Newcastle City Council has received over 4000 comments as part of their community consultation on the Hunter Street Revitalisation. Respondents were asked to prioritise 10 possible actions to revitalise Hunter Street, below are the top five priorities for immediate action:-

1. Encourage shops and businesses (24.34%)
2. Improve the appearance of the street (22.49%)
3. Improve vehicle access and parking (9.39%)
4. Encourage people to live in Hunter Street (9.17%)
5. Improve public safety (9.17%)

The consultation report will be available in local libraries in May 2010. A second survey to test options developed will be issued in June or July.

The vacant buildings page of Council's website may also be of interest to you:

www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Newcastle Industrial Heritage Association is pleased to offer personalised guided tours of the iconic sculpture "The Muster Point".

This house-size industrial artwork was constructed as a collaboration by famous Newcastle sculptor Julie Squires and steelworkers in 1999, to mark the closure of the steelworks.

The whole structure, inside and out, has many stories to tell about the history of steelmaking in Newcastle.

Well-known retired steelworker Auburey Brooks conducts intimate, heartfeld journeys around and within the walls of this unique place.

If you know any small group that would like to soak up some of the emotion of life at the steelworks, contact Aubrey to make a booking.

Tours are free, but Aubrey is willing to accept donations towards the work done by NIHA members, and he has copies of the DVD of the steelworks and books on history of the steelworks for sale.

Email: obisan@hunterlink.net.au or call 49845264 for more details.

The objective of the Women in Business Mentor Program is to improve the viability and growth potential of small businesses owned and managed by women. Participation in the program will provide you with specific outcomes including:

• Improved business management skills
• Assistance in the development of a Business Plan
• Identifying and facilitating business growth strategies
• Fostering opportunities to network and develop strategis alliances.

For further information - www.hunterbusinesschamber.com.au

Newcastle 2030

Newcastle City Council's 20 year action plan to make Newcastle more sustainable in the future. Free Public Lecture - inspiring Commuinities. Monday, 8th February, 2010, Newcastle City Hall, 6 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. Newcastle 2030 Forum, Newcastle City Hall, Friday, 12th February, 2010 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Please register for events by calling 4974 2878 by 5th February.

Australia Day Thank You

Tuesday, 26th January, 9.30 a.m. - 10.30 a.m. Fort Scratchley.

Social Impact of Alcohol in the Night-Time Economy Workshop

Thursday, 4th February, 6.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. City Hall Banquet Room, RSVP 4974 2823. Limited seats.

Newcastle City Council has been working in Hunter Street preparing for the mall to be reopened to traffic.

Council is pleased to invite you to celebrate the mall reopening on - Tuesday, 20th October at 12.15 p.m. opposite Market Square, Hunter Street Mall.

The works completed include:

• installation of street furniture including seats, bins, and bollards
• line marking on existing paving for traffic control and car spaces
• traffic management devices
• installation of tactile indicators and
• signage.