| Newcastle THE REGIONAL CAPITAL “We’ve been very good at attracting major events over the last couple of years, particularly sports-oriented events,” Greg reports. “The AFC Asian Cup Semi-Final – which included the Australian Socceroos – ended up in Newcastle, for example, and that created Asia-wide attention in the football community.” To develop all five of the major themes – and their associated opportunities, strategies and actions – the Council consulted heavily with a number of stakeholders including community groups, business groups and major employers such as Hunter New England Health, the University of Newcastle, the Port of Newcastle and others. “So they can recognise themselves within the strategy, and they can work with us as partners to make it happen,” Greg says Greg himself grew up in Newcastle, but also spent time in Sydney and Wollongong before returning to the city – and getting involved in community economic development – 15 years ago. He says he was drawn
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