Hunter Workers will come together on Sunday 17 September in a powerful display of support for the Australian Government’s Voice to Parliament.

At the inaugural Walk For Yes, the union members are expected to partake in a mass singalong rendition of the Aussie music legend’s You’re the Voice.

Supporters will gather at Newcastle Museum at 10.30am before proudly walking alongside their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers to Foreshore Park.

“You’re the Voice is a song all about harnessing our collective power and walking together towards a better future for all, making it the ultimate anthem for our cause of enshrining a Voice to Parliament in the constitution,” Hunter Workers secretary Leigh Shears said.

“We’re excited to walk alongside Hunter employees and sing as one in support of the Voice.

“As unionists, we believe everyone deserves to be consulted about decisions and changes that affect us.

“The Voice to Parliament is what Australia needs to work together towards a better future.”

And, if you don’t know the verses, don’t worry, said Shears.

“We’ll distribute 1,000 lyric sheets before the crowd breaks into chorus singing You’re the Voice in a remarkable demonstration of solidarity,” he added.

“Plus, supporters will hear from inspiring speakers including Tracey Hamshaw, from the Justice Aunties; Luke Russell, chair of the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee; and Tara Dever, Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO.

“The classic Farnham track has become the poignant anthem for the Yes campaign following the musician’s first-ever approval for the song to be used in a commercial.”

The Walk For Yes takes place four weeks before Australians will decide on 14 October whether to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution and enshrine a consultative body.

For more community stories:

• Hunter creatives featured at Sculptures in the Garden
• Nowland’s Lochinvar Coach House and Setting now Heritage-listed
• Glitzy Knockers and Moles event raises $20,000

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Hunter Workers to sing Voice anthem at Walk for Yes appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.

The revered former president was this week acknowledged for her incredible involvement in Australian football at her club, as well as the Hunter Central Coast region.

Sadly, McBride and her daughter Kyah were among several Roosters – including Andrew and Lynan Scott, Rebecca Mullen, Zach Bray, Kane Symons and Tori Cowburn – who died in a bus crash at Greta in June.

Singleton was also awarded the Spirit of AFL plaudit.

Two player medals will be named after McBride and Andrew Scott, too.

AFL general manager of women’s football Nicole Livingstone paid tribute to the highly-respected sportswoman known affectionately as Nads.

“A special call out to the family and friends of Nadene McBride, as well as all those from the Singleton Roosters and the Hunter Central Coast region who knew her,” she said.

“Nads’ contribution to the game and community was clearly profound and we know the community would still be doing it tough.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Nadene.”

Established in 2021, the nationwide AFLW Community Ambassador program recognises members from the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women and girls’ football.

Each representative receives a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice.

For McBride, the endowment and opportunity will be presented to the Roosters on her behalf.

Livingstone said the growth in popularity of women and girls’ football had been driven by the assistance of so many.

“On behalf of the AFL, I want to thank the individuals who’ve been recognised as well as all the wonderful people who are the lifeblood of community footy across the country,” she added.

NSW/ACT AFLW Community Ambassador 2023 citation

Nadene McBride (in memory) – Singleton Roosters FC

Nadene was a driving force of women’s football, having played a pivotal role in starting a women’s team. She developed, coached and created a wholesome family environment that has nurtured so many at the Singleton Roosters Australian Football Club (AFC).

She was a mentor to so many young girls and members of the club, supporting, encouraging and developing talented sportswomen in their journey. She was the lifeblood of the club, the heart, and a part of everyone’s family.

Nadene also played a pivotal role as the women’s coordinator on the NSW Masters committee and was a key organiser and liaison between this social competition and the broader Masters’ program.

“Nads” managed the NSW team last year in Adelaide and played for NSW at every National Carnival since Geelong in 2017. Beyond that though, she made a massive contribution to footy in general, especially in the Hunter region, having been a club president and mentor, representative coach and coach in the Sydney Swans Academy.

For more community stories:

• Glitzy Knockers and Moles event raises $20,000
• Soul Hub Big Ask Gala fundraiser brings $100k boost
• Hunter creatives featured at Sculptures in the Garden

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Singleton Roosters’ leader Nadene McBride posthumously recognised for AFLW contribution appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.

The pair is among the final artist line-up for Mudgee’s iconic Sculptures in the Garden (SIG) at the picturesque Rosby Vineyard gardens from 7 to 22 October.

The much-loved showcase of creativity, innovation and talent attracted its highest number of entries in the event’s history.

And, the roster for SIG 2023 features an exciting group of 130 artists, including acclaimed names such as Sydney’s Paul Bacon, Central Coast’s John Fitzmaurice, Victorian Matt Hill, Jenolan’s Ingrid Morley, Newcastle’s Tilley and Nelson Bay’s Michael Rumble, as well as a host of newcomers.

For the Novocastrian, he’s been practicing sculpture and exhibiting his work for 35 years.

He’s produced figurative 3D works including small bronzes, larger cast resin, carved timber or cast iron and Corten steel pieces.

He also creates framed wall-mounted arrays of unusual found objects.

Having enjoyed his SIG debut in 2022, Tilley is exhibiting for a second time, this year showing two works – Auspicious Entity and Figure & Shadow – exploring shadow and reflection.

“I like the venue for SIG and where and how the works are displayed in beautiful surroundings,” he said.

“The visitor numbers and sales are also impressive.”

This year’s line-up reinforces SIG’s commitment to supporting artists at various stages of their careers and to nurturing the vibrant art scene in Australia.

“We are immensely proud of who we’ve attracted,” Sculptures in the Garden founder and curator Kay Norton-Knight said.

“The diversity of the artists and their works speaks to the wide range of creative talent we have in Australia.

“It’s going to be a truly memorable event.”

Sculptures in the Garden is a not-for-profit exhibition, with proceeds going to local charity partners and the acquisition of sculptures for the Mudgee community’s public arts initiative.

Since 1983, Gerry and Kay Norton-Knight have worked tirelessly to develop the sculpture garden, gallery and surrounds of Rosby Wines, where the event is staged, creating a magical setting for this now-iconic event.

For more community stories:

• Uni’s Gifting Day wraps up $230,000 bounty
• Emily van Egmond: Inspiring a new generation
• The Place Charlestown finds new ways to Be Connected

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Hunter creatives featured at Sculptures in the Garden appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.

The iconic property, 12 kilometres west of Maitland, was recently listed on the NSW State Heritage Register in recognition of its pivotal role as the first coach station inland along the Great North Road.

Owners Dr Allan and Dr Lisa Thomas were elated by the decision, following a recommendation from the Heritage Council of NSW.

“We have cherished this estate for 35 years,” they said.

“So, we nominated it for State Heritage Register listing to help share its history and preserve this landmark for generations to come.

“The Georgian Colonial-style coach house was a vital rest stop for weary travellers and horses on the Great North Road, a major colonial trade and communication route connecting Newcastle, Maitland and the developing inland settlements.”

Lochinvar Coach House and Setting was built by visionary entrepreneur Henry Nowland.

He developed an extensive coaching network predating the well-known Cobb and Co by more than two decades.

Mr Nowland was one of the earliest Royal Mail contractors and established routes spanning from Maitland to Morpeth, encompassing the Hunter Valley settlements, inland regions like Armidale, and extending all the way to Brisbane.

The house itself is a testament to the period’s architectural heritage.

Constructed with locally-sourced materials and convict labour, it showcases the Georgian Colonial-style, referring to buildings constructed in Australia from 1788 to 1840.

“At the beginning of the 1800s, transport and communication between early colonial settlements was fraught with danger,” Heritage Council of NSW chair Frank Howarth said.

“Passage through the country was notoriously uncomfortable and bushrangers would wait for the coaches on isolated roads to rob the mail runs.

“So, Nowland’s Lochinvar Coach House and Setting, along with its spelling paddocks, provided a welcome respite for equines and passengers.

“The (Georgian Colonial) style was popularised during the reigns of the four British monarchs George I-IV and featured buildings, which were symmetrical in design.

“Rural houses were generally humble in their presentation with a hipped roof and wrap around veranda.

“The coach house has served many purposes over the years, from a wayside inn and Royal Mail station to a licensed inn and eventually a residence, all the while maintaining its structural integrity and historical significance.”

NSW Department of Planning and Environment executive director heritage Sam Kidman admitted Nowland’s Lochinvar Coach House and Setting was an extraordinary example of a colonial property.

“It’s largely original and has been continuously occupied from the time it was constructed in the 1840s,” he said.

“It is a rare and exemplary representation of rural architecture from that period.

“This listing will provide protection to the Lochinvar Coach House to ensure its stories are upheld.”

For more property stories:

• Housing affordability worst it’s been in 30 years
• Right property, right price, buyer’s advocate the right start
• Five steps to buying your first home

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Nowland’s Lochinvar Coach House and Setting now Heritage-listed appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.

The latest collaborative effort, the Cabaret, recently drew an array of support from individuals, businesses and groups at the Warners Bay Theatre for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF) and Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF).

And, as a result, the community-funded charities will benefit to the tune of $20,000.

“We believe, that together, we can achieve more,” HBCF general manager Abbey McDonnell said.

“Each year this event goes from strength-to-strength, not only raising funds for both our organisations but also awareness of two of the Hunter’s most prominent cancers.

“The success of Knockers and Moles would not have been possible without the support of the local community, volunteers, sponsors and prize donors.

“They’ve demonstrated the incredible potential charities can have when they come together to create positive change.”

Both the Newcastle and Hunter-based and founded HBCF, which raises much-needed funds to provide information and support for women and men diagnosed with – or being treated for – breast cancer, and the HMF, whose goal is to prevent melanoma through education, awareness, research and treatment, have made significant strides in their objectives.

With performances from the incredibly-talented Timberlina and friends, guests enjoyed a night of belly laughs, connection and an all-round great time.

The $20,000 will also bolster their efforts to provide vital services and assistance to individuals and families affected by these diseases in the community.

“Melanoma and breast cancer impact the lives of countless people in the Hunter,” HMF executive officer Claudia Tolhurst said.

“By joining forces, we are combining our expertise and resources to make a more profound difference in the fight against these diseases.

“We cannot wait to bring Knockers and Moles back in 2024.

“It’s going to be bigger, better and more glitzy of course.”

HBCF and HMF will continue their shared mission: to reduce the effect of melanoma and breast cancer in the local community and, through this alliance, expand their reach and deepen their influence in the region together.

For more community stories:

• Lake Mac’s annual History Illuminated sets sail
• Annual Out of the Shadows Walk honours loved ones lost
• Ride for Sick Kids relying on cyclists’ pedal power

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Glitzy Knockers and Moles event raises $20,000 appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.

The four-hour event at NEX doubled as a fundraiser and thank you for the group’s supporters. 

The money raised on the evening takes the campaign total to $1,322,282. 

The non-government charity that provides much-needed assistance to those facing hardship in the Newcastle community is hoping to raise $1.8 million for a new home base. 

After 20 years of working from its CBD address, Soul Hub, previously Soul Café, has secured a rent-free tenure of 437 Hunter Street. 

The move is thanks to a partnership with the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation. 

It will allow the provision of a fit-for-purpose designed space, aptly named “The Hug”. 

The Hug will include seating for up to 150 people, a full commercial kitchen, engagement rooms for doctors and health specialists, a laundry service, as well as health and wellbeing spaces. 

On 30 June, Soul Hub CEO Rick Prosser announced the ambitious plan to raise the money to bring the dream to fruition. 

“We never had a dream to build a big organisation or a brand,” he said. 

“We had no vision to do that sort of thing.  

“But, we had a deep conviction to do what we can with whatever we have for those who come in through our door, they are some of the most vulnerable people in our community.” 

Soul Hub is now in its 20th year. 

It began with a few men, Bill Elkington, Max Barrett and Ken Gibson who initiated a breakfast in Denison Street to those they say obviously needed something to eat.  

Two decades on… and the dozen Soul Hub volunteers provide an array of assistance. 

“We provide everything from a hot meal to drug and alcohol programs, accommodation assistance and laundry service,” Rick says. 

“Our guests receive comfort, food, friendship, and a helping hand in numerous forms – think haircuts, podiatry, dental and legal-aid.” 

The eight-month Big Ask campaign is progressing. 

Having acquired a Construction Certificate, builders have begun the interior redevelopment. 

“Walls are going up and services are being installed,” enthuses Rick. 

At the Big Ask Gala the group announced ongoing support from the Wests Group of $300,000 thanks to the 2023 Club Grants round.  

The evening also offered a chance for Rick and his team to publicly thank Dr Milton and Maureen Sales for their pioneering work in establishing the Soul Clinic in 2010.  

The Soul Clinic has provided specialised help by health professionals to its guests with the support of the Brunker Road Medical Practice managing a roster of doctors volunteering their time.  

This initiative became the catalyst for many more health professionals volunteering expertise in their chosen field and other services providing practical help.  

“This work caused Soul to become more than a meal,” Rick added. 

“Today it’s a convergence of help and we are thankful for the committed sacrificial work of Dr Milton and Maureen Sales.” 

“Newcastle we are on the move and we’re asking for help to get there. At a time of increasing need in our community we invite and welcome our community to journey with us to establish the new Soul Hub location.”  

The statistics: 

• Soul Hub has been serving the people of Newcastle since 2003. 
• It has dished up 48,667 meals since its opened. 
• It relies on its more than 200 volunteers to exist. 
• Nearly one in every 200 Australians are currently homeless. 
• An estimated one in five Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental health disorder each year. 
• Nearly 50% of those experiencing homelessness have suffered a substance abuse problem, with roughly two-thirds of those occuring as a result of their homelessness. 

For more stories like this:

• History Illuminated 2023 sets sail
• New $6.7 million Tomaree Coastal Walk
• Ride for Sick Kids

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Soul Hub Big Ask Gala fundraiser brings $100k boost appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.

But, the 25 riders can rest assured their efforts have helped raise much-needed funds for seriously-ill children. 

The cyclists will cross the finish line on 9 September of what has been a 500km journey from Grafton to Newcastle. 

The group’s ridden for five consecutive days with the aim of raising $200,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern New South Wales (RMHC Northern NSW). 

This is the last leg of the 19^th annual Ride for Sick Kids (RFSK) event. 

Riders are expected to arrive at the car park at Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, in the John Hunter Hospital precinct, to the cheers of well-wishes. 

Their efforts will cover the costs of 1,481 nights of accommodation at a Ronald McDonald House.  

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is an independent charity that helps 60,000 seriously-ill children and their families each year.   

Those like Newcastle youngster Emma, who has been receiving treatment at the hospital since her Leukaemia diagnosis in July last year. 

Emma and her family have been able to take a break from the hospital ward to meet friends and family, grab a cuppa or do some laundry at Ronald McDonald House. 

She, along with her siblings Belle and William, has also been supported by the Ronald McDonald Learning Program, which has provided them with a tutor so they can keep up with their schoolwork. 

“The support we have received from Ronald McDonald House Charities since Emma’s Leukemia diagnosis has been incredible,” says Emma’s mum Alex. 

“As a family we are extremely grateful to have been able to have holistic support for our whole family during this incredibly difficult time.” 

RMHC Northern NSW CEO Ross Bingham said at the start of the 2023 Ride for Sick Kids that the event doubled as a significant reminder. 

“The challenges the cyclists will face as we ride 500km from Grafton to Newcastle over the next five days is nothing in comparison to the challenges a family faces when their child is diagnosed with a serious illness.”  

Cyclists have travelled from Grafton to Coffs Harbour (104.9km), Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie (167kms), Port Macquarie to Forster (92.5kms), Forster to Salamander Bay (112kms), and Salamander Bay to Newcastle (54.5kms). 

For more stories like this:

• Zahra Foundation joins Jenny’s Place for Changemaker event
• Have your say on the M1 Motorway extension
• Suburb profile: New Lambton

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Cyclists push on to finish line for Ronald McDonald House Charities appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.

The highly-acclaimed journalist, author and speaker with a focus on social issues and gendered violence, will lead a panel of experts through a range of topics including coercive control, consent, financial abuse, and family and domestic violence. 

Changemaker Newcastle will take place at City Hall on Thursday 14 September.

The inaugural two-hour community event is the brainchild of Zahra Foundation in conjunction with Jenny’s Place.

The gathering’s designed to equip the community, corporate private and public sector people to be “changemakers” within their communities. 

Hill will be joined on stage by Jenny’s Place operations manager Stacey Gately and Zahra Foundation NSW program coordinator Natalie Cowper. 

The trio is set to shed light on the positive impact of providing pathways to education, training, and employment for women; economically empowering them, and ultimately breaking the cycle of violence. 

Topics include policy innovation, robust conversations, and the confidence to speak openly regarding family and domestic violence. 

The event also serves as an opportunity for community members to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals, providing a chance to form partnerships that can lead to community development initiatives. 

Tickets to the Changemaker event are $40 each and include canapes and drinks. 

The event will run from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. 

“Zahra Foundation Australia’s Changemaker event is an opportunity for everyone in Newcastle – individuals, businesses, community organizations and sporting clubs – to learn how they can be a part of ending gendered violence and ensuring every woman is safe, financially secure and able to pursue their goals for themselves and their children,” Zahra Foundation CEO Kelly-Ann Tansley said.

Bookings can be via the Zahra Foundation Australia website.

For more stories like this:

• Your guide to markets in our region
• Recipe: sour cream coffee cake
• Hunter businesswomen leading national awards charge

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Changemaker: Jennys Place/Zahra Foundation event appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.

Staff, students, alumni and the community recently enjoyed food, music and activities across the Callaghan, NUspace and Central Coast campuses, while digging deep into their pockets to raise vital funds for several programs.

As a result of their big-heartedness, seven initiatives are set to benefit from more than $230,000.

A further $18,000 was garnered for the Paediatric Stream of the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research and $23,000 for Outreach for Women in the Hunter Experiencing Homelessness, too.

UoN Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO thanked everyone for their generosity.

“As a university, we have a role to play in creating a better future for those in our regions and around the world,” he said.

“Together, more than 566 people made an impact through donating or becoming a Gifting Day Ambassador, which is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the collective power of our community.

“The money raised will allow us to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care students to undertake a transformative leadership program and create an additional nine scholarships through the Shaping the Futures Scholarships to support youngsters experiencing educational disadvantage.

“Many of our pupils come from humble beginnings.

“We are passionate about removing barriers so that all students can access a university education, no matter their circumstances.

“A scholarship can go a long way in taking some of the financial pressure off them, to help more disadvantaged people receive an education.”

The project lead for Outreach for Women in the Hunter Experiencing Homelessness, Associate Professor Tamara Blakemore, also expressed her gratitude.

She explained how the Gifting Day funds would be utilised.

“The generosity of people contributing to this project is especially meaningful as the cost-of-living crisis impacts on us all, and especially those most vulnerable in our community,” she stated.

“The support received will strengthen efforts to advocate for trauma informed assertive outreach for women experiencing homelessness, so that they’re supported where and when they need it, in ways that work.”

Anyone wishing to donate can still do so by visiting https://giftingday.newcastle.edu.au/

For more community stories:

• Emily van Egmond: Inspiring a new generation
• Lake Mac’s annual History Illuminated sets sail
• Waratah Public School P&C vice-president Rachel Garner honoured

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Uni’s Gifting Day wraps up $230,000 bounty appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.

That’s the advice Hunter product and Matildas star Emily van Egmond offers to any aspiring youngster who’s involved in, or thinking of taking up, the round ball game.

The gifted midfielder recently spent a couple of days at “home” with fiancée Kat Thompson catching up with family after wowing national, and international, fans at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

And, even though Australia did not claim the overall honours, the players themselves captured the hearts of everyone in the country as they reached the semi-finals for the first time in history to finish fourth.

In fact, the Matildas broke all television records, with more than 11 million people tuning in to watch their showdown with England for the chance to qualify for the decider.

“I think proud is the first word that comes to mind, now that I’ve had time to reflect on it,” van Egmond said.

“But, to have had all the support we did throughout the journey was unbelievable for us.

“The girls thrived off it in every single game.

“So, we were very humbled by it all.

“Hopefully, that’s just the start of things to come.”

While you could visibly see the disappointment on the faces of superstar skipper Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord after the team was beaten by Sweden, van Egmond is sure they’ll bounce back bigger and better.

And, fourth – out of almost 200 global sides, which contested the lead-up matches – isn’t so bad.

“One hundred per cent,” she said.

“I mean, obviously, your objective going into the tournament is to win and, without a doubt, I had the absolute confidence and belief that we could have gone all the way.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

“I think that’s all part and parcel, there’s highs and lows within football.

“Of course, we were upset… and to not really have any silverware to show for it was probably the hardest thing.

“However, at the end of the day, I think we can all hold our heads very high and just be immensely proud of the effort that we gave.”

Van Egmond confessed she could sense the Matildas were deemed for “something special”, especially with the World Cup being staged in Australia and New Zealand.

“We’ve learnt a lot over the years,” she said.

“We’re all that little bit more experienced, there’s been a core group now within the team for a while.

“To have grown up playing with one another from an early age – Sam, Caitlin and I met when we were super young – honestly helped us as well.

“For the three of us, we’ve been together ever since.

“It’s amazing to think we’ve represented our country in four World Cups.

“Being familiar with one another and all of that, and being extremely close, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I get to play football on the biggest stage with some of my best mates.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling.

“And, we have a great crop of youngsters coming through as well.”

It is a far cry from when van Egmond – at the age of five – took her twin brother Max’s place in a local team that their father, Newcastle Jets A-League Women’s coach and ex- Socceroo Gary, had signed him up for.

Afterwards, there was no stopping the former Dudley-Redhead junior.

She debuted for the Matildas at just 16 in 2010 and attended the FIFA Women’s World Cup the following season in Germany.

The now 30-year-old’s competed professionally since 2009, gaining a wealth of experience over the course of her career, having played in Australia, Denmark, Germany, England and, lately, in America, where she takes the field for San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League.

In 2021, she donned the “green and gold” in her 100th match, against Denmark.

“I always had the hopes and dreams of a little girl playing football for my country,” van Egmond told the Newcastle Weekly.

“So, to do it, again, for my fourth World Cup is something I’m extremely proud of.

“Some people mightn’t think so, but fourth in the world is huge.

“It’s a massive honour for all of us.

“And, I believe it’s shown everyone now what we’re capable of.

“Australia can become a football powerhouse.

“But, I loved every single second of kicking a ball around, growing up in the area.

“I played at Dudley-Redhead with some of the best boys… and we had the best time.

“Then, I was in all kinds of different rep teams and clubs, just looking to obviously find the right pathway for myself to get to this point.

“I’ve also been extremely fortunate enough to have my father, who’s pretty well-known within the game.

“I virtually had my own individual coach, so to speak.

“He’s been my biggest supporter and the reason as to why I’ve been able to make it to this level.”

Van Egmond admitted she loved returning to Newcastle, too.

“This is home… dad’s coaching the Jets’ A-League Women and mum (Annette) is the principal at Glendore Public School in Maryland,” she said.

“In fact, they were the real MVPs of the whole tournament.

“It’s not easy being a supporter, flying around the country, late-minute bookings and hotels, taking time off work and everything.

“So, it’s been amazing for myself to have them in the crowds, watching me, and supporting me from day dot until now.

“My entire family is incredible.

“I’ve just been so proud to be able to play a home World Cup in front of them, the entire nation and coming fourth.

“Also, I love seeing all the grassroots and the little girls running around and kicking the ball here (Newcastle).

“Hopefully, the Matildas have now left an everlasting legacy and the game is in a much better place from when we started.

“With any luck, it’s inspired every single young footballer out there.”

During her quick stopover in town, van Egmond was presented with the Key to the City by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

She’s just one of a dozen people to receive such an honour.

“It’s huge, obviously, and I’m so humbled by that… it’s massive,” she said.

“The ‘live’ sites across the Hunter, and the whole nation, have been amazing.

“We’ve also seen so much high-level support, from the AFL teams at the MCG to the Boomers barracking for us, heaps of different things.

“Everyone’s gotten around us, which has been sensational.

“If you’d asked me before the tournament if I thought it would’ve had this reach, there’s no way I would’ve said ‘yes’.

“However, it has and it’s unbelievable… I just hope it continues to stay that way.”

The Matildas, and van Egmond, seem comfortable to be role models for the next generation.

She happily signed autographs for fans – young and old – and posed for “selfies” with adoring supporters while at Nobbys Beach.

They realise they’ve changed the Australian sporting landscape, not only for football but for women’s sports as well.

“It’s been amazing to see the amount of little girls and boys who are coming up to say hi and supporting us,” van Egmond said.

“I guess they’re aspiring future footballers themselves.

“That was one of the most pleasing things to come out of this [World Cup] campaign.

“Now, there’s a scope on it and you’ve witnessed the whole nation really captured by it.

“We’re just asking everyone to stay with us and continue on the journey, with the Matildas, because I feel like we’ve definitely got more to give.”

But, the girls also require Football Australia to play its role.

The hierarchy appeared to “drop the ball” after the Socceroos’ successful stint in 2022.

“We need to put more money into the game straight away,” van Egmond said.

“Seriously, we’ve got to make sure we’re investing now from grassroots all the way up and giving young girls and boys a legitimate pathway.

“I read the other day that the Australian Government made a $200m commitment to women’s sport.

“That’s fantastic.

“However, from a football point of view, we must continue to grow the game in all facets.

“It’s the world sport for a reason… and we’ve just shown, and we’ve just seen, how many Australians got behind us throughout the prestigious tournament.

“I understand the audience numbers were massive.

“So, let’s capitalise on it.”

As for van Egmond’s immediate plans?

She’ll line up for the San Diego Wave in the US National Women’s Soccer League, with an eye on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“That’s the priority first-up,” she said.

“I can’t look too far ahead at this stage… or what I’ll do after my career ends.

“Quite simply, I love the game.

“And, I’m sure dad can give me some advice,” she added with a laugh.

“But, I’m very happy at the moment being able to be a player and doing what I love.

“So, in the meantime, I’ll just continue to give it my all, wherever I need to.”

For more sports stories:

• Simon, Baumann, Shaw join Jets’ ALW ranks
• Knights primed for a big occasion, says Crossland
• REAL NRL: Foundations for Maitland ‘dynasty’ firmly laid

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Emily van Egmond: Inspiring a new generation appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.