Aussie star set to split from billionaire UK husband
Former singer and Neighbours actress Holly Valance and Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy have reportedly split and are heading for divorce after 13 years of marriage.
Australian-born Valance, 42, and billionaire property developer Candy, 52, are said to have broken up in recent weeks, according to The Sun.
The couple, who have two daughters, met in 2009 and became engaged two years later before marrying in California in 2012 at a ceremony attended by 300 guests.
"This has been a very difficult period for both Nick and Holly, and they are keeping things private out of respect for their family," a family friend told the newspaper.
"The joint parenting of their two amazing daughters remains their top priority.
"They've had to juggle a demanding lifestyle. Between family, public life, and Nick's intense work commitments, it's been a tough balance.
"This is a family matter and they're doing their best to handle things thoughtfully.
"Privacy is obviously very important to them both, so they can focus on what's best for the family."
A spokesman for Valance said there would be no comment at the matter.
"The privacy of all parties involved is respectfully requested."
The couple are high-profile figures within Reform UK, and met Donald Trump with party leader Nigel Farage at the US president's Mar-a-Lago resort in 2022.
After her stint in the Australian soap Neighbours where she played Felicity 'Flick' Scully from 1999, Valance had a music career, including the UK number one hit single Kiss Kiss released in 2002.
She also reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011.
Former singer and Neighbours actress Holly Valance and Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy have reportedly split and are heading for divorce after 13 years of marriage.
Australian-born Valance, 42, and billionaire property developer Candy, 52, are said to have broken up in recent weeks, according to The Sun.
The couple, who have two daughters, met in 2009 and became engaged two years later before marrying in California in 2012 at a ceremony attended by 300 guests.
"This has been a very difficult period for both Nick and Holly, and they are keeping things private out of respect for their family," a family friend told the newspaper.
"The joint parenting of their two amazing daughters remains their top priority.
"They've had to juggle a demanding lifestyle. Between family, public life, and Nick's intense work commitments, it's been a tough balance.
"This is a family matter and they're doing their best to handle things thoughtfully.
"Privacy is obviously very important to them both, so they can focus on what's best for the family."
A spokesman for Valance said there would be no comment at the matter.
"The privacy of all parties involved is respectfully requested."
The couple are high-profile figures within Reform UK, and met Donald Trump with party leader Nigel Farage at the US president's Mar-a-Lago resort in 2022.
After her stint in the Australian soap Neighbours where she played Felicity 'Flick' Scully from 1999, Valance had a music career, including the UK number one hit single Kiss Kiss released in 2002.
She also reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011.
Former singer and Neighbours actress Holly Valance and Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy have reportedly split and are heading for divorce after 13 years of marriage.
Australian-born Valance, 42, and billionaire property developer Candy, 52, are said to have broken up in recent weeks, according to The Sun.
The couple, who have two daughters, met in 2009 and became engaged two years later before marrying in California in 2012 at a ceremony attended by 300 guests.
"This has been a very difficult period for both Nick and Holly, and they are keeping things private out of respect for their family," a family friend told the newspaper.
"The joint parenting of their two amazing daughters remains their top priority.
"They've had to juggle a demanding lifestyle. Between family, public life, and Nick's intense work commitments, it's been a tough balance.
"This is a family matter and they're doing their best to handle things thoughtfully.
"Privacy is obviously very important to them both, so they can focus on what's best for the family."
A spokesman for Valance said there would be no comment at the matter.
"The privacy of all parties involved is respectfully requested."
The couple are high-profile figures within Reform UK, and met Donald Trump with party leader Nigel Farage at the US president's Mar-a-Lago resort in 2022.
After her stint in the Australian soap Neighbours where she played Felicity 'Flick' Scully from 1999, Valance had a music career, including the UK number one hit single Kiss Kiss released in 2002.
She also reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011.
Former singer and Neighbours actress Holly Valance and Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy have reportedly split and are heading for divorce after 13 years of marriage.
Australian-born Valance, 42, and billionaire property developer Candy, 52, are said to have broken up in recent weeks, according to The Sun.
The couple, who have two daughters, met in 2009 and became engaged two years later before marrying in California in 2012 at a ceremony attended by 300 guests.
"This has been a very difficult period for both Nick and Holly, and they are keeping things private out of respect for their family," a family friend told the newspaper.
"The joint parenting of their two amazing daughters remains their top priority.
"They've had to juggle a demanding lifestyle. Between family, public life, and Nick's intense work commitments, it's been a tough balance.
"This is a family matter and they're doing their best to handle things thoughtfully.
"Privacy is obviously very important to them both, so they can focus on what's best for the family."
A spokesman for Valance said there would be no comment at the matter.
"The privacy of all parties involved is respectfully requested."
The couple are high-profile figures within Reform UK, and met Donald Trump with party leader Nigel Farage at the US president's Mar-a-Lago resort in 2022.
After her stint in the Australian soap Neighbours where she played Felicity 'Flick' Scully from 1999, Valance had a music career, including the UK number one hit single Kiss Kiss released in 2002.
She also reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011.
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"But I think Aussie fans dance on that line quite well. "When the Lions tour, new and old rugby fans come out of the works and see how good international rugby is. "There'll be a fair bit of chat if you go to Caxton Street, a bit of to-and-fro." Lions captain Itoje, who watched from the stands in Perth, is on the same page. "It's the Australian way, isn't it?" he smiled. "They love their sport. Rugby's a little different on a Lions tour. You can feel the atmosphere. It's heightened in comparison to when we were here with England. "As the tour goes on, the atmosphere will build and build and build. "It's just a sports-loving country; aggressive competitors, a little bit chirpy." Jokes about the British and Irish Lions' eligibility haven't stuck according to laid back captain Maro Itoje, who has laughed off the expectation of more to come as the "Australian way". Ten players in Andy Farrell's squad, including Australian-born trio Finlay Bealham, Sione Tuipulotu and Mack Hansen, were born outside England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They have qualified either through family or long-term residency, with Hansen and Tuipulotu Australian under-20 teammates and Super Rugby graduates before their moves. Banter was thrown in Saturday's clash with the Western Force in Perth, with the Optus Stadium ground announcer quick to reference the tourist's foreign roots. Centre Bundee Aki and No.9 Jamison Gibson-Park were born in New Zealand but now star for Ireland and will feature in a strong Lions team against the Reds. "As long as they play a bit of Taylor Swift I'll be happy," Reds coach Les Kiss quipped when asked if he expects more jibes over the Suncorp Stadium speakers. "I don't think we'll be getting into that space." Kiss, a former Queensland and Australian rugby league winger, earnt his rugby coaching stripes in a two-decade stint that included success with the Ireland Test team as well as Irish and English clubs. "I've coached a number of those boys. Finlay Bealham was there early," Kiss said of the prop, who moved to Ireland as an 18-year-old. "It's not a light-hearted, easy thing to do. "It's an opportunity. To Mack Hansen, Bundee, I say, 'good on them'. "You get opportunities in different ways. A lot (of banter) is tongue and cheek and have a bit of fun, and that will continue. "The way Aussies like to use our humour - I think the English, Welsh, Scots and Irish, they get it." Reds and Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler agreed. "It could feel like an away game, we might need it," he laughed. "But I think Aussie fans dance on that line quite well. "When the Lions tour, new and old rugby fans come out of the works and see how good international rugby is. "There'll be a fair bit of chat if you go to Caxton Street, a bit of to-and-fro." Lions captain Itoje, who watched from the stands in Perth, is on the same page. "It's the Australian way, isn't it?" he smiled. "They love their sport. Rugby's a little different on a Lions tour. You can feel the atmosphere. It's heightened in comparison to when we were here with England. "As the tour goes on, the atmosphere will build and build and build. "It's just a sports-loving country; aggressive competitors, a little bit chirpy." Jokes about the British and Irish Lions' eligibility haven't stuck according to laid back captain Maro Itoje, who has laughed off the expectation of more to come as the "Australian way". Ten players in Andy Farrell's squad, including Australian-born trio Finlay Bealham, Sione Tuipulotu and Mack Hansen, were born outside England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They have qualified either through family or long-term residency, with Hansen and Tuipulotu Australian under-20 teammates and Super Rugby graduates before their moves. Banter was thrown in Saturday's clash with the Western Force in Perth, with the Optus Stadium ground announcer quick to reference the tourist's foreign roots. Centre Bundee Aki and No.9 Jamison Gibson-Park were born in New Zealand but now star for Ireland and will feature in a strong Lions team against the Reds. "As long as they play a bit of Taylor Swift I'll be happy," Reds coach Les Kiss quipped when asked if he expects more jibes over the Suncorp Stadium speakers. "I don't think we'll be getting into that space." Kiss, a former Queensland and Australian rugby league winger, earnt his rugby coaching stripes in a two-decade stint that included success with the Ireland Test team as well as Irish and English clubs. "I've coached a number of those boys. Finlay Bealham was there early," Kiss said of the prop, who moved to Ireland as an 18-year-old. "It's not a light-hearted, easy thing to do. "It's an opportunity. To Mack Hansen, Bundee, I say, 'good on them'. "You get opportunities in different ways. A lot (of banter) is tongue and cheek and have a bit of fun, and that will continue. "The way Aussies like to use our humour - I think the English, Welsh, Scots and Irish, they get it." Reds and Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler agreed. "It could feel like an away game, we might need it," he laughed. "But I think Aussie fans dance on that line quite well. "When the Lions tour, new and old rugby fans come out of the works and see how good international rugby is. "There'll be a fair bit of chat if you go to Caxton Street, a bit of to-and-fro." Lions captain Itoje, who watched from the stands in Perth, is on the same page. "It's the Australian way, isn't it?" he smiled. "They love their sport. Rugby's a little different on a Lions tour. You can feel the atmosphere. It's heightened in comparison to when we were here with England. "As the tour goes on, the atmosphere will build and build and build. "It's just a sports-loving country; aggressive competitors, a little bit chirpy."
The Advertiser
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Investment banker Simon Mordant's biggest art donation sets 'tongues wagging' across town
IT'S the largest gift of artwork investment banker Simon Mordant and his theatre costume designer and art director wife Catriona have ever given to one institution, and it's set "tongues wagging" across Newcastle. The Mordants, who are among the country's leading arts philanthropists, have passed on 25 works from their private collection to Newcastle Art Gallery mere months before the new expansion opens to the public. The donation includes works on paper by Ngarrindjeri artist Ian Abdulla, a collage of digital print and oil by John Young and sculptures by Novocastrian artist Jamie North. Mr Mordant said Newcastle was an obvious choice. "Catriona and I believe that art should be seen and enjoyed by the widest possible audience," he said. "In considering Australian and international organisations to be recipients of part of our collection, built over almost 40 years, we looked for organisations where we believed in their leadership and their ambition. "We very much look forward to seeing these works enjoying a new life in Newcastle Art Gallery." The works from the Mordants' collection will feature in a special exhibition next year and be housed among one of the most valuable public art collections in the country outside a capital city. A recent valuation put Newcastle's collection at a staggering $145 million, an increase of $19 million, or about 15 per cent, since key works were last reviewed in 2022. Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation chair Suzie Galwey said the valuation confirms what those in the local scene have long known, that the city has an "outstanding" collection that deserves to be on show. "For the community to be able to go in, access and engage with these incredible icons, they're Australian icons, some of these pieces, is just really going to be something for the community to be so proud of," she said. "I think it will boost visitation, the community will have the opportunity to embrace the gallery and just realise what a significant milestone this is for the arts in Newcastle. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime project." The donation, combined with the long-awaited expansion of the gallery, marks a turning point for the institution, which has only been able to display about one per cent of its collection each year due to space constraints. Once complete, iconic works by artists like Brett Whiteley, John Olsen, William Dobell and Joseph Lycett will be permanently on show, alongside a First Nations collection which has skyrocketed in value, up nearly 80 per cent, and works by female artists which have increased in value across the board. City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said the upgraded gallery will be a fitting home for one of the council's most valuable assets. "This is one of the most significant and highly valuable public collections of art outside of a state or national institution," he said. "The expansion will enable the gallery to be fit for purpose to host our $145 million collection alongside touring exhibitions from across Australia and around the world, creating a significant cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter," he said. The more than $50 million rebuild will deliver an extra 1,600 square metres of space, more than doubling what was previously on offer. A new cafe and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational spaces and a secure international standard loading dock are included in the project. Construction of the building's shell is set to be completed in the second quarter of 2025, with the aim of reopening the doors this year in time for the New Annual festival at the end of September. Gallery director Lauretta Morton said she was honoured to accept the Mordants' donation and looked forward to showing it in a special exhibition next year. "Having known Simon for several years, I have always admired his and Catriona's incredible support for artists and the broader arts sector globally, so I was quite overwhelmed to be invited to review their collection and select works of art that represented the vision for our reimagined gallery, to be locally grounded, nationally engaged and globally minded," she said. "We're also proud of what this updated valuation tells us about the growing global celebration of so many significant First Nations artists, and the value and recognition for women artists, which have steadily increased during the past five years." The city's collection includes works of local, national and international importance. Newcastle independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge said the new valuation not only gives the city "bragging rights" but also demonstrates what an important and prestigious collection the gallery has. Cr Kerridge hopes the expansion will bring more visitors to Newcastle, but more importantly, that locals benefit, given their efforts to make the project happen with the help of generous benefactors over the years. "The recent donation from Simon and Catriona Mordant, that's really set tongues wagging," he said. "They recognise that this is an important gallery, they want their works to be seen, so it builds on success. "This builds on a whole sensibility about the city, it changes the profile of the city, changes the feel of the city and gets us noticed." The expansion project has been made possible with $10 million in state and federal government funding and more than $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery foundation through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest and community fundraising efforts. Ms Galwey said the foundation is about $500,000 away from its $13 million goal. "The foundation has been advocating and fundraising for the expansion of the gallery for more than 20 years. We're still looking to get to our target of $13 million, and we're almost there," she said. "It would be wonderful for us to get to our target, so we're calling on the community to dig deep. "Every donation makes a huge difference, and it's just wonderful to be part of this incredible story for the arts in Newcastle." To make a donation, visit the foundation's website. IT'S the largest gift of artwork investment banker Simon Mordant and his theatre costume designer and art director wife Catriona have ever given to one institution, and it's set "tongues wagging" across Newcastle. The Mordants, who are among the country's leading arts philanthropists, have passed on 25 works from their private collection to Newcastle Art Gallery mere months before the new expansion opens to the public. The donation includes works on paper by Ngarrindjeri artist Ian Abdulla, a collage of digital print and oil by John Young and sculptures by Novocastrian artist Jamie North. Mr Mordant said Newcastle was an obvious choice. "Catriona and I believe that art should be seen and enjoyed by the widest possible audience," he said. "In considering Australian and international organisations to be recipients of part of our collection, built over almost 40 years, we looked for organisations where we believed in their leadership and their ambition. "We very much look forward to seeing these works enjoying a new life in Newcastle Art Gallery." The works from the Mordants' collection will feature in a special exhibition next year and be housed among one of the most valuable public art collections in the country outside a capital city. A recent valuation put Newcastle's collection at a staggering $145 million, an increase of $19 million, or about 15 per cent, since key works were last reviewed in 2022. Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation chair Suzie Galwey said the valuation confirms what those in the local scene have long known, that the city has an "outstanding" collection that deserves to be on show. "For the community to be able to go in, access and engage with these incredible icons, they're Australian icons, some of these pieces, is just really going to be something for the community to be so proud of," she said. "I think it will boost visitation, the community will have the opportunity to embrace the gallery and just realise what a significant milestone this is for the arts in Newcastle. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime project." The donation, combined with the long-awaited expansion of the gallery, marks a turning point for the institution, which has only been able to display about one per cent of its collection each year due to space constraints. Once complete, iconic works by artists like Brett Whiteley, John Olsen, William Dobell and Joseph Lycett will be permanently on show, alongside a First Nations collection which has skyrocketed in value, up nearly 80 per cent, and works by female artists which have increased in value across the board. City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said the upgraded gallery will be a fitting home for one of the council's most valuable assets. "This is one of the most significant and highly valuable public collections of art outside of a state or national institution," he said. "The expansion will enable the gallery to be fit for purpose to host our $145 million collection alongside touring exhibitions from across Australia and around the world, creating a significant cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter," he said. The more than $50 million rebuild will deliver an extra 1,600 square metres of space, more than doubling what was previously on offer. A new cafe and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational spaces and a secure international standard loading dock are included in the project. Construction of the building's shell is set to be completed in the second quarter of 2025, with the aim of reopening the doors this year in time for the New Annual festival at the end of September. Gallery director Lauretta Morton said she was honoured to accept the Mordants' donation and looked forward to showing it in a special exhibition next year. "Having known Simon for several years, I have always admired his and Catriona's incredible support for artists and the broader arts sector globally, so I was quite overwhelmed to be invited to review their collection and select works of art that represented the vision for our reimagined gallery, to be locally grounded, nationally engaged and globally minded," she said. "We're also proud of what this updated valuation tells us about the growing global celebration of so many significant First Nations artists, and the value and recognition for women artists, which have steadily increased during the past five years." The city's collection includes works of local, national and international importance. Newcastle independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge said the new valuation not only gives the city "bragging rights" but also demonstrates what an important and prestigious collection the gallery has. Cr Kerridge hopes the expansion will bring more visitors to Newcastle, but more importantly, that locals benefit, given their efforts to make the project happen with the help of generous benefactors over the years. "The recent donation from Simon and Catriona Mordant, that's really set tongues wagging," he said. "They recognise that this is an important gallery, they want their works to be seen, so it builds on success. "This builds on a whole sensibility about the city, it changes the profile of the city, changes the feel of the city and gets us noticed." The expansion project has been made possible with $10 million in state and federal government funding and more than $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery foundation through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest and community fundraising efforts. Ms Galwey said the foundation is about $500,000 away from its $13 million goal. "The foundation has been advocating and fundraising for the expansion of the gallery for more than 20 years. We're still looking to get to our target of $13 million, and we're almost there," she said. "It would be wonderful for us to get to our target, so we're calling on the community to dig deep. "Every donation makes a huge difference, and it's just wonderful to be part of this incredible story for the arts in Newcastle." To make a donation, visit the foundation's website. IT'S the largest gift of artwork investment banker Simon Mordant and his theatre costume designer and art director wife Catriona have ever given to one institution, and it's set "tongues wagging" across Newcastle. The Mordants, who are among the country's leading arts philanthropists, have passed on 25 works from their private collection to Newcastle Art Gallery mere months before the new expansion opens to the public. The donation includes works on paper by Ngarrindjeri artist Ian Abdulla, a collage of digital print and oil by John Young and sculptures by Novocastrian artist Jamie North. Mr Mordant said Newcastle was an obvious choice. "Catriona and I believe that art should be seen and enjoyed by the widest possible audience," he said. "In considering Australian and international organisations to be recipients of part of our collection, built over almost 40 years, we looked for organisations where we believed in their leadership and their ambition. "We very much look forward to seeing these works enjoying a new life in Newcastle Art Gallery." The works from the Mordants' collection will feature in a special exhibition next year and be housed among one of the most valuable public art collections in the country outside a capital city. A recent valuation put Newcastle's collection at a staggering $145 million, an increase of $19 million, or about 15 per cent, since key works were last reviewed in 2022. Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation chair Suzie Galwey said the valuation confirms what those in the local scene have long known, that the city has an "outstanding" collection that deserves to be on show. "For the community to be able to go in, access and engage with these incredible icons, they're Australian icons, some of these pieces, is just really going to be something for the community to be so proud of," she said. "I think it will boost visitation, the community will have the opportunity to embrace the gallery and just realise what a significant milestone this is for the arts in Newcastle. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime project." The donation, combined with the long-awaited expansion of the gallery, marks a turning point for the institution, which has only been able to display about one per cent of its collection each year due to space constraints. Once complete, iconic works by artists like Brett Whiteley, John Olsen, William Dobell and Joseph Lycett will be permanently on show, alongside a First Nations collection which has skyrocketed in value, up nearly 80 per cent, and works by female artists which have increased in value across the board. City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said the upgraded gallery will be a fitting home for one of the council's most valuable assets. "This is one of the most significant and highly valuable public collections of art outside of a state or national institution," he said. "The expansion will enable the gallery to be fit for purpose to host our $145 million collection alongside touring exhibitions from across Australia and around the world, creating a significant cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter," he said. The more than $50 million rebuild will deliver an extra 1,600 square metres of space, more than doubling what was previously on offer. A new cafe and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational spaces and a secure international standard loading dock are included in the project. Construction of the building's shell is set to be completed in the second quarter of 2025, with the aim of reopening the doors this year in time for the New Annual festival at the end of September. Gallery director Lauretta Morton said she was honoured to accept the Mordants' donation and looked forward to showing it in a special exhibition next year. "Having known Simon for several years, I have always admired his and Catriona's incredible support for artists and the broader arts sector globally, so I was quite overwhelmed to be invited to review their collection and select works of art that represented the vision for our reimagined gallery, to be locally grounded, nationally engaged and globally minded," she said. "We're also proud of what this updated valuation tells us about the growing global celebration of so many significant First Nations artists, and the value and recognition for women artists, which have steadily increased during the past five years." The city's collection includes works of local, national and international importance. Newcastle independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge said the new valuation not only gives the city "bragging rights" but also demonstrates what an important and prestigious collection the gallery has. Cr Kerridge hopes the expansion will bring more visitors to Newcastle, but more importantly, that locals benefit, given their efforts to make the project happen with the help of generous benefactors over the years. "The recent donation from Simon and Catriona Mordant, that's really set tongues wagging," he said. "They recognise that this is an important gallery, they want their works to be seen, so it builds on success. "This builds on a whole sensibility about the city, it changes the profile of the city, changes the feel of the city and gets us noticed." The expansion project has been made possible with $10 million in state and federal government funding and more than $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery foundation through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest and community fundraising efforts. Ms Galwey said the foundation is about $500,000 away from its $13 million goal. "The foundation has been advocating and fundraising for the expansion of the gallery for more than 20 years. We're still looking to get to our target of $13 million, and we're almost there," she said. "It would be wonderful for us to get to our target, so we're calling on the community to dig deep. "Every donation makes a huge difference, and it's just wonderful to be part of this incredible story for the arts in Newcastle." To make a donation, visit the foundation's website. IT'S the largest gift of artwork investment banker Simon Mordant and his theatre costume designer and art director wife Catriona have ever given to one institution, and it's set "tongues wagging" across Newcastle. The Mordants, who are among the country's leading arts philanthropists, have passed on 25 works from their private collection to Newcastle Art Gallery mere months before the new expansion opens to the public. The donation includes works on paper by Ngarrindjeri artist Ian Abdulla, a collage of digital print and oil by John Young and sculptures by Novocastrian artist Jamie North. Mr Mordant said Newcastle was an obvious choice. "Catriona and I believe that art should be seen and enjoyed by the widest possible audience," he said. "In considering Australian and international organisations to be recipients of part of our collection, built over almost 40 years, we looked for organisations where we believed in their leadership and their ambition. "We very much look forward to seeing these works enjoying a new life in Newcastle Art Gallery." The works from the Mordants' collection will feature in a special exhibition next year and be housed among one of the most valuable public art collections in the country outside a capital city. A recent valuation put Newcastle's collection at a staggering $145 million, an increase of $19 million, or about 15 per cent, since key works were last reviewed in 2022. Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation chair Suzie Galwey said the valuation confirms what those in the local scene have long known, that the city has an "outstanding" collection that deserves to be on show. "For the community to be able to go in, access and engage with these incredible icons, they're Australian icons, some of these pieces, is just really going to be something for the community to be so proud of," she said. "I think it will boost visitation, the community will have the opportunity to embrace the gallery and just realise what a significant milestone this is for the arts in Newcastle. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime project." The donation, combined with the long-awaited expansion of the gallery, marks a turning point for the institution, which has only been able to display about one per cent of its collection each year due to space constraints. Once complete, iconic works by artists like Brett Whiteley, John Olsen, William Dobell and Joseph Lycett will be permanently on show, alongside a First Nations collection which has skyrocketed in value, up nearly 80 per cent, and works by female artists which have increased in value across the board. City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said the upgraded gallery will be a fitting home for one of the council's most valuable assets. "This is one of the most significant and highly valuable public collections of art outside of a state or national institution," he said. "The expansion will enable the gallery to be fit for purpose to host our $145 million collection alongside touring exhibitions from across Australia and around the world, creating a significant cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter," he said. The more than $50 million rebuild will deliver an extra 1,600 square metres of space, more than doubling what was previously on offer. A new cafe and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational spaces and a secure international standard loading dock are included in the project. Construction of the building's shell is set to be completed in the second quarter of 2025, with the aim of reopening the doors this year in time for the New Annual festival at the end of September. Gallery director Lauretta Morton said she was honoured to accept the Mordants' donation and looked forward to showing it in a special exhibition next year. "Having known Simon for several years, I have always admired his and Catriona's incredible support for artists and the broader arts sector globally, so I was quite overwhelmed to be invited to review their collection and select works of art that represented the vision for our reimagined gallery, to be locally grounded, nationally engaged and globally minded," she said. "We're also proud of what this updated valuation tells us about the growing global celebration of so many significant First Nations artists, and the value and recognition for women artists, which have steadily increased during the past five years." The city's collection includes works of local, national and international importance. Newcastle independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge said the new valuation not only gives the city "bragging rights" but also demonstrates what an important and prestigious collection the gallery has. Cr Kerridge hopes the expansion will bring more visitors to Newcastle, but more importantly, that locals benefit, given their efforts to make the project happen with the help of generous benefactors over the years. "The recent donation from Simon and Catriona Mordant, that's really set tongues wagging," he said. "They recognise that this is an important gallery, they want their works to be seen, so it builds on success. "This builds on a whole sensibility about the city, it changes the profile of the city, changes the feel of the city and gets us noticed." The expansion project has been made possible with $10 million in state and federal government funding and more than $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery foundation through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest and community fundraising efforts. Ms Galwey said the foundation is about $500,000 away from its $13 million goal. "The foundation has been advocating and fundraising for the expansion of the gallery for more than 20 years. We're still looking to get to our target of $13 million, and we're almost there," she said. "It would be wonderful for us to get to our target, so we're calling on the community to dig deep. "Every donation makes a huge difference, and it's just wonderful to be part of this incredible story for the arts in Newcastle." To make a donation, visit the foundation's website.
West Australian
4 hours ago
- West Australian
Rock royalty AC/DC ready to pass down crown to Melbourne punk outfit Amyl and the Sniffers
Is AC/DC passing the torch as Australia's biggest rock band? Embarking on their first tour of Australia in a decade, the ageing rock legends tapped Melbourne punk outfit Amyl and the Sniffers as the support act for the five-city run of shows in the Power Up tour at the end of this year. The nod to the emerging punk rock icons — who have played Glastonbury and Coachella so far this year — has sparked the question of whether AC/DC has nominated their successor to the title of the country's biggest rock export. Started in 2017 by four housemates, Amyl and the Sniffers is led by singer Amy Taylor — an outspoken 29-year-old whose on-stage presence mirrors that of the late great AC/DC singer Bon Scott. Joining Taylor are drummer Bryce Wilson, guitarist Declan Mehrtens and bassist Gus Romer, creating a classic rock sound with punk vibes and a thick, Aussie accent. Tour promoter Christo van Egmond said Amyl and the Sniffers matched AC/DC's live performance energy and attitude. They were his top recommendation to the band for openers, describing them as 'the natural choice'. 'Amyl and the Sniffers have absolutely blown up over quite a period. But they are very hot at the moment, and we're seeing them everywhere,' van Egmond said. 'In the pub rock genre they are at the top of their game, and certainly the biggest Australia has got to offer. 'It's a unique opportunity for them to play with their absolute heroes. 'One of the guys has got a huge AC/DC tattoo. They they love the band.' He said AC/DC fans can expect a performance which has good Australian pub rock energy. It's not the first time the band has been linked to AC/DC, with Taylor highlighting them as a major influence in previous interviews. The group covered AC/DC's Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap at Perth's Highway to Hell festival in 2020, to rave reviews. One critic said they could be Scott's 'bastard children'. After the announcement the band would be joining AC/DC on tour, Taylor took to social media dubbing them the 'the best rock and roll band in the world'. 'I just can't believe it I am so excited. Never ever ever would have dreamed this. Highlight of my literal life,' she wrote, before adding, 'a band's music that's been weaved through my whole life.' 'Mainly just excited to see them play multiple times.' Van Egmond also revealed that each concert would be opened by a local support act, backing in the Perth live music scene by finding an up and coming band to play Optus Stadium for the two nights 'It's going to be an amazing series of concerts, and at a great time of the year with, you know, Amyl and the Sniffers as a great special guest and then some great local openers in in each in each of the markets,' he said. 'We're supporting the local music scene by having local openers, and then we're, you know, supporting the Australian music scene by having an Aussie band like Amyl and the Sniffers.' It comes as tickets for the second and final Perth show on December 8 went on sale on Monday, with organisers saying sales were strong. After announcing shows across Australia last week, the band scheduled a second concert in each city after tickets sold at an average rate of 1200-a-minute Ticketek, the official ticketing provider for most of the Australian shows, said last Thursday marked the largest concert on-sale day in its 40-year history, eclipsing AC/DC's previous record for its Black Ice World Tour in 2009. 'This second Perth show will definitely be the final show that will be added to the Australian tour,' van Egmond said 'We can confirm that absolutely no further shows will be added to the Australian leg.'
