Welcome to the summer edition of the Koori Grapevine, edition #31. December 2019 - February 2020 We hope you enjoy the read. Contributions are welcome via email to [email protected] Please be advised images and/or names of people passed over may appear in this publication Acknowledgement of Country and Traditional Custodians

Aboriginal Community Plan 2019-2023 Following on from two years of community consultation through emails, social Let's shape suc media, print and radio media, and Council’s website, the Draft Aboriginal n - are) ne futu i th yiku(to aclt in Community Plan 2019-2023 ‘Bayikulinan’, (to act in the future), was endorsed by Ba cess Council and launched at Council’s 2019 NAIDOC Week event on Wednesday 10 July. The Plan sets out 38 actions to work through and links in with other Council Plans and Strategies to assist us to take a coordinated approach to addressing disadvantages in the community. The Plan is available on Council’s website or email [email protected] to request a hard copy.

LAKE MACQUARIE CITY | ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY PLAN 2019–2023

Council NAIDOC Grants of up to $1000 are on offer Week grants in Lake Macquarie for Youth Week This year Council granted sixteen 2020 events and activities applications from schools and Council is offering funding to eligible organisations for events not for profit organisations with a and activities staged as part of the annual national celebration total of $14,550 to enable a hands of young people, to be held 1-9 April 2020. on cultural event for students, The grants are available to any incorporated non-profit members of their organisation and organisation hosting Youth Week activities or events within the community. The largest festivals Lake Macquarie LGA aimed at young people aged 12-24. in Lake Macquarie, the Westlakes NAIDOC and Eastlakes NAIDOC Events and activities that achieve outcomes identified in the Family Fun Day events were again Lake Macquarie Youth Strategy, such as improving access to supported to the amount of $2500 services for young people or ensuring they have the opportunity each. Both days saw a high volume to make a meaningful contribution to the community, will be of attendees and spectacular highly regarded for funding. weather. In the past Youth Week grants have helped fund a variety of Applications for 2020 will open in events, from skate festivals to drama workshops. early February for four weeks. Grant applications can be lodged online at Youth Week events funding before Wednesday 18 December. Voice of a Survivor – by Jacob Little My name is Jacob Little. I am based in Brisbane working for an organisation called the Voice of a Survivor. (Guidance) When I was younger, I went to a youth detention Yudhilidin centre, and suffered some abuse. I am helping - Guiding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander others out who have been through the system and people back to wellbeing have suffered abuse. After I suffered my abuse I Yudhilidin is focused on recovery for Aboriginal and ended up on drugs and drinking a lot. Trying to Torres Strait Islander people with significant mental block out what had happened to me. I ended up health issues. lost and confused. I got involved in the wrong A Yudhilidin Care Coordinator will help you navigate crowds and ended up heavily involved in gang the health system and get support. They will lifestyle. I ended up in jail. But I have put that all connect you with services who will work with you to behind me now and have been doing this job for achieve your recovery goals. a year and a half now. It has helped me to heal If you, or someone you know, identify as Aboriginal as many survivors didn’t make it through, due to and/or Torres Strait Islander experiencing mental suicide or drug overdose and I like to do this for the health issues, which affect their daily life contact ones who didn’t make it. our Yudhilidin team today. I want to reach out to people who may have being Am I eligible for support? affected so people are more aware about the important work that I am doing. We are searching You are eligible if you have been experiencing for survivors of the Stolen Generation and victims severe mental health and wellbeing issues that are of institutional child sexual and physical abuse. If affecting your daily life. you identify as one of these people, please speak How can Yudhilidin help me? up; you have a voice and it needs to be heard. Your care coordinator will: Do not carry around the backpack of shame, guilt • assist you to identify your health and wellbeing goals and anger. Hand it back to its rightful owner, the • provide you with information about culturally perpetrator. appropriate services in the local community This applies to anyone who has been affected • support you to create meaningful connections in boys’ homes, girls’ homes, foster care, DOCS, with services and work with you to build churches, church run institutions, missions and your skills and confidence to manage these reserves, any sporting teams, and scouts or girls’ connections guides. You do not have to be Indigenous; we work on behalf of all Australians who may have suffered What type of services will Yudhilidin help me to any trauma in the institutions listed. connect with? We encourage all survivors to speak out on this • GP and allied health services subject. For a confidential chat, please do not • mental health services including counsellors and hesitate to message me or call my mobile on Psychologists 0450 815 402 to talk through your options. • cultural and social and activities and programs • education, training and employment services 0450 815402 • housing and homelessness services @Thevoicefasurvivor How to refer PO BOX 561, Bulimba QLD 4171 Referrals to Yudhilidin are available by self-referral /TheVoiceofasurvivor and professional referral. https://thevoiceofasurvivor.com/ For more information on this service or, please contact the Yudhilidin team on (02) 4925 2259 or email [email protected]

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DOMESTIC CLEANING SERVICES General house work, Spring cleaning

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ManagementGrounds andSystems garden AS/NZS maintenance 4801 services ABN 80 082 JobQuest730 210 is: Mowing, hedging, pruning, yard clean up, general • A Registered Provider under the NDIS

gardening, rubbish removal [tip charges extra], • Certified to deliver services under Home Care

All Fieldbranch Workers trimming have clear Packages and Veterans’ Home Care programs HandymanPolice Checks services Contact HELEN• Certified 0421 under 220 Occupational 152 Health and Safety Gutter cleaning, path cleaning, general repairs Management Systems AS/NZS 4801 [email protected] and Fullymaintenance insured Domestic cleaning services GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE SERVICES FriendlyGeneral and housework reliable service and spring-cleaning Mowing, Hedging, Pruning, Yard clean-up, General gardening, Where Rubbish removal [tip charges extra], Branch trimming • Newcastle and suburbs • Lake Macquarie HANDYMAN SERVICES • Coalfields Gutter cleaning, Path cleaning, GeneralAll Field repairs Workers and maintenancehave clear Police Checks – Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Weston, Fully insured

Abermain DOMESTIC CLEANING SERVICESFriendly and reliable service General house work, Spring cleaning • Maitland Area Contact Helen on 0421 220 152 • Raymond Terrace Area or [email protected]

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• LAKE MACQUARIE Access •toCOALFIELDS Belmont – CESSNOCK, KURRI KURRI, WESTON, Baths ABERMAIN • MAITLAND AREA • RAYMOND TERRACE AREA thanks to new amphibious access chair An amphibious wheelchair designed to give people priority, and with the baths unpatrolled Council JobQuest is: with disability the freedom of movement in open wants to ensure the Mobi-chair is used correctly. water has rolled into action at Belmont• A Registered Baths. Provider under the SignageNDIS in the chair’s storage shed provides The $4400 ‘Mobi-chair’ will be stored on-site and detailed instructions outlining the chair’s use in • accessible to anyone with a Master C Locksmithsertified to deliver servicesand under out Homeof the water. Care Access Key (MLAK) – provided by LakePackages Macquarie & Veterans’ Home Care Council is offering eligible residents the City Council to people with disability.programs opportunity for a limited time to obtain their Council’s Disability Inclusion Action • Certified Plan identified under Occupational own HealthMLAK andkey Safety free of charge. Go to lm.city/MLAK the need to improve beach and waterwayManagement access Systems AS/NZSor call 4801 4921 0333 for more information. for all abilities and this new chair goes some way towards addressing that need. The three-wheeled device – the firstAll Fieldof its Workers kind in have clear Lake Macquarie – will be stored in the baths’Police new Checks amenity building, with visitors simply required to hose it down after use. Fully insured A harness and flotation devices attached to the Friendly and reliable service chair mean users gently recline and gradually begin to float as they enter the water. Council recommends two carers should be on hand at all times to assist and supervise while the chair is in use. Safety is of course our number one Mobi chair for Belmont baths To celebrate Lake Macquarie Family Day Great Get Together Care’s 40-year anniversary Council hosted a community picnic in Speers Point Park on a beautiful day in October. Many turned out Community Picnic to see cultural dance performances from Belmont High School and to hear the lovely tones of Connor Wink. Nikinpa Aboriginal Child and Family Centre and the Heart Foundation cooked up a delicious healthy lunch from the new Koori Cook Off trailer and Kora the Reading Eagle made a special appearance providing children with her book to encourage reading to young people from an early age.

Maree and Kora the reading mascot

Lake Macquarie Landcare celebrates 20 years Over 250 people came together in planting trees, making bee hotels, and September to celebrate 20 years other nature crafts. Local Landcarers of partnership between Council Gary and Don (aka “the Bush Tucker and the passionate volunteers men”) were there to pass on their that make up the Lake Macquarie knowledge about edible native plants, Landcare network. and visitors could learn about Lake Held at the Landcare Resource Macquarie Landcare through various Centre, the event began with a multi-media presentations and Welcome to Country from Daniella interactive displays. And of course Chedzey and a smoking ceremony there was dancing and other frivolity performed by Adam Lee. This was with entertainment from the Pat Eyre followed by speeches from Maree Edwards band and free cake, coffee, gelato and other (Aboriginal Community Development Officer tasty treats from our caterers. and former Landcare staff member), Jason Thank you to all that attended and helped on the Harvey (Landcare Coordinator), Lois Simpson day. We are incredibly proud to have one of the (Chairperson of LM Landcare Network), John strongest Landcare Council partnerships in the Hughson (original Landcare Coordinator), country and look forward to the next 20 years to Adrian Zammit (NSW Landcare CEO) and Lake come (and more!). Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser. They were then Thank you to Lake Macquarie Landcare Volunteer joined by Debra Punton, the longest serving Lake Network, Council and 2NURFM for sponsoring Macquarie Landcare staff member, to cut the this event. cake and officially begin the celebrations! For more photos and information on the great The remainder of the day was jam-packed with work Lake Macquarie Landcare does, including fun and educational activities such as face- days and times of plant sales call 4921 0392 or painting, propagating native plant cuttings, visit lakemacquarielandcare.org 5 minutesmob with the Eleanor McCall

Name and nickname: Who is in your family? Eleanor - Ele My partner Paul Douglas and 3 children Janara, Jamaal and Preston Douglas. Where’s your mob from: Kamilaroi – Moree NSW Who is your hero? My Dad (Phillip McCall). For him to endure so Your organisation and role? much in his life and still be so humble and New role with Muloobinba Aboriginal show so much love, care and affection towards Corporation as the Family Preservation others was so moving and inspiring. Manager. Previous role with Birra Li Aboriginal Maternal & Child Health Service as an Favourite bush tucker: Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner. Finger Lime.

How long have you been there? Favourite sport: Lake Macquarie Landcare celebrates 20 years Started with Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation I enjoy watching Rugby League and Netball. in September 2019. Worked at Birra Li for 6 and ½ years prior to new role. Favourite movie: Twilight Series and Rabbit Proof Fence. What services can your organisation provide to Aboriginal people in Lake Macquarie? Ambitions in life: Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation provide the To be a good role model for my children, family following services to Aboriginal & Torres Strait and community. Islander families: • Family services. Anything else you would like to add? • Nikinpa Child and Family Centre. I am the administrator for a Facebook Social Media page called “Newcastle Aboriginal & • Assistance Programs. Torres Strait Islander Notice Board/Group.” This • Parenting Programs. page provides updates on community events, • Playgroups. identified/targeted jobs etc. take a look at it • Cultural Programs & Activities. and feel free to post any relevant community information to the page.

Calling ALL artists Calling all artists and creatives! Email [email protected] to subscribe to Creative Lake Mac: a new e-newsletter showcasing opportunities and events for Lake Mac’s creative community. Community connections 2020 Name and nickname: Significant Michelle - my friends call me Shell. dates *Denotes events occur on the same date Where are you from: each year Victoria originally then Darwin for a while before 26 January 2020* moving to Lake Macquarie a couple of years ago. Your role: Australia Day/Survival Day I am a registered Psychologist who has always had While January 26 is a day of celebration for an interest in working with Aboriginal kids and their many Australians, it is a day of mourning for families. This was further strengthened for me after many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander working in Arnhem Land. I am now undertaking a PhD Australians. January 26 marks the day that research project to co-develop a parent wellbeing New South Wales was established as a program specifically for Aboriginal families in the colony in 1788. Hunter region. Over the past year I have been working 12 February 2020* to gain community support and things are going well. I am so passionate about this and feel really The Freedom Ride privileged to have the opportunity to work with and On 12 February 1965, University of Sydney learn from your mobs. I hope that together we can students inspired by equal rights activism create a program that makes a difference for families. in the United States started a bus tour of What services can your organisation provide to western and coastal NSW with three key Aboriginal people in Lake Macquarie? goals in mind: If anyone is interested in participating in a focus • draw attention to the poor state of group to share their opinions regarding the Aboriginal health, education and housing; development and delivery of a new program, I’d love • focus and attention on the social to hear your thoughts! There are separate groups discrimination experienced by Aboriginal planned for parents and for professionals. people to effect positive change; After this, with the assistance of a group of local • encourage and support Aboriginal people Aboriginal professionals, we will co-design the themselves to resist discrimination. content and hopefully before too long will have the The Freedom Ride was led by Charles program up and running in Lake Macquarie! Perkins, an Arrente man born in Alice Springs Who is in your family? who dedicated his life to advocating for My hubby, two beautiful daughters and our new Aboriginal rights. The Freedom Ride has an puppy, Bob. important place in the history of Australia and is remembered every February for Who is your hero? fostering Aboriginal activism and raising I’ve met so many heroes in my work - to me the real much needed public attention on issues heroes in this world are the people who are going Aboriginal people continue to face today. through tough times with a smile on their face and a helping hand for others. 13 February 2020* Favourite food: Favourite movie: Anniversary of the Apology (2008) Mexican Grease Anniversary of the formal apology made Favourite sport: Ambitions in life: by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, on behalf of the Parliament of Australia, on 13 AFL - true to my To help Aboriginal families February 2008 to Australia’s Aboriginal and Victorian heritage. be strong and deadly! Torres Strait Islander people for the forced Contact Michelle on 0404 884 592 removal of children from their parents and [email protected] community over generations. Museum of Art and Culture - MAC The newly refurbjshed Lake Macquarie City Art yapang Gallery reopened to the public on the weekend of yapang, (pronounced yar pung), means journey/ 23-24 November under the new name, Museum of pathway in Awabakal and is the name given to the Art and Culture (MAC). new dedicated Aboriginal program within the MAC. The reopening celebration saw a great number The initiative is a natural progression of the 19-year of people wander through the revamped facility relationship between the facility and the Aboriginal to enjoy unique exhibitions, markets, workshops, Reference Group. Through yapang, people will live music and guided tours. Minister of the Arts, always be able to view contemporary Aboriginal art Don Harwin, and Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser and participate in related programming throughout officially opened the MAC at a VIP function on Friday the year. 22 November. In association with Council, the renovation was Cafe MAC partly funded by the NSW Government through the Enjoy coffee and cake, or a light lunch during your Regional Culture Fund. next visit to MAC. The completed works include a reconfigured Cafe MAC includes indoor seating and an outdoor entrance, a covered outdoor programming space, balcony, overlooking glorious lake views and the a new air-conditioning plant and additional adjoining sculpture park. solar panels. The facility’s collection storage and Council looks forward to working with new cafe exhibition spaces were also extended, with a partners Grant and Rod Murphy and their team. dedicated space for contemporary Aboriginal art For more information including opening hours, exhibitions and programming. exhibitions and programs visit mac.lakemac.com.au Tiwi Island Womens choir

PULiiMA Indigenous Language and Technology conference Every two years, local organisation Miromaa From all reports, 2019 was the biggest and best ever Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre conference since the inaugural event in 2007, with puts on the PULiiMA Indigenous Language and over 600 delegates, 70 presentations from over Technology conference. This year’s event in August 120 presenters, 30 exhibitors with a plethora of took place over four days on Larrakia Country in information and 25 intensive workshops. Darwin, NT. For more photos and information, With 2019 being the International Year of Indigenous visit puliima.com or miromaa.org.au. Languages, the conference had attendees from right across the Nation, as well as international representation, with 80 per cent identifying as Indigenous. Day one was a unique experience, with 200 women in the one room for the inaugural Women in Language day. It included sisters from all over the world workshopping, yarning and networking. Participants were treated to a cooking demonstration using only Indigenous languages. The interactive day featured a highlight performance from the Tiwi Strong Women’s Group, which feature in the film, Top End Wedding. The ladies treated delegates to performances throughout the conference, including at the Gala dinner. The Gala dinner also included an Australia’s Got Language talent contest. The dinner was officially opened by the young talented 2018 Aria Award Nominee, Emily Wurramara. Terri-Lee Darcy and Jacqui Allen from Miromaa Local Government Aboriginal Network conference (LGAN) The Local Government Aboriginal Network (LGAN) held its 31st annual conference in the magnificent and culturally significant Australia Hall in Sydney this October, with this year’s theme ‘Keep the Fire Burning’. The network conference provides a forum for discussion on local government issues relating to Aboriginal people, organisations and the wider community. This year had a number of guest speakers, including LGNSW President NSW Koori Netball Linda Scott, United Services Union delegates, Aboriginal Affairs representatives and more. Tournament A slight change in direction saw the conference used as a strategic planning forum, with celebrates 20 years Aboriginal staff and Councillors from across NSW. The last weekend One of this year’s highlights was a Sydney in October saw Harbour cruise on the Tribal Warrior, treating people from guests to hear about and see some of the across the historic areas around the harbour, as well as state came to cultural performances and a stopover at the Charlestown almost deserted Goat Island, which is rich in Netball Courts European and Aboriginal culture and heritage. for the 20th The NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network annual Office has been operating since 1988 and the aim of Sport NSW of the conference is to provide an interesting Koori Netball medium for enhancing the profile of Aboriginal Tournament. Sandra in action in the GF people and communities, their skills and culture, The event opened by Mayor Kay Fraser aims to and to facilitate discussions on current issues increase participation of Aboriginal people in sport such as employment strategies, enterprise and and recreation in a fun, competitive environment. cultural development and policies. Teams range from ages U12 through to open women The 2020 LGAN conference will be hosted by the and mixed teams. As an inclusive event, teams are City of Sydney, with dates and venues yet to be encouraged to have up to three non-Indigenous confirmed. players, with a maximum of 14 players registered Conference Executive and delegates pay respect per team. to the late Cr Pat Dixon, who was instrumental in The annual event has grown in strength over the 20 establishing the forum. years it has been going, and this year almost 100 teams competed across the weekend. The weather played havoc on Saturday for players, umpires and spectators as the hot, dry westerly wind gusts picked up throughout the day. Congratulations to all who competed and travelled long distances to Lake Macquarie. The overall winner in the Women’s Open category was one of the many teams honouring the memory of young Di-Erin Boney Weatherall. The grand final and the win was an emotional one as Sandra Weatherall, Di-Erin’s mum, stepped onto the court for her (departed) daughter. At Di-Erin’s memorial service, Sandra stated she was going to win this year’s tournament for her daughter. PCYC Lake Macquarie launches $100,000 upgrade to gym Weaving the Net For three days a month from March to October, On Wednesday 13 November, the PCYC located in members of the community and various Windale officially opened its refurbished gymnastics organisations came together at Nikinpa Aboriginal room and amenities, thanks to a Federal grant from Child and Family Centre for workshops and its Community Sport Infrastructure Program of conversations regarding the welfare and protection over $100,000, and supported by Shortland MP Pat of Aboriginal children and young people. Conroy. Weaving the Net is a community development The gymnastics room renovations are among a program that aims to provide participants with range of improvements made at the club in the accurate information about child sexual abuse, past 18 months. With thanks to a $62,500 Newcastle child abuse and family violence. This includes Permanent Charitable Foundation grant, the club things that challenge both workers and community opened its newly renovated commercial kitchen and provides the opportunity for both the in July 2018. The kitchen now meets modern community and workers to talk about what they do compliance standards and can be hired out and and what their strengths and capacities are. The used for commercial purposes. aim is to use these strengths to collaborate with For information on programs and more visit each other to build safety for children and young pcycnsw.org.au, email lakemacquarie@pcycnsw. people. org.au or call 4948 6622. Facilitated by experienced educators, Aunty Pam Greer and Virginnia Elliott from the Education Lake Mac Housing Strategy Centre Against Violence, (ECAV), in conjunction We’re looking ahead with purpose to make with Nikinpa Aboriginal Child and Family Centre tomorrow better for our City, our environment and in Toronto, the topics were intense, real and each other. We’re planning for the housing needs emotional, but conducted in a kind and caring of people who call Lake Mac home, now and in the manner for all. future. Council’s draft Housing Strategy aims to As well as connecting with community, some of the deliver affordable and diverse housing supply close key learning outcomes were: to services, facilities and infrastructure to meet our growing population needs over the next 15-20 years. • Demonstrated understanding of the dynamics and impacts of child physical, sexual and For more information and to have your say, visit emotional abuse and neglect in Aboriginal shape.lakemac.com.au/housing-strategy. communities. HIPPY Eastlakes is now taking • Strengthen partnerships between community members and agencies to improve access to Expressions of Interest for 2020 effective child protection services. HIPPY is a free two-year, home-based early • Increased confidence for community members to childhood and parenting program that builds the stand together against child abuse. confidence and skills of parents and carers to • Identify strategies to improve the safety of create a positive learning environment to prepare Aboriginal children and young people in their their child for school. community. The program provides free educational activity Following the final forum, workshop participants packs, storybooks and materials for parents were treated to a lovely cruise around Lake andcarers to complete activities with their child. Macquarie, taking in the spectacular sights with HIPPY also hosts holiday events, activities and guest great company in a relaxed environment. speakers around early childhood and parenting. A few of the Weave the Net participants If you would like further information, please see details on the flyer, visit jobquest.org.au/hippy or contact HIPPY Eastlakes Coordinator Jaylene McKenzie M: 0413 342 667 E: [email protected]. * Priority access guidelines apply * HIPPY is an approved Parents Next Activity What’s on? See inside for more listings More events can be found at lakemac.com.au lakemaccity or contact 4921 0333

Christmas Carols Spectacular Events Morisset Showground 4pm, Saturday 7 December For more information, including Lake Mac Libraries Hosted by the Bonnells Bay Salvation Army, and Art Gallery events and workshops, visit lakemac. the Christmas Carols Spectacular is a family- com.au or phone 4921 0333 during business hours. friendly event you won’t want to miss with stalls, December 2019 entertainment, fireworks and live performances from Nathan Foley, Conor Smith, The Central Submerged: Coast Ukulele Club and more. Gold coin donation Australia’s shipwreck stories appreciated upon entry. SEEN – Swansea Centre Lake Mac Carols Opening Saturday 7 December Speers Point Park 4-9pm, Australia has over 11,000 shipwrecks - that’s roughly Sunday 8 December one wreck for every three kilometres of coastline! Submerge yourself at SEEN this summer holidays The event will feature The Voice finalists Lara D and to learn more about our fascinating under-water Sarah De Bono, Golden Guitar-winner Troy Kemp, heritage. This exhibition combines content from Pacific Harmony Choir and children’s entertainers the Australian National Maritime Museum and Little Scallywagz. local history collections to highlight shipwrecks of This year’s carols will run from 6pm, with a special national, regional and local importance. Look out appearance by Santa and a fireworks finale at 9pm. for a summer of pirate-theme fun at Swansea in- Homegrown Markets will be at Speers Point Park conjunction with Submerged: Australia’s shipwreck from 4-8pm on the day. stories. Carols on Dobell Walk a Mile Koori Style Dobell Park, Wangi Wangi 5-8.30pm, Friday 6 December from 9am Sunday 8 December 2019 Walk a Mile Koori Style © (WAMKS) is an Australian Celebrate the spirit of Christmas at the LJ Hooker version of Walk a Mile in her shoes ®. The event is Carols on Dobell hosted by Wangi Lions Club. an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male youth lead event and men and boys from all nations and Carols by the Lake cultures are encouraged to participate. This walk Croudace Bay Thomas H Halton Park 6-9.30pm, is for all men to say NO to domestic violence and Sunday 15 December advocate for an end to violence in their community Join in this family-friendly Christmas celebration, and after greeting the women and girls at the top featuring stalls, sausage sizzles, sideshow alley, kids of King Edward Park, they swear the oath to never entertainer The Pretty Amazing Jono - and so much remain silent or commit and act of violence. The more. day follows on with entertainment and a sausage sizzle. All are invited and welcome to attend and Christmas Carols in the Carpark participate on Friday 6 December from 9am. 15 Strathmore Road, Swansea 6-7.30pm, Registrations for men and boys are now open via Sunday 15 December Sticky Tickets. Google Walk a Mile Koori Style 2019 or Swansea District Baptist Church invites you to contact Liann Taffe [email protected] bring your singing voices to Christmas Carols in the or 4064 5900 or 0412 001 031. Carpark. Bring a chair and join in the fun. What’s on? See inside for more listings More events can be found at lakemac.com.au lakemaccity or contact 4921 0333

Christmas Eve Carols February 2020 Caves Beach 1 Kayuga Close, Caves Beach 5.30-8pm, Tuesday 24 December Endless Summer Speers Point Pool C3 Southern Beaches invites you to enjoy a sausage Sunday 23 February 2020 Noon–5pm sizzle, kids entertainment and Christmas Carols on Endless Summer 2020 celebrates summer in Lake Christmas Eve. Macquarie and is a great day for young people to chill out, catch-up with friends and celebrate the January 2020 community we live in by having a pool party. A Splash of Orange Youth Council and Council have organised a variety of activities for the day including local live music, Friday 17 January, 11am-5pm aquatic inflatables, giveaways, free BBQ sponsored Speers Point Swim Centre by Allambi Care. Join us to celebrate the completion of improvement Bring swimmers, hat and towel. Booking not works at Lake Mac Swim Centres across the City. The required, free entry for the first 50 young people event will feature live music from local artist Sarah aged 12-24, discount $4 entry for all. Mcliveen, free skin checks with a doctor on-site, free Aqua stretch classes, giveaways and more. Entry $4 per person or $16 per family. Find out more at lakemac.com.au.

Family Fun Event with free BBQ breakfast Saturday 25 January Speers Point Park 8am–noon Southlake Fireworks Display Saturday 25 January 9pm (on a barge - no exact location at this stage) Entertainment and food vendors Sunday 26 January – Speers Point Park 3-7pm

Christmas 2019 and New Year 2020 operating arrangements for Lake Macquarie City Council Operating hours for Administration Building Works depot Landcare Resource Office Open until noon, Tuesday 24 December 2019 Re-open Thursday 2 January 2020