The New Institute has been established in Newcastle since 2004, with a general aim to stimulate community engagement in discussion of public issues that are significant both locally and nationally, without taking a fixed position on any issue. Since that time, the support and interest in the Institute’s activities has continued to grow. Recognising the interest expressed by the community, and at a time of great change for Newcastle, the management committee has decided that it is now appropriate to develop our activities further.
It is now time to develop a clearer identity and role – and as part of this to formally rebadge as the ‘Newcastle Institute’. While the core commitment to independence and to primarily fostering discussion and exchange of ideas will be retained, without taking ‘a position’ on any issue, we do plan to take ‘a position’ on the role of the Institute itself, and to more clearly define what the Newcastle Institute is aiming to achieve.
Thus, the Newcastle Institute will be launched on Tuesday, July 10th, as follows:-
- The Newcastle Institute sees the future of Newcastle to be a centre of ideas, innovation, and creative energy;
- The Role of the Newcastle Institute is to achieve this vision by fostering a culture that values new ideas and enjoys challenging existing ideas; and has the skills to do this constructively and with civility.
- The Institute’s activities will
- The Newcastle Institute aims to be a key player in building the reality and recognition of Newcastle as being a nationally influential centre of new ideas.
- encourage the public exchange and development of ideas in meetings, in existing media, and in new forms of communication.
- provide opportunities for intellectual and creative debate about the key policy issues which will influence the development of Newcastle
The Official launch of the new Newcastle Institute will occur at 7pm. Our Patrons will be announced and will include:
- Professor Trevor Waring AM
- Dr Bernie Curran
- Mr Ross Gittins
- Ms Gaye Hart
- Mr Marcus Westbury
After this launch, prominent local Journalist Ian Kirkwood will chair a panel discussion looking at the strategic issues that the Newcastle Institute should focus on during the next two years.
This is an exciting time of change, development and opportunity in Newcastle. The launch of the Newcastle Institute reflects this change.
OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
VENUE: BANQUET Room, Newcastle City Hall (NOTE CHANGE OF ROOM IN CITY HALL – GROUND FLOOR)
DATE: Tuesday 10th July 2012
TIME: 7.00 till 8.30pm ADMISSION: $5 Donation
FURTHER DETAILS: www.newinstitute.org.au or Angie at 0422401129
NOTE:- FREE REGISTRATION FOR MAILING LIST IS ON THE WEBSITE