Strategy to shape city’s heritage items

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A new strategy is set to protect, promote and restore heritage sites and items in Newcastle.

City of Newcastle endorsed The Heritage Strategy 2020-2030 at its ordinary meeting on Tuesday night and set the vision, objectives and measurable outcomes to protect heritage in the city.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz chaired the Heritage Working Party that provided advice on the strategy and said the council was dedicated to ensuring local Indigenous and European culture continued to be valued and celebrated.

“Our city has a unique mix of heritage conservation areas, archaeological sites, heritage-listed buildings and places that are recognised and protected for their character and significance,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“With this strategy, City of Newcastle will lead by example by ensuring that heritage is given due consideration in city projects and development assessments, with decision-making informed by community engagement and facilitated by staff training.

“In addition, the updated strategy better considers and recognises the Awabakal and Worimi peoples’ ancient and ongoing connection with the land.”

The draft Heritage Strategy was placed on public exhibition earlier in the year, with more than 50 submissions received from the community.

Elements of the strategy relating to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage were also reviewed by the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Feedback in the submissions was supportive of the strategy’s vision and content overall, with a number of suggestions implemented to help clarify and strengthen the final document.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes added that Newcastle’s significant heritage places are a historical resource essential for the continuing educational, cultural and economic enrichment of the region.

“City of Newcastle will invest in the promotion and care of these assets as part of the city’s economic and cultural development,” she said.

“The new strategy emphasises our rich Aboriginal and European heritage and the important role the city’s public exhibitions and performances play at our museum, art gallery, libraries and theatres, all of which celebrate our cultural heritage.”