A new exhibition celebrating the work of Newcastle-born artist James Drinkwater, (2014 winner of the Brett Whiteley travelling art scholarship) will be showcased at Newcastle Art Gallery from Saturday 1 June 2019.
Featuring a painting of the same name, the survey exhibition JAMES DRINKWATER: the sea calls me by name, explores the artist’s career to date, with a particular focus on his travels overseas.
Born in Newcastle in 1983, James has spent key pockets of his career painting in far-flung locations such as Berlin, Kenya and Tahiti. He has also spent three months in Paris after winning the 2014 Brett Whiteley travelling art scholarship.
The 2018 Kilgour Prize finalist and four-time Wynne Prize finalist creates works inspired by place, intimacy and memory, using abstraction, colour and mark making.
While Drinkwater has a growing reputation as an abstract painter who immerses himself in his environment, he is a dynamic and multi-faceted artist with a portfolio that traverses assemblage, collage, painting and sculpture.
Having previously been exhibited across Australia and overseas in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, London and Singapore, Drinkwater’s art returns home for this latest major solo exhibition, JAMES DRINKWATER: the sea calls me by name, which was developed by Newcastle Art Gallery in collaboration with the artist.
The Gallery’s exhibition program has a strong focus on local artists, with previous major survey exhibitions including well established artists such as Patricia Wilson Adams, Brett McMahon and Mazie Karen Turner.
Earlier this month, Newcastle Art Gallery also opened a major exhibition of works by Virginia Cuppaidge, an internationally respected Brisbane-born artist who returned to Australia to live in Newcastle after more than 40 years in New York.
“Newcastle has an incredible wealth of great artists,” Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said.
“James Drinkwater is rightly celebrated, for he has experienced significant success in his relatively short career, and with Newcastle being his home and birthplace, we were quick to offer him this opportunity.
“Much like other renowned Newcastle-born artists such as Willam Dobell or John Olsen, James has been an avid artist since he was a young child.
Above: James DRINKWATER The Sea Calls me by Name
“He has an incredible work ethic, fuelled by a great personal energy and ambition. This exhibition has tried to capture some of James’ exuberance, mastery of colour and prolific output.”
Two significant public programs will herald the beginning of the Drinkwater exhibition, including an artist’s talk on Saturday 1 June at 2pm.
Early access to the exhibition will also be granted during the Gallery’s monthly Last Fridays event, a tactile, sensory and social occassion incorporating art, music, and interaction in a relaxed environment. Drinkwater has guest-programmed the line-up of activities for the Last Fridays event on 31 May, which will include local music, wine tastings and fashion.
JAMES DRINKWATER: the sea calls me by name
1 June – 11 August 2019
Newcastle Art Gallery
Free entry
More information: http://nag.org.au/Exhibitions/Future/JAMES-DRINKWATER-the-sea-calls-me-by-name
Public Programs
Opening weekend artist talk: James Drinkwater
Saturday 1 June, 2pm – 3pm. Free event, no bookings required.
More information: http://nag.org.au/Whats-On/Event-Calendar/Opening-weekend-artist-talk-James-Drinkwater
Last Fridays: James Drinkwater
Friday 31 May, 2019, 5pm – 8pm. Free event, no bookings required.
More information: https://www.nag.org.au/Whats-On/Event-Calendar/Last-Fridays-Friday-31-May
Month: May 2019
Senator Mckenzie as Agriculture Minister Will Be A Disaster for Animal Welfare
Australian Greens Senator and Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has described Senator Bridget Mckenzie’s appointment as Agriculture Minister as a disaster for animal welfare.
Senator Faruqi has been a driving force in the fight against live exports and for the protection of animals.
Senator Faruqi said:
“We thought that the welfare of animals was already at an all time low under the Liberals and Nationals, but with Senator Mckenzie, I am worried it will get much worse.
“This is a Senator who literally wrote to the Queen to try and have the word Royal stripped from the RSPCA’s title because of their work to protect farm animals from cruelty. That is how much contempt she has for the individuals and groups fighting to protect animals.
“I have no confidence in this Minister to hold the live export industry to account. Senator Mckenzie is one of this cruel industry’s loudest advocates and now she will be responsible for regulating them, which is deeply concerning.
“It is clear that our work for the next three years is cut out for us. The movement to protect animals is gathering strength and we must work to organise and expose animal cruelty.
“We cannot allow animal welfare to be at the mercy of politicians. We need an Independent Office of Animal Welfare to drive change to protect animals, free from political interference,” she concluded.
Man now identified – Newcastle
The body of a man located at a wharf in Newcastle has now been identified.
About 8.20am on Saturday 25 May 2019, the body of an unidentified man was located in the water behind a hotel on Wharf Road.
The body was formally identified by police today (Monday 27 May 2019).
Police would like to thank members of the public and the media for their assistance.
Police seek assistance to located man following crash- Salt Ash, near Williamtown
Police are appealing for assistance following a two-car collision and attempted car theft in the Hunter region.
About 7.30am (Monday 27 May 2019), a Suzuki Swift and a Toyota Yaris travelling in opposite directions on Nelson Bay Road, Salt Ash, when the vehicles collided..
A member of the public stopped to assist the occupants of the Suzuki Swift, a male driver and two female passengers.
It is alleged the driver of the Swift approached the car belonging to the man assisting, and attempted to leave in it.
The man was able to retrieve his keys, before the other man fled the scene into nearby bushland on foot.
Police attended and searched for the man, however, he was unable to be located.
Police would now like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with inquiries. He is described as being 27 old, 160-165cm tall with a thin build, and black hair.
Investigations are continuing.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident or anyone with dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Former OMCG member charged after Strike Force Raptor seize drugs, ammunition
A former member of the Comanchero and Rebels outlaw motor cycle gang (OMCG) will appear at court today after Strike Force Raptor seized drugs and ammunition during a search of a home in the Lake Macquarie region.
As part of ongoing investigations into the acquisition and use of prohibited weapons, police from Strike Force Raptor North conducted a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) and Weapons Prohibition Order (WPO) search at a home in Blacksmiths about 7am last Wednesday (22 May 2019).
During the search, officers seized ammunition consisting of 9mm and 0.32 calibre rounds, 11g cannabis and 27 cannabis seeds.
A 33-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Belmont Police Station.
He was charged with possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, and possess prohibited drug.
The man, who is a former member of the Comanchero and Rebels outlaw motor cycle gang (OMCG), was granted conditional bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Tuesday 28 May 2019).
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Pedestrian in serious condition following fail to stop collision – Mayfield
A man has been charged with dangerous driving after the car he was driving allegedly hit a pedestrian in the Hunter region.
Around 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday 26 May 2019), a 79-year-old man was walking along a nature strip on Villiers Street, Mayfield.
Police will allege a 17-year-old boy was driving a Holden Nova when the vehicle collided with the pedestrian.
The elderly man suffered serious injuries and was taken to John Hunter Hospital; his injuries are non life-threatening.
Police will allege the driver left the scene without rendering assistance.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and established a crime scene.
The 17-year-old later attended Waratah Police Station where he was arrested and charged with five offences, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact occasioning grievous bodily harm, cause bodily harm by misconduct and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
He was refused bail to face a Children’s Court today (Monday 27 May 2019).
HISTORIC DAY AS SYDNEY METRO OPENS
The NSW Government today officially opened the North West Metro – the first stage of Sydney Metro, Australia’s biggest public transport project.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance joined the community and construction workers to open the rail line and deliver a turn-up-and-go train service from Rouse Hill to Chatswood.
“This is truly an historic day for NSW with services starting on one of the world’s great metros,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I am so excited that our hard work and discipline has paid off with this rail line opening on time and more than $1 billion under budget.
“More than 22,000 people have worked on this important project since 2011 and I want to thank each of them for helping to connect Sydney’s North West like never before.”
Mr Constance said the project will leave a lasting legacy which will be felt for generations to come.
“Sydney Metro will forever change how we get around Sydney,” Mr Constance said.
“It is a transformational public transport investment on par with the Sydney Harbour Bridge a century ago.”
The North West Metro is a fully accessible railway and, in an Australian first, each of the 13 stations has platform screen doors to keep people and objects like prams away from tracks.
At full operation, trains will run every four minutes in each direction at peak times, with the ability to run up to every two minutes in the future.
The Metro line is currently being extended from Chatswood to Bankstown and by 2024 Sydney will have 31 metro stations and a 66 kilometre standalone metro railway.
New Liberal Ministry
Australians have re-elected our Government to get back to work and get on with the job of delivering for all Australians as they go about their own lives, pursuing their goals and aspirations for themselves, their families and their communities.
My Government’s new Ministry brings together the experience and stability of service in key portfolios, while bringing in new members that will add their own experience, skills and passion to the job ahead.
My new Ministry will be tasked with delivering our commitments to:
My Government’s new Ministry brings together the experience and stability of service in key portfolios, while bringing in new members that will add their own experience, skills and passion to the job ahead.
My new Ministry will be tasked with delivering our commitments to:
- Create 1.25 million more jobs over the next five years
- Maintain budget surpluses and pay down debt
- Deliver tax relief for families and small businesses
- Guarantee increased funding for schools, hospitals, medicines and roads
- Keep Australians safe, including online, and keeping our borders secure
The Ministry maintains record representation of women in the Cabinet, including Australia’s first female Minister for Agriculture, Bridget McKenzie, while Marise Payne adds the role of Minister for Women to her responsibilities as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Australia will have its first Indigenous Cabinet Minister in Ken Wyatt as Minister for Indigenous Australians. Ken will be supported by a new National Indigenous Australians Agency, attached to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
A key focus for all of my Ministers and their Departments will be lifting performance on government service delivery. This will include congestion busting on regulatory and bureaucratic roadblocks, making better use of technology and better integrating service delivery across portfolios. The goal is to make it easier to deal with and access the Government services Australians rely on. Ben Morton be Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Stuart Robert joins the Cabinet as Minister for the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Minister for Government Services. A new Services Australia agency will be established, along the lines of Services NSW, to drive greater efficiencies and integration of Government service delivery and making best use of technology and digital applications.
Top of the list for improving services will be ensuring we deliver on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, working to our goal of the NDIS supporting 500,000 Australians by 2024/25. The NDIS is a major social reform and there is much work to do to improve the delivery of these services on the ground.
Our economic team will be led by Josh Frydenberg as Treasurer and Mathias Cormann as Minister for Finance; delivering Australia’s first Budget surplus in 12 years and tax relief for hard-working Australians and their families.
They will be supported by Michaelia Cash as Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business in fulfilling our pledge to create 1.25 million more jobs over the next five years and will be supported by Steve Irons as Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships. Christian Porter will take on the role of Minister for Industrial Relations in addition to his duties as Attorney-General, to create fairer workplaces and enforce the rule of law through the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
The Deputy Prime Minister will continue in his role delivering our $100 billion National Infrastructure Programme, including the National Water Grid, supported by Alan Tudge, who has been promoted to Cabinet, to continue his work of congestion busting in our cities and implementing our plan for Australia’s future population.
The economic team will also be supported by Michael Sukkar as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing to implement our First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, as well as more affordable housing and Jane Hume taking to the role of Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology.
Karen Andrews, as Minister for Industry, Science and Technology will work closely with industry stakeholders to create more and better paid jobs in traditional and emerging industries, and to continue championing science, technology, engineering and mathematics as key career paths for women.
As the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt will be focused on delivering our Closing the Gap refresh, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the states and territories.
As the National Broadband Network nears full roll out and social media becomes an even more prominent front in the fight to keep Australians safe, Paul Fletcher, as Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts brings extensive experience and insight to the task.
In social policy, Anne Ruston has been elevated to Cabinet as Minister for Family and Social Services and Luke Howarth as Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services.
As Minister for Health, Greg Hunt will lead the charge on mental health, in particular combating youth suicide. In coming months he will lead an implementation forum of the nation’s experts to deliver on the government’s youth and Indigenous mental health initiatives.
I will also appoint a Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians and a Minister for Youth and Sport in Richard Colbeck who will ensure there is a strong voice for the issues facing younger and older Australians, particularly as the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety continues.
Dan Tehan, as Minister for Education, will have a laserlike focus on boosting the outcomes of Australian students, working closely with early childhood educators, states, territories and tertiary education providers.
Australia’s regions have suffered through fire and flood in recent months and David Littleproud as Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disasters and Emergency Management will serve as an important voice for our regional communities at the Cabinet table. Matt Canavan as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia will continue our government’s work to support our mining and resources industries and help develop Northern Australia.
Our experienced foreign affairs and national security Ministers in Marise Payne as Minister for Foreign Affairs, former Army Reserves Brigadier Linda Reynolds as Minister for Defence, Peter Dutton as Minister for Home Affairs and Simon Birmingham as Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment will help guide our country through the uncertain times and global economic headwinds. They will be supported by Alex Hawke as Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Assistant Minister for Defence helping drive our Pacific ‘step up’ agenda.
Sussan Ley will return to Cabinet as Minister for the Environment with a focus on practical and local environmental outcomes as well as waste reduction and recycling, assisted by Trevor Evans. Angus Taylor will continue as Minister for Energy and his portfolio will take on Emissions Reduction to ensure we have a strong focus on lowering Australians’ power bills and meeting our 2030 emissions targets. Warren Entsch will also serve as Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef.
After consulting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that Arthur Sinodinos be appointed Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States of America and I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that Mitch Fifield be appointed our next Ambassador to the United Nations. They would be exceptional representatives of Australia and our country’s interests abroad. Both Senators have made enormous contributions in their public service and were given the opportunity to continue their service in the Ministry and Cabinet.
My Government has a significant agenda to deliver and we are ready to get back to business. I have high expectations of my Ministry and clear goals for each of their roles.
It is important for the future of our country that we meet those goals and deliver for Australia.
Man charged after stolen car crashes into cemetery during pursuit – Telarah
A man has been charged after a pursuit in the Hunter Valley which ended when the vehicle crashed into a cemetery, damaging gravestones.
About 10.25pm yesterday (Saturday 25 May 2019), police attempted to stop a Toyota Corolla on the New England Highway, Rutherford, after it was spotted displaying suspected stolen number plates.
The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated, which travelled through Rutherford and Telarah.
The vehicle continued until reaching the intersection of George Street and South Street, where it lost control and crashed through the fence to a cemetery and across the tops of several gravestones, causing them significant damage.
The driver fled from the scene but was arrested a short time later after being tracked by the Dog Squad.
Inquiries reveal the Toyota Camry was stolen from Islington.
The 37-year-old man was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with seven offences including police pursuit, disqualified driver, drive vehicle without consent of owner, use vehicle with unauthorised number plates, drive recklessly, possess prohibited drug, and trespass onto rail lines.
He has been refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Monday 27 May 2019).
Three charged over hydro-house – Singleton Heights
Three men have been charged over a hydroponic cannabis set-up in the Hunter Valley.
About 9.30pm yesterday (Friday 24 May 2019), officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended a home on Gentle Close, Singleton Heights, in relation to information received regarding the alleged hydroponic cultivation of cannabis.
When they entered the home, officers allegedly uncovered 325 cannabis plants being cultivated inside, as well as over 2kg of cannabis leaf.
A crime scene was established and specialist police attended and examined the scene.
Three men, aged 24, 33 and 41, were arrested at the home and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.
They were all charged with knowingly take part in cultivation of a commercial quantity of prohibited plant. The oldest man was also charged with possess prohibited drug.
They were all refused bail to appear at Wyong Bail Court today (Saturday 25 May 2019), where they were remanded In custody to reappear at Newcastle Local Court on Monday (27 May 2019).