Collaborative Artwork Between Newcastle-Based Artist and UON Researcher Unveiled at HMRI

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A Newcastle-based artist and reproduction expert have collaborated to produce a new piece of art unveiled at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) overnight.

This year's HMRI Art Series is the product of a collaboration between Researcher of the Year, Professor Brett Nixon and visual artist, Mitch Revs. 

The University of Newcastle's Professor Nixon is a member of the HMRI Pregnancy and Reproduction team, and his research focuses on genetic and environmental factors which impact the quality of sperm. 

At the HMRI Community Seminar last night, Professor Nixon said seeing his work come to life brought tears to his eyes. 

"I've devoted my life to this research field, not for the accolades but more to try and improve the outcomes for people that are suffering from infertility," he said.  

"I'm very touched by what Mitch has brought out of our research. He's a genuine artist."

The one-off artwork titled "Seedling" aims to shed a light on the crucial need for more researchers in the fields of infertility and reproduction, and showcase the significant fertility research being run out of laboratories in the Hunter. 

Mitch Revs was specially chosen to produce the artwork for this year's Series, and said he couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a worthy cause. 

"My biggest fear was not being able to reflect him (Brett) how he needs to be reflected; I felt a lot of pressure around the objective because I wanted to do a good job," Mitch said. 

"To have my work displayed at HMRI is a massive honour and achievement for me; it's one of those boxes everyone wants to tick." 

"Hopefully we can raise some much needed funds when we auction the artwork in a few weeks." 

"Seedling" will be auctioned at the HMRI Ball on Saturday June 17th. 

The money raised from the auction will go towards funding more vital research projects in the Hunter. 

Image: Mitch Revs

Image: Michelle Lawson

Hunter Reproductive Services see support from State Government

 BY CHARLOTTE LLOYD

A new service model is set to pilot in the Hunter that is in hopes to improve access to affordable contraception and termination services. 

This comes after a Notice of Motion put forward in October by Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery. 

Following the closure of the Marie Stopes Clinic in August, Ms Hornery has said an influx of women have approached her office in distress and uncertainty, unsure of options for family planning or termination. 

The closure of the clinic also meant many women were forced to travel elsewhere such as Sydney to seek safe termination which also sees an increase in the cost of services and specialists that are needed. 

"It is vital that women in urban and regional New South Wales have access to services locally as possible because of the cost and the time constraints," says Ms Hornery 

The project pilot will have $10.4 million worth of funding provided to Family Planning NSW that comes under the Ministerially Approved Grants Program. 

This funding is looking to extend off existing services or back the opening of a new service to aid those in reproductive situations. 

" I am glad that the Government listened to the calls for improved services in the Wallsend electorate and stepped up on this very important issue by investing in women's healthcare," says Ms Hornery