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What's Happening in Your Local Community
PROGRESS PRIDE FLAG RAISED AT CITY HALL IN SUPPORT OF LGBTIQ+ COMMUNITY
City of Newcastle has thrown its support behind the LGBTIQ+ community by flying the Progress Pride Flag at City Hall for the first time (coinciding with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras running from 18 February - 6 March)
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the importance of celebrating our diverse community could not be underestimated at a time when fostering inclusivity is one of City of Newcastle's main priorities.
"City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring our city celebrates diversity and advocates for inclusivity in support of our LGBTIQ+ community," Cr Nelmes said.
"Flying the flag demonstrates to our local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer community members that our city stands with them, not only during Mardi Gras, but at all times."
The Progress Pride Flag will be flown together with the Australian, United Nations, New South Wales, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at City Hall until Sunday 6 March and will also be flown to coincide with future days and events, including International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia, Pride Month, Wear it Purple Day, Newcastle Pride Festival and Trans Day of Remembrance.
NEWCASTLE OCEAN BATHS UPGRADE TO BEGIN 14 MARCH
The long-awaited revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths will kick off on 14 March with stage one to improve the safety, water quality and accessibility of the much-loved community facility.
The first phase of the $14.5m spend will focus on the pools, the lower promenade and pumping system, addressing critical issues identified through detailed community engagement and engineering advice. The Ocean Baths will be closed for the duration of the work, which is expected to be completed by mid-2023.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle had worked with the construction contractor on a program to limit the overall disruption to users and impact just one summer season.
"City of Newcastle has worked closely with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and other stakeholders during the planning and design stages of this project, with improved public health and safety, accessibility, and community preferences among the key considerations," Cr Nelmes said.
"Staff have worked closely with the contractor on a plan to limit disruption to users, including keeping the Baths open through this current summer season and aiming to open before summer 2023.
"With the Newcastle Ocean Baths turning 100 this November, we are committed to ensuring this upgrade meets the needs of current and future users and look forward to this project delivering significantly improved facilities, which can be enjoyed for the community for years to come."
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES TARGETED THROUGH GRANTS PROGRAM
A Lake Mac school is leading the way when it comes to teaching kids how to live a greener lifestyle.
Blacksmiths Public School has been awarded several Community Environment Grants from Council in the past decade, installing greenhouse irrigation, water tanks and other devices to its already thriving vegetable garden.
Lake Macquarie City Council Community Partnerships Manager Andrew Bryant said applications for the latest round of Community Environment Grants were now open.
Blacksmiths Public School Principal Luke McIlvenie said funding through the grants program was instrumental in expanding his school's sustainability program.
"The kids are involved every step of the way, from planting seeds to harvesting and cooking," Mr McIlvenie said.
"Sustainable living is a focal point at Blacksmiths Public School; we are bin-less, we have 27 chickens, and we sell the eggs back to the community."
Mr Bryant said school P&C groups and other community non-profit organisations were invited to apply and use funds to improve the local environment or inspire environmentally sustainable behaviour.
"Successful applicants will be granted up to $5000 to run projects which educate, enrich and inspire the community through sustainable activities."
"Past projects have seen creeks rehabilitated, outdoor learning sessions held, and Aboriginal culture taught to students."
Grant applications close Friday 1 April. Interested groups are encouraged to attend a free online information session in March. More information can be found at lakemac.com.au
CEDAR MILL CONCERT VENUE A GAMECHANGER FOR MORISSET
A new event space at Morisset that will host headline national and international performers will put Lake Macquarie on the map as an event tourism destination and create new economic and social opportunities in the city's southwest precinct.
Lake Macquarie City Councillors voted unanimously tonight to approve Winarch Capital's development application for the
Cedar Mill event site on the former Morisset Country Club golf course. The entertainment facility will host a range of events, markets and functions, with the capacity to stage outdoor performances for audiences of up to 30,000.
The development application for the event site is central to Cedar Mill's multi-million dollar redevelopment of the golf course, including a tourist park, outdoor gardens, café, restaurant, splash park and other recreation areas.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the development would boost the profile of Morisset and help realise the area's untapped potential.
"The development will have positive economic benefits for Morisset and the city, facilitating exciting new tourism and
entertainment opportunities, creating jobs in the area and generating significant flow-on benefits for local tourism operators, hospitality vendors, equipment providers and other businesses that support and supply the event industry," Cr
Fraser said.
"It will boost the night-time economy and provide much-needed new social and recreational amenities for the people of Morisset and surrounding communities."
NEW WAR MEMORIAL FOR MEDOWIE IN TIME FOR ANZAC DAY
Medowie will have a new war memorial in time for ANZAC Day. Construction has commenced on the new monument at Medowie Social on Ferodale Rd, which will provide a safe location for commemorations while improving the overall experience.
"There are several problems with the current war memorial at Lions Park, such as lack of parking, limited space and poor visibility, which impact on services and pose a considerable safety risk," said Central Ward Councillor Chris Doohan.
"Our Council has worked closely with the Medowie RSL Sub Branch to find a more suitable location and to design a memorial that respectfully honours Australia's servicemen and women while catering for growing crowds.
"As both a Royal Australian Air Force veteran and local Councillor, I am proud to have been able to help deliver this new memorial for Medowie."
The memorial incorporates a corten steel silhouette of a lone soldier, alongside sandstone plinths and commemorative plantings like Gallipoli rosemary, Gallipoli roses and Grevillea Spirit of ANZAC. An Eternal Flame will be included at a later stage. Construction is expected to be completed by early April.
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