cover an area equivalent to the entire ACT, from Woy Woy and Killcare in the south to Cameron Park and Charlestown in the north, and west to Martinsville and Mangrove Mountain.
They have a total estimated gross regional product of more than $38 billion, supporting over 215,000 jobs and 40,000 businesses.
