“This is a such a great city and region to build on. There is a strong push and significant investment to make the region a hub for innovation in the areas of tech, manufacturing and start up. The creative industries are a big part of that picture, and I hope and look forward to the arts being integral to that picture and the future of the region.”
“There’s great and diverse range of options in a relatively small area. There’s a gorgeous coastline that the city sits on but there also is a thriving café and restaurant scene, and more small bars opening.”
“It’s a very creative place – as well as a number of galleries there is great boutique retail and art and design markets.”
After decades of travelling the globe, based primarily in the US and UK, Rosalea Murphy made the move to Newcastle in 2002 to establish Hunter Valley Design. “It is sophisticated and a village at the same time,” Rosalea says. “You smell the ocean and sometimes you hear the boats’ horns on the harbour and you are reminded that this is such a wonderful, easy city. You can walk everywhere – no other city in Australia is like that.”
Having grown up in Sydney and spent time living in Spain, Mike has plenty of experience in the world’s great cities, but this Newcastle East resident wouldn’t live anywhere else. Apart from the obvious natural beauty, Mike loves the vibe of the area. While he’s a firm convert to the Newcastle way of life, Mike is keen to see the city move forward as well: “I can’t wait to see the redevelopment of Hunter Street Mall… to see the new influx of people that come into the East. It will move forward and grow as one of the best cities, not only here in Australia but in the world.”