Over 1,000 young professionals from the Hunter Region will have the opportunity to formally team up with Newcastle NOW in an effort to work together to improve the city of Newcastle, bolster career development opportunities and play a dynamic role in community activation efforts.

The newly established affiliate partnership between not-for-profit group Hunter Young Professionals (HYP) and Newcastle NOW will streamline the process for individuals to get involved in community placemaking projects via the establishment of a volunteering portal to harness the skills and interests of HYP members.

Newcastle NOW, the CBD’s business improvement association, has been in the business of supporting local traders and commerce in the city as well as ongoing commitment and activities around revitalising the city.

Some of the city’s best loved events and projects have come out of collaborations and partnerships with Newcastle NOW, including the Newcastle Writer’s Festival, Surfest, Renew Newcastle, and L!vesites events. The iconic Nobbys Lighthouse is managed by the organisation and Newcastle NOW co-ordinates the local precinct advisory groups which invite a conversation between the city as a space and its residents, traders and visitors.

HYP is a network for a new generation of motivated individuals, emerging business leaders, ideators and entrepreneurs. Members meet regularly to network, collaborate and socialise, as well as participate in workshops and mentoring programs with prominent business leaders from our region.

Executive Manager of Newcastle Now, Michael Neilson, is looking forward to being able to tap into this pool of resources.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for two proactive, community minded groups to be of mutual benefit, and for that benefit to flow on to the city as a whole,” Michael said.

“We’re excited to see the impact of having a group of young professionals to add to our capacity to improve our great city.”

The two groups are aligned in their mission of making a significant positive impact on the growth of city centre business, cultural and social activity through the regular organisation of leadership events, mentoring programs, interactive workshops and planned social interaction at venues, and have high hopes for Newcastle truly cementing its status as an innovative city.

“Finding opportunities for the next generation of leaders in the Hunter region to demonstrate their skills and willingness to make a difference is what we do,” HYP President Adel Issa said.

“Getting hands-on in the cultural rebuilding of our fantastic city, alongside an organisation with a track record of doing just that, I can tell you, our members will be excited and willing.”

Any young professionals interested in getting involved with activating Newcastle while building their professional networks should visit the HYP website for more details.

Image | Bec Dujin, HYP Director; Petra Hilsen, Newcastle NOW Business Activation Officer; Michael Neilson, Newcastle NOW Executive Manager; Adel Issa, HYP President