Business Chamber Focus
University of Newcastle’s Q Building awarded world-leading 6 Star rating – the first in regional NSW
The University of Newcastle’s Q Building has become the first building in regional NSW to achieve a 6 Star Green Star ‘Design and As Built’ certified rating.
FlyPelican’s new home base at Newcastle Airport brings local jobs
Up to 15 new jobs are set to land, as leading regional airline and charter company,
FlyPelican, sign a new lease at Newcastle Airport. This will bring their maintenance facility
and base of operations together under one roof.
Newcastle Airport named on Bonza’s inaugural route map in the largest launch announcement in Australia’s aviation history
Bonza, Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier, together with Newcastle Airport, has announced on 15 February a historic partnership that will see six new flights each week on two new routes. The news is part of the largest announcement in Australia’s aviation history as Bonza reveals its inaugural route map, airport bases, head office location and all-digital approach.
Rent relief for COVID impacted small businesses continues
NSW small business owners affected by COVID-19 hardships will continue to receive rent relief until 13 March 2022.
Records tumble as Port of Newcastle Diversified Trade Volumes Grow in 2021
New figures released on 20 January reveal that Port of Newcastle’s import/export volume performance of 2020 strengthened in 2021, despite global supply chain challenges and the continuing impacts of the pandemic.
Share your ideas to grow the Hunter Valley visitor economy and tourism
Whether it’s more food and wine experiences, family attractions, business events or better infrastructure, residents and business operators in the Singleton and Cessnock local government areas (LGAs) are being encouraged to share their ideas for the future of tourism in the Hunter Valley over the next 10 years to increase the more than 1.5 million people who visit the region each year.
Surge in development to inject $1.8 billion into local economy
Newcastle’s revitalisation and transformation continues with a record $1.8 billion of development approved over the past 12 months set to generate approximately 3,500 direct jobs and buoy the local economy.
Strong demand for Swift on Hunter offices
Altim Property’s
Swift on Hunter strata office
development is expected to
start construction in the
first quarter of 2022,
following a strong start to
the marketing campaign including a recent $2,325,000 sale to a
local buyer.
Flying kangaroo takes our region to Adelaide
Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, has announced it will connect the Hunter Region and northern NSW to Adelaide from early 2022.
DA submitted for housing on iconic Dairy Farmers Corner
Residential apartment developer Third.i has submitted a Development Application to City of Newcastle to transform the iconic Dairy Farmers Corner site while paying tribute to its history.
Event funding for NSW Small Business Month 2022
Organisations participating in next year’s NSW Small Business Month can access $640,000 in funding support to host an event.
$8.8 million upgrade to Cessnock Airport set for take off
Cessnock City Council is pleased to announce the $8.8 million upgrade to Cessnock Airport will kick off in early 2022, after the tender for the project was awarded at its meeting on 20 October.
Local distillery wins four medals in national awards for craft gin
On 30th September 2021 Newy Distillery were awarded four medals, one gold and three bronze by the Australian Gin Distillers Association (AGDA) for four of their craft gins.
Hunter Sports Centre scores upgrade funds
Lake Macquarie City Council has welcomed a $10 million Federal Government funding commitment towards the expansion of the Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale.
CIMIC’s UGL secures $297m locomotive manufacturing contract
CIMIC Group’s UGL has been awarded a contract to design, manufacture and supply new fuel-efficient diesel electric locomotives for long-standing client, Pacific National. These are to be manufactured in Newcastle.
Newcastle 500 to return as Supercars season opener in March
Newcastle’s economy and COVID-hit tourism industry is set to benefit from the season opener of the 2022 Supercars Championship series converging in the city for the Newcastle 500 on 4-6 March.
Communication strengthens communities: Port Waratah keen to hear local voices
Local Newcastle residents are invited to share their views to influence and inform Port Waratah Coal Services’ decision making and strategy through the Local Voices Community Survey, now open until 19 October.
Transformation of Newcastle’s Honeysuckle almost complete
The 30-year transformation of Newcastle’s industrial harbourfront land at Honeysuckle has reached a significant milestone on 16 September with registrations of interest sought for the design and development of the final three hectares of land.
New alliance for Hunter Valley Resort
The Hele family own Hunter Valley’s longest continuously operating hospitality venue celebrating its 30th anniversary on 1 August and are taking things to new heights, announcing an alliance with the northern beaches 4 Pines Brewing brand.
CSIRO ENERGY SITE TO LEAD EMISSIONS TARGET
CSIRO’s Newcastle Energy Centre will be a demonstration site for the national science agency’s net zero emissions targets, as part of a broader focus to boost science and sustainability outcomes across its facilities and operations.
Community shapes new vision for Newcastle’s iconic Harbour Foreshore
City of Newcastle has released its updated vision for Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore including a revised concept for Foreshore Park, showing an additional 4,000m² of playspace with more picnic areas, trees and gardens, cycleways, as well as new plans for the Wharf Road Precinct.
Local Accountant promotes wellbeing among business owners through Counting On U Program
Local Accountant, Brodie White, from Hunter-based bookkeeping and accounting firm, Balanced Beans has been selected to participate in Deakin University’s Counting On U mental health program.
TAFE NSW courses set to quadruple in Port Stephens
The new $7 million TAFE NSW Tomaree Connected Learning Centre (CLC) at Salamander Bay will more than quadruple course offerings for locals, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin has announced.
Crystalbrook Kingsley Puts Waste to Work in Partnership with the University of Newcastle
The newly opened Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle city’s first five-star hotel, has partnered with University of Newcastle and its researchers to drive sustainability and reduce waste.
Port Waratah wins diversity program and performance award
Port Waratah is very proud to have won the Excellence in Diversity Program and Performance Award in this year’s Women in Mining Awards announced on 2 July by the NSW Minerals Council.
Avondale: Australia’s newest university
A New South Wales higher education provider with a 124-year history is the first in Australia to become a university under new national standards.
All Hunter Region Councils commit to climate
The Hunter region of NSW has committed to collaboratively tackling shared challenges of changing global energy markets and climate change impacts, joining Australia’s largest local government climate network the Cities Power Partnership.
Hope’s Honeysuckle plans now lodged
The transformation of the historic Wharf building into Newcastle’s newest destination for food, entertainment and gourmet Hunter products is one step closer with the development application lodged for ‘Hope at Honeysuckle’.
A public spaces legacy for the Hunter
The Hunter will share in a total of up to $250 million in NSW Government funding to create a legacy of quality, green and accessible public space to be treasured for generations to come.
Applications open for $6,000 Your Port, Our Community sponsorships
Local organisations delivering sustainable outcomes for the thriving communities surrounding the Port of Newcastle are encouraged to apply for funding through the Port’s annual Your Port, Our Community sponsorship program.
Australian Unity acquires commercial office park at Newcastle Airport
Australian Unity’s Diversified Property Fund has acquired the Williamtown Aerospace Centre, a high-quality campus-style commercial office park adjacent to Newcastle Airport and the Williamtown Royal Australian Air Force Base, for circa. $55 million.
Hunter Valley Legends & Wine Industry Awards
The 2021 Hunter Valley Legends & Wine Industry Awards gala dinner held on 20 May at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in front of more than 300 guests, with Scarborough Wine Co and Margan Wines & Restaurant coming away as big winners.
Federal funding for upgraded airfield at Newcastle Airport
The Prime Minister Scott Morrison travelled to Newcastle Airport to announce the much anticipated funding for a significant upgrade to the airfield that Newcastle Airport accesses from RAAF Base Williamtown.
A Region Ready 2021
Newcastle & Hunter A Region Ready has relaunched for 2021 as an updated showcase of the assets and benefits of the region, free for all to use to help promote their own business and, in turn, the Hunter.
Cockle Creek Area Plan sharpens vision for Lake Macquarie’s north west
The future vision for Cockle Creek is now clearer, with a draft Area Plan for the regionally significant area now on public exhibition.
Maitland irrigation projects completed in collaboration with Hunter Water
Maitland City Council has collaborated with Hunter Water to develop and install multiple irrigation projects across the Maitland area throughout 2020 and 2021. These projects will improve sporting fields and the city’s water use efficiency.
Mayoral Scholarship recipients announced
Recipients of the annual Cessnock Mayoral Scholarships were announced 4 May.
Government backs Hunter-designed program to boost defence industry jobs and skills
Hunter Defence has won federal government support for a ground-breaking industry skilling program designed to help regional businesses win contracts in the lucrative defence supply chain.
Hunter Valley brews up new-look festival with local craft breweries joining wineries in revamped Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival
The Hunter Valley Wine Festival is to incorporate beer for the first time, with the newly designed Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival scheduled for Saturday 19 June 2021, promising a vintage event with the best of Hunter Valley wines, craft beer, cider, local foods and entertainment.
TAFE NSW mining apprentices digging in
The award-winning Mining and Energy Skills Program at TAFE NSW Muswellbrook is helping 24 new Hunter based apprentices launch their careers.