City of Newcastle (CN) is inviting the community to have their say on how to address housing affordability, social isolation, and access to public spaces.

The draft Local Social Strategy 2030, which has been placed on public exhibition, sets out a framework for CN and the community to remove barriers to inclusion and equal opportunity, encourage connection and participation, and strengthen community health and wellbeing.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle has a leadership role to play in achieving a shared vision of a socially just and inclusive city for all.

“We’ve heard from the community about their ideas and opinions on social justice and inclusion issues such as community participation, satisfaction with wellbeing, and access to services, safety and inclusion in the Newcastle area,” Nuatali said.

“The draft Local Social Strategy is based on one of the most heavily participated engagement programs in City of Newcastle’s history, with underrepresented groups such as people with a disability or from diverse cultural backgrounds providing key feedback.

“We’re now eager to hear what the wider community thinks about the draft strategy to help us further shape this important plan.”

In addition to the draft Local Social Strategy, CN is also seeking feedback on the draft Social Infrastructure Strategy, which aims to ensure Novocastrians have better access to community assets in their neighbourhoods.

The Strategy will plan for and support an equitably distributed network of community hubs, improve the amenity and activation of existing public facilities, parks, and open spaces, and facilitate increased opportunities for valuable community inclusion and connection opportunities.

CN launched the exhibition period for both draft strategies amid the recent celebrations of Hamilton South Community Centre’s 42^nd anniversary.

Newcastle Councillor, Carol Duncan said it was a fitting way to start the consultation process.

“Hearing from a diverse cross-section of our community is critical to ensuring these strategies reflect everyone, so the planning decisions we make support all Novocastrians,” Carol said.

“Individually, we may be very different but, together, we can all call Newcastle home.”

IMAGE | (L-R) Theresa Dargin, Chris Jones, Gary Christensen, Brad Larkin, Gaye Sheather, and Councillor Carol Duncan at Hamilton South Community Centre’s 42^nd anniversary celebrations.