Newcastle’s brightest minds in business, placemaking and culture are set to share in $850,000 of City of Newcastle Council funding, with the latest Special Business Rates (SBR) funding round open to applicants from today.
Recent successful applicants for SBR funding include the seaside Sculptures at Scratchley, Big Picture Fest and popular Shakespeare under the Stars event by creative Janie Gibson who also leads Voices of Joan, the acclaimed production now headlining the Sydney Fringe Festival.
Council says the SBR program will now encourage successful recipients to source at least 75% of the associated supplies and services from businesses within the precinct.
“This investment enriches local business precincts, and City of Newcastle takes pride in supporting events and initiatives that promote our city and boost our economy,” said Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes.
“One benefit SBR is that it has supported Newcastle’s astonishing grassroots arts and cultural scene, with new events and activations drawing thousands of people to the city.”
Creative Director of Whale Chorus Theatre Company, Janie Gibson, who brought Shakespeare Under the Stars to thousands in Pacific Park in December with support through the funding, said the SBR can be a springboard for Novocastrians with big ideas.
“The SBR program is an incredible initiative that invites creative activations to enrich our city. We had almost 2000 people come to Shakespeare Under the Stars last year,” Ms Gibson said.
“It is so exciting to see our city’s places come alive with theatre and bring our community together. I would encourage anyone with a great idea to apply.”
Kendall Brooks, Chair of the Newcastle City Centre Business Improvement Association, said the provision for grant recipients to source local in their projects would be a win for the whole community.
“The Special Business Rates grants program provides a range of opportunities and supports events, activations, beautification, and other innovative projects within the precinct,” Ms Brooks said.
“These initiatives directly benefit local businesses by increasing visitation and enhancing the precinct so it becomes an even more lively and attractive destination for dining, shopping, and leisure.”
Earlier this year, Council took applications for a pool of $90,000 in SBR funding for projects in Wallsend and Hamilton.
The latest successful projects for Wallsend are Curious Legends’ Halloween event at Wallsend and Purple Card Project’s Wallsend Op Shop Trail. For Hamilton, the latest successful project is the Newcastle Fringe Festival 2025.
Expressions of interest for Darby Street and City Centre SBR funding open September 2 and close at 4pm October 7, 2024.
City of Newcastle will host online public information sessions on the process at 11am, September 10 and 5pm, September 12, 2024.
For more information including registration for the sessions visit: Special Business Rates Program – City of Newcastle (nsw.gov.au).
