The leaders of Newcastle are a united voice providing collaborative governance for our city.
A City Taskforce, led by the City of Newcastle, was established to oversee the recovery phases of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The City Taskforce was made up of 17 key city leaders from across manufacturing, small business, financial services, tourism, transport and logistics, arts and culture, workers, education and the community sector. The first meeting was in mid-April and the Taskforce concluded at the end of 2020.
The City Taskforce provided local leadership to local issues, and acted as the local coordinating advisory committee for community and economic resilience. The City Taskforce established five clear work streams including advocacy, direct industry support, local evidence base, youth employment, and most importantly, providing a collaboration forum for new ideas.
City Taskforce members provided in-kind contribution of staff / human resources to support the work streams. This support was facilitated through an Action Team (25 members) and smaller working groups. The Action Team included representatives from all City Taskforce members, as well as from diverse population groups across the city including young people, Indigenous community, multicultural community and disability community.
A full evaluation of the City Taskforce (PDF) has been completed by the Hunter Research Foundation Centre at the University of Newcastle.
Greater Newcastle Youth Employment Charter
Youth (18-25 year old) unemployment is one of the most significant issues arising from COVID-19. Research indicates that the disadvantages felt by young people now will be carried through a lifetime. The impact of youth unemployment has been particularly severe in the Greater Newcastle region; collectively, we need to act.
The City Taskforce has developed a Youth Employment Charter as an affirmation of their commitment to maintain and expand opportunities for young people in the region. The Charter includes pledges across five categories:
- Youth Employment
- Youth Training
- Youth Voice
- Youth Support
- Youth Celebration
Full Greater Newcastle Youth Employment Charter (PDF)
The following organisations have committed to the Youth Employment Charter. If you would like to add your organisation, please email Mr Simon Massey, Economic Strategy and Government Relations Manager at the City of Newcastle.
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City of Newcastle |
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NIB |
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Port of Newcastle |
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Hunternet |
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Alloggio |
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Samaritans |
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Castle Personnel |
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The Business Centre |
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Hunter Workers |
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Top Blokes |
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ASR Recruitment |
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Committee for Hunter |
Advocacy Work Stream
The City Taskforce has been sharing our local stories and experiences with key State and Federal Government decision-makers. Called 'The Newcastle Response', these memos outline the local community and business impacts, the effectiveness of current government measures, details on how we are mobilising our own resources and identify opportunities to partner with State and Federal Government bodies to accelerate and increase impact.