Newcastle Art Gallery is encouraging audiences to view everyday household items in a whole new light with the launch of its exhibition, DOMESTIC BLISS: functional works from the collection.
Drawn exclusively from its nationally significant ceramics collection, the Gallery will display works of art from Australian and international practitioners.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with so much time spent at home during COVID-19, now was the perfect time to remind people of the beauty and traditions associated with objects usually found in the home.
“Newcastle is fortunate to have such an extensive and diverse art collection to draw on for its self-curated exhibitions,” Cr Nelmes said.
“During the seventies and eighties, the Gallery played a leading role in establishing Newcastle as a centre of national significance in ceramics, and our collection now features more than 900 ceramic works by Australian and international artists.
“Notably, the Gallery has the largest collection of Sodeisha ware in the Southern hemisphere, which was donated to Newcastle in 1981 in recognition of the Gallery’s commitment to Japanese ceramics.
“DOMESTIC BLISS provides an opportunity to showcase a small portion of this wonderful collection, highlighting the beauty of what is normally considered a humble household item.”
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said the free exhibition features renowned ceramic artists who adeptly play with the conventions of functional ware, displayed alongside a new generation of contemporary practitioners.
“Domestic and functional wares represent many aspects of life; the flower vase for ceremony and remembrance, the platter shared in celebration, and tea bowls representing culturally diverse tradition and customs,” Ms Morton said.
“DOMESTIC BLISS elevates everyday ceramics as works of art and reveals the artists’ transnational stories of place and identity.
“Honor Freeman creates deceptive works that mimic 1960s Tupperware and Gwyn Hanssen Pigott’s (1935 – 2013) still life takes cues from artists such as Giorgio Morandi and Chinese masters.
“The skill of the Hermannsburg potters transform jars into expansive desert landscapes and a new acquisition to the Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection by Tony Albert marks the problematic 250th anniversary of Captain Cook.”
DOMESTIC BLISS: functional works from the collection will be on display from 28 November 2020 to 31 January 2021.
Month: November 2020
Australian Government helps light up local footy club
The community of George Town has welcomed improvements at its football club, thanks to the Federal Government’s investment in community sporting infrastructure.
The George Town Football Club received $250,000 through the Community Development Grants (CDG) Program.
It aims to improve local community infrastructure to encourage greater participation in sport and physical activity.
Minister for Sport, Senator Richard Colbeck and Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the George Town Football Club Ground New Lights Project, will allow for wider use for local footy teams and the wider sporting community.
“The investment in the George Town Football Club has allowed it to install new AFL standard lights,” Mrs Archer said.
“This includes towers to house the lights, footings for the towers and an upgrade to the power supply.
“The club is a hub for community sport, fielding teams in all levels and age ranges, and this upgrade has made the George Town oval even more accessible to the local community.
“The grounds are used by Auskick, junior competitions, under 18’s, reserves, senior men’s and women’s squads.”
The George Town project is one of 125 funded under the Australian Government’s CDG program, part of its 2019 election commitments.
Minister Colbeck said hundreds of sporting clubs across Australia had benefited.
“We know how important sport has become in strengthening communities, especially during what has been a challenging year,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This vital funding measure has granted clubs and organisations the opportunity to complete projects like this, ultimately encouraging more Australians to participate in community sport.”
Construction commenced on the George Town Football Club in December 2019, and the new oval lighting will be unveiled on Thursday, 26 November.
“The completion of this project signals an exciting new era for this region as more people take advantage of the upgraded facilities,” Ms Archer said.
$1 million boost for City of Newcastle projects
An active sports hub in Wallsend and the long-awaited upgrade of the local centre at Blackbutt Village in New Lambton, have jointly received a $1 million boost from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has today welcomed the funding announcement by the NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro of support for community projects that will provide much-needed recreational facilities within the western corridor of Newcastle.
“The funding announced today by NSW Deputy Premier adds to the multi-million-dollar investment that City of Newcastle has previously committed towards realising these fantastic projects for Wallsend and New Lambton,” Cr Nelmes said.
“$500,000 for the Wallsend Active Hub expands on the $1 million already committed to the project by City of Newcastle, while $591,677 for the Blackbutt Village renewal will ensure the timely delivery of a much-needed upgrade at Orchardtown Road, which we have allocated more than $4 million towards.
“The Wallsend Active Hub will be a drawcard for the suburb, attracting families from outside the area to enjoy the multi-purpose space in the same way the hugely popular Stockton Active Hub does.
“A concept plan for the project, which is still in the initial planning stages and will be put forward for community consultation, includes a range of potential facilities such as basketball and multipurpose courts, a bike track, fitness facilities, play equipment and shade structures.”
Cr Nelmes said the upgrade to Blackbutt Village at Orchardtown Road, New Lambton would improve the look and feel of the popular shopping strip while making the space safer and more accessible for pedestrians.
“The revitalisation of Blackbutt Village will improve safety and enhance the look and feel of the area to boost visitation and support local businesses,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Key features include an off-road shared pedestrian and cycle path, new pedestrian crossing and footpath connections to Blackbutt Reserve and Richley Reserve, as well as wider footpaths to improve outdoor dining and promote activation of the centre.
“The project will also involve the renewal of drainage, kerb, gutter, road, footpaths, lighting and street furniture, as well as tree planting and landscaping.
“Following the adoption of the Blackbutt Village Public Domain Plan at the September Council meeting, the project has progressed into the detailed design phase, with construction expected to start next financial year.”
City of Newcastle was among 24 Local Government Areas to share in funding under round seven of the Resources for Regions program, which aims to support mining-impacted communities in regional NSW by providing economic opportunities, improved amenity and positive social outcomes.
Greater Bank celebrations gifts trees to the City of Newcastle
Newcastle has been home for Greater Bank for 75 years and now the city will be the major beneficiary of its anniversary celebrations, receiving more than 20,000 native trees and shrubs to be planted at sites across the area.
Greater Bank announced in August that it was planting 75,000 trees in the areas it calls home across regional NSW to mark 75 years of growing greater together.
Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cr Nuatali Nelmes, along with Greater Bank Chairman, Wayne Russell, and Chief Executive Officer, Scott Morgan, swapped their corporate attire for gardening gear to launch the Newcastle planting program today at King Edward Park. They were joined by Greater Bank employees and members of the community to plant the first of 4,000 trees earmarked for the site.
Taking place on the iconic park’s sea cliffs and coastal headlands, the planting will enhance a protected and endangered ecological community known as Themeda grassland and also re-establish habitat for local wildlife, including birds, small marsupials, insects and reptiles.
Over the coming weeks and months, the program will also see plantings undertaken at Bull & Tourle Street Reserve, Mayfield West, Heaton Park and Maclure Reserve, Jesmond; a unique and important freshwater wetland in Wallsend; Wallsend Park and Ironbark Creek, Wallsend.
A mix of seedlings and more established plants that are native to the region have been selected to complement the flora already on these sites.
Launching the planting project, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was committed to creating a greener local government area and thanked the Greater Bank for its support.
“Thanks to support from Greater Bank, we’ve been able to significantly add to our bushland, watercourse, street and park tree planting programs to ensure our community continues to benefit from our urban forest,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This partnership is another example of the City’s commitment to becoming an ICLEI City with Nature, recognising and enhancing the value of our natural surrounds, as well as our efforts to be a global local government leader in sustainability.
“The greening of our urban landscape has a positive impact for Newcastle and our community. Enhancing our natural areas, planting in streets and parks create spaces where people can relax and be more active.
“Green spaces are cooler and improve liveability while providing environmental improvements such as air quality, protecting and filtering our water, and also providing natural habitat, food and shelter for native wildlife.”
Greater Bank CEO, Scott Morgan, who said the tree planting projects are symbolic of the role Greater Bank has played in growing together with its communities over the past 75 years.
“As we reach our 75th year of operation, we’re proudly celebrating the role we have played in helping this region we call home,” Mr Morgan said.
“Greater Bank was established in Hamilton in 1945 and we are still headquartered there today. While our operations have grown significantly over the past 75 years, well beyond our traditional boundaries, the Hunter remains the heart of our operations and customer base.
“It’s important for us, that in celebrating the milestone, we give back to a community that has given us so much and in doing so contribute to a cause that is important to our customers.
“The need to protect and nurture the environment was a consistent message delivered by customers across all our areas of operation, which is why we’ve committed to planting 75,000 trees throughout regional NSW.
“The trees will not only provide these communities with an ongoing legacy to mark this milestone, but as they grow, they will provide an enduring symbol of our commitment to social responsibility and sustained support of local communities,” Mr Morgan said.
“We have been working closely with the City of Newcastle to select these sites and they have also provided valuable direction as to the types and species of plants to ensure they complement and support the local habitats,” Mr Morgan said.
Once completed, the project will have a significant impact on local environments. Beyond the flora regeneration of the respective sites across regional NSW, collectively, the 75,000 trees will have the capacity to absorb 1,650,000kgs of carbon dioxide each year. That offsets 97 people per year and emissions from 600 cars.
Man charged over alleged shooting in Scone
A man will face court today charged over an alleged shooting in the Hunter Valley earlier this week.
Just after 4am on Tuesday (24 November 2020), a 43-year-old man presented to Scone Hospital with gunshot wounds to his leg and ankle – he remains in a stable condition in John Hunter Hospital.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding how the man sustained his injuries.
Following further inquiries, police executed a crime scene warrant at a home on Barton Street, Scone, yesterday (Wednesday 25 November 2020), where they arrested a 51-year-old man.
During the warrant, police located two firearms and a hydroponic setup. Police remain at the scene this morning (Thursday 26 November 2020).
The man was taken to Scone Police Station, where he was charged with eight offences;
- Discharge firearm intend cause grievous bodily harm
- Possess unregistered firearm-not prohibited firearm/pistol (x2)
- Not keep firearm safely-not prohibited firearm/pistol (x2)
- Cultivate prohibited plant commercial quantity-cannabis
- Possess unauthorised firearm (x2)
He was refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court today (Thursday 26 November 2020).
Police will allege in court the 43-year-old attended the Scone property shortly before 4am on Tuesday (24 November 2020), where he spoke with the older man at the premises.
It will be further alleged the pair became involved in an altercation before the older man shot the younger man.
The younger man left the scene and drove to a nearby premises before attending Scone Hospital for treatment.
Initial investigations suggest the incident was targeted.
Investigations are continuing.
Charges after theft of $100,000 worth of copper cable – Tomago
Two men will face court today charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of more than $100,000 worth of copper in the state’s Hunter region.
On Monday 23 November 2020, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District’s Property Crime Team commenced an investigation after reports copper worth over $100,000 had been stolen from an industrial site in Tomago, about 30km north-west of Newcastle.
About 6pm yesterday (Wednesday 25 November 2020), police were called to a storage shed on Tomago Road, Tomago, by security after reports of unauthorised people on the premises.
Upon arrival, a perimeter was established and following a foot pursuit, a 32-year-old man was arrested.
With assistance from the Dog Unit, a second man, aged 41, was arrested a short time later inside the shed.
A vehicle and trailer were located camouflaged in bushland nearby.
The men were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and the older man was charged with break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent (steal) and break & enter house etc steal value <= $60,000.
The younger man was charged with break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent (steal).
Both men were refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Thursday 26 November 2020).
Inquiries are ongoing.
Fourth person charged over suspicious death of New Zealand firefighter Ian Pullen
A fourth person has been charged in relation to the suspicious death of a New Zealand man in the Hunter region two years ago.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Awabakil to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Glenridding.
About 5.30am on Saturday 29 September 2018, emergency services were called to Carrington Street after a man’s body was located on the side of the road. He was later identified as 43-year-old New Zealand firefighter, Ian Pullen.
A man and two women have since been charged over the death; and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, about 11.30am yesterday (Wednesday 25 November 2020), police executed a search warrant at a home in Singleton and arrested a 27-year-old woman.
She was taken to Singleton Police Station and charged with accessory after the fact to murder and do act intending to pervert the course of justice.
The woman was refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court today (Thursday 26 November 2020).
New Parliamentary Group Formed to Combat Violence Against Women
On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Greens Senate Leader and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters, has called for cultural change to stop gendered violence, more funding for frontline domestic violence services, and the criminalisation of coercive control.
Senator Waters, along with Dr Anne Aly MP (ALP member for Cowan) and Dr Fiona Martin MP (Liberal member for Reid), today launched the Parliamentarians for Action to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children to encourage a multi-partisan commitment to stopping violence against women.
Speaking at the launch event, Senator Waters said family and domestic violence is a national emergency, and the new group offers an important forum to discuss ways to address it.
“Violence against women is at epidemic levels. One woman has been violently murdered almost every week in 2020, and the sector predicts that elevated levels of violence will continue with the financial and social stress of Covid recovery.
“I welcome the cross-party support for today’s event. But we cannot keep turning up to events like this, reading news stories, hearing statistics, and say we are shocked.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of safety advocates, we know what needs to be done. If we are serious about eliminating violence against women, we need immediate action on the key gaps.
“Frontline emergency response services must be adequately funded so that no woman is turned away when she seeks help – the sector says this means $1 billion each year,” said Senator Waters.
“We need a national approach to understanding and criminalising coercive control. The community needs to recognise the serious risks of conduct like Hannah Clarke and her children were subjected to before their murder, and police need to be able to act.
“We need all parliamentarians to contribute to the cultural change that will eliminate violence against women, stand up to violent behaviour, and act to address the gender inequality which drives gendered violence.”
Today’s event was co-hosted by Our Watch and marked the start of their 16 Days, 16 Ways campaign to encourage bystanders to do something to show that violent behaviour is never OK.
“The primary prevention education and advocacy work done by Our Watch is crucial at driving behaviour change, as is respectful relationships education in schools. This work must continue to be funded,” said Senator Waters
“Words on the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women will not be enough – we need action and full funding from the federal government. I look forward to working with the Parliamentary group to keep these issues on the agenda throughout the year.”
Greens condemn violence in Western Sahara
The Australian Greens condemn the violence and breakdown in the UN-backed ceasefire in Western Sahara. Any acts of aggression by the Moroccan government are unacceptable, and the Australian Greens are profoundly concerned at reports that the Moroccan government has launched a military operation in a United Nations-patrolled buffer strip in Western Sahara. The Australian Greens urge the UN to broker a renewed cease-fire as soon as possible.
The Australian Greens strongly support the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination. They have been waiting for decades for a long-awaited referendum, and the United Nations should finally organise a free and fair referendum on independence in Western Sahara without further delay.
The Australian Government must use all diplomatic channels available to advocate for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and support all efforts to organise a free and fair referendum on independence in Western Sahara.
Rural and Remote Health Stakeholder Special Roundtable on COVID-19
Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton, chaired the ninth special rural health COVID-19 roundtable on 27 August 2020, with members of the Rural Health Stakeholder group.
Minister Coulton recognised the work of rural and remote health workers and communities, particularly those in Victoria, in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Coulton raised the service of 146 General Practice Respiratory Clinics (GPRCs) across Australia, which have conducted over 500,000 COVID-19 assessments since they began earlier in the year and especially the 82 that serve regional communities. Minister Coulton spoke of the aged care sector’s challenges with COVID-19 and urged recognition that 97% of aged care homes are COVID-19 free thanks to the efforts of aged care providers.
State border restrictions continue to be a challenge for health services operating across borders and the communities who seek their care. Minister Coulton has raised these challenges with various jurisdictions and efforts continue on many fronts to limit the impact on border communities.
Minister Coulton reported 27 million telehealth services have been delivered to 10 million people (40% of the population) since implementation. MBS Telehealth items are more likely to be refined rather than removed in the longer term. Minister Coulton spoke of the importance of demonstrated, established, and continuing relationships between GPs and patients to ensure telehealth remains a viable tool to improve health outcomes in the long term.
Minister Coulton invited the National Rural Health Commissioner, Prof Ruth Stewart, to update the group on the work of her office. The Commissioner reported she continues to Chair the Rural GP-led Respiratory Clinic National Leaders Network, which meets fortnightly, providing a direct line of communication between clinics and the Government.
Senior Department staff provided updates on the Commonwealth COVID-19 response. Participants provided valuable feedback to the Minister on the current focus and efforts of their own organisations in response to the outbreak.
An introduction from the Chief Allied Health Officer
Since beginning in the role as Chief Allied Health Officer, Dr Boxall has been focussed on COVID-19 with particular focus on the allied health and disability sectors. Dr Boxall has also started to meet regularly with the National Rural Health Commissioner. In the short term,
Dr Boxall will focus her work on improving the profile of the allied health sector and professions. Dr Boxall has been in discussions with other Departmental staff as well as with the state based Chief Allied Health Officers around the increasing need of rehabilitation services for COVID-19 patients and the importance of allied health professionals in this work.
Update on the COVID-19 pandemic response in the primary care setting
Department officials reported GP-led Respiratory Clinics had provided over 500,000 consultations since implementation and have rapidly responded to keep communities safe. GPRCs in Victoria doubled their capacity in a week. Primary Health Networks have recently increased distribution of PPE to allied health providers in Victoria and New South Wales. The Department continues to monitor the availability of PPE and provide supplies through Primary Health Networks where required.
Indigenous Health Update
Department officials reported COVID-19 positive cases in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations remains very low, with no deaths reported. There have been no COVID-19 cases in remote communities. Sixty-three point of care testing sites are in place in remote communities, with the final 22 sites to be rolled out over the next month. Royal Flying Doctor Service continues to provide early and primary evacuations, testing and swab transfer, and fly-in respiratory clinics to rural and remote sites.
The CDNA National Guidance for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for COVID-19 was updated on 10 August, including findings from recent modelling work on COVID-19 in remote communities, undertaken to better guide response strategies.
For more information, the Department of Health directed members to the following webpage: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/support-for-remote-indigenous-communities-at-high-risk-from-covid-19
Mental Health update
The Department continues to recognise the burden experienced by those where COVID-19 restrictions are in place. In response to this, the Government announced provision of 10 additional Medicare-subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure was announced on Sunday 2 August with a focus on Victorian communities. More information can be found at: https://www.health.gov.au/news/additional-covid-19-mental-health-support-for-people-subjected-to-further-restrictions
Stakeholders were advised the Prime Minister had recently requested the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine, and Mental Health Commissioner, Christine Morgan, provide advice regarding further measures that could be taken to support the mental health and wellbeing of COVID affected communities. As a result, the Australian Government will provide an additional $31.9 million to create 15 mental health clinics across Victoria and further enhance essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.pm.gov.au/media/new-mental-health-clinics-support-victorians-during-covid-19-pandemic
Further Government funding has been provided to Headspace, Beyond Blue, Lifeline, and the Kids Helpline to manage an increase in demand for their online and phone services. Stakeholders raised the need for a mental health phone service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Reports of rural and remote health workers experiencing fatigue and exhaustion continue. The Roundtable agreed that any support Governments can provide to facilitate the movement of health workers across borders is important for the mental and physical wellbeing of the rural and remote workforce. Department officials agreed to further discuss actions to address this issue.
Primary care reform update
The Government is considering extending the COVID telehealth measures and options to link them with voluntary patient enrolment in GP practices in the future. Discussions with the sector and representative groups have resumed to inform the 10 Year Primary Health Care plan. The primary care steering group will next meet at the end of September 2020. The 10 Year Plan will include discussions on reforms for improved health service integration, digital infrastructure and funding for rural areas. The Department is currently working with New South Wales PHNs and Local Health Networks on joint planning of primary care services, including opportunities in virtual health.
Stakeholders discussed post-COVID considerations including the potential for rural and remote Australians to suffer poorer health outcomes as a result of many important services being unavailable. It was agreed that monitoring impacts on services and programs is important for future planning with different situations likely across the country.
Update on training and workforce matters
Stakeholders were informed the Rural Multidisciplinary Health Training (RHMT) Program Evaluation has been published on the Department’s website at: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/rural-health-rhmt-evaluation. Government is undertaking consultation with stakeholders to guide future policy change and implementation. The National Rural Health Commissioner will assist with consultations and advise Government.
Access to locums to allow rural health workers to take leave was raised by stakeholders as a challenge due to border and travel restrictions. Demand for locums is likely to increase as we get closer to Christmas
Medical placements continue to be impacted primarily in Victoria. There is, however, a sense of optimism as new ways of training and delivery of services are opening up. Teaching students on how to deliver telehealth consultations is an example of this. Graduation numbers and the availability of rural and remote placements for allied health students has been impacted by COVID-19 travel and border restrictions.
The continued establishment of the National Rural Generalist Pathway and the additional 100 rural generalist placements were noted as important to address rural workforce issues.
Meeting summary
Minister Coulton noted the important reversal of the decision to increase fees for university courses including Social Work and Psychology. Minister Coulton also noted crucial role rural GPs play as the first point of contact for mental health services and the importance for local communities to see their GPs.
Minister Coulton advised that any immediate concerns can be raised directly ahead of the next meeting and thanked stakeholders for their engagement and advocacy supporting rural communities as the COVID-19 situation develops.
The most up-to-date information on the Australian Government response to COVID-19 can be found at www.australia.gov.au.
Twenty-one rural stakeholder organisations are members of the group, along with the National Rural Health Commissioner and the Commonwealth Department of Health.
Participant list
Members participating in the teleconference for the 24 July 2020 were:
- Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
- National Rural Health Commissioner
- Indigenous Allied Health Australia
- Australian Dental Association
- Royal Flying Doctor Service
- National Rural Health Alliance
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association
- Rural Health Workforce Australia
- Pharmacy Guild of Australia
- Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health
- Allied Health Professions Australia
- Australian Rural Health Education Network
- CRANAplus
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
- Rural Doctors Association of Australia
- Rural Workforce Agencies Network
- Federation of Rural Australian Medical Educators
- Australian Medical Association
- Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association
Apologies:
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners- Rural Faculty
- National Rural Health Student Network
- Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives