Communities and Justice

Activities and Events at Tomaree Lodge

DCJ is now accepting proposals for activities and events at Tomaree Lodge that align with immediate community use priorities.

While the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) completes critical infrastructure, planning and site improvement works at Tomaree Lodge to prepare it for a new future, proposals are now invited for activities and events that support the following priorities:

  • Maintaining and increasing access to Tomaree Lodge for low-impact public recreation and enjoyment.
  • Exploring early opportunities for small-scale community activities, micro-tourism, creative and cultural events.
  • Establishing Tomaree Lodge as a place for research and education, through partnerships with schools and universities.
Please note:

DCJ is committed to renewing Tomaree Lodge for public enjoyment. While essential upgrade works are undertaken across the site, only temporary or visiting activities and events to be held in public spaces on Tomaree Lodge (including the Information Centre or Hall) will be considered. Availability of spaces across the site may be subject to change as works progress.

Proposals for permanent or long-term use of the site or occupation of any buildings are not being accepted at this time

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Guiding Principles

Equity

Tomaree Lodge is a community asset, first and foremost, and we will work to ensure that public access to and enjoyment of the site is open to everyone equally.

Safety

We will prioritise the safety of everyone who comes to Tomaree Lodge, so that it can be enjoyed by the community to its fullest extent.

Sustainability

Tomaree Lodge is unique. Its environmental, historical, cultural and recreational value is irreplaceable. We will be stewards of sustainability, so that future generations can enjoy what it has to offer.

Alignment

Tomaree Lodge is deeply meaningful to many people in many ways. We will ensure that the ways in which it is used respect its status and importance within the community.

Unlocking opportunities for the future

SHAC’s Masterplan for the renewal of Tomaree Lodge identifies six key areas of potential for Tomaree Lodge, establishing it as:

A Place of Culture & Community: exploring opportunities for cultural and community activities, including art, performance and creative expression.

A Place of Tourism: highlighting Tomaree Lodge’s unique position within the cultural landscape, exploring the site’s historical and ecological character, and focusing on safety, inclusion and accessibility.

A Place of Opportunity: considering the potential for Tomaree Lodge to contribute to employment, micro-industry, creative and social enterprise.

A Place of Research: exploring the opportunities for Tomaree Lodge to become a base for multidisciplinary research, including contributing to marine, environmental, historical, cultural and social justice studies.

A Place of Education: opening Tomaree Lodge to the opportunities to contribute to education and engagement with universities, primary and secondary schools, and other educational programs.

A Place of Retreat & Recreation: prioritising open green space, passive recreation, retreat programs and engagement with Tomaree National Park.

Invitation for proposals

Proposals for events and activities at Tomaree Lodge that align with one or more of the six key areas outlined above are now invited from:

  • Individuals, Community Groups and Incorporated Associations
  • Not-For-Profit Organisations, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
  • Commercial Operators (particularly Small-Medium Enterprises, Aboriginal Businesses, and businesses based in the Port Stephens LGA)
Submitting your proposal

Proposals must be submitted online via the Form for individuals and the Form for organisations 

 

Required documentation

All proposals must be submitted with the following supporting documents:

Assessment process

DCJ will assess proposals as they are submitted and may contact applicants to discuss proposals in more depth before making a decision.

Activities may not commence until written approval has been provided by DCJ.

Submitting a proposal does not guarantee approval, and DCJ reserves the right to decline any proposal at its absolute discretion.

Resources

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