hunter post - 3 december
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WED 3 DEC 2014
Our humble hero
T o those who know her the honour is no surprise, but if you ask Maitland’s newest Freeman of the City, Irene Hemsworth, she’s done nothing special.
“This is really an award for all the volunteers out there,” she said.
“I’ve just done what a lot of other people are doing.”The title, the highest a city can bestow upon a
citizen, was awarded to Ms Hemsworth last week to acknowledge over 60 years of service to the city in a variety of organisations including Maitland District Netball Association, Meals on Wheels and St Paul’s Anglican Church.
A breast cancer survivor, she also organises fundraisers for the disease, doorknocks for heart research and reads to day care children.
The honour was spearheaded by Maitland Mayor, Peter Blackmore, and Council’s General Manager, David Evans, who said he had never heard a bad word said about Ms Hemsworth.
Ms Hemsworth said that her work comes back to what she teaches children at Scripture.
“We teach the kids to treat others as they want to be treated and I think that’s what it boils down to,” she said.
“Besides, everything I’ve done I’ve enjoyed and I think that the more you give the more you get back.”
Ms Hemsworth has previously been awarded Maitland Citizen of the Year (1989) and the Austral-ian Sports Medal (2000).
All in a day’s work for new Freeman of the City, Irene Hemsworth
Maitland’s newest Freeman of the City, Irene Hemsworth
MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber
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A tragic accident that could have happened to anybody
The death of cricketer Phillip Hughes has really hit home to many people just how fragile life can be.
Last Tuesday afternoon, Hughes was working his way towards another determined century and was eyeing off a recall to the Test team with captain Michael Clarke battling to prove his fitness for the opening match against India in Brisbane starting on December 4.
There would have been a sense of excitement and anticipation in his mind as he would have known how recent big scores always figure prominently when selectors are quickly looking for a replacement.
To think that his life was over only two days later defies belief.
The freak nature of how his injury occurred also leaves you shaking your head.
If he had moved his head a split second earlier or later, he would have been fine. Perhaps the ball would have bounced off his helmet or at worst struck him on the shoulder or arm.
Now the discussion has began as to whether it is time to ban the bouncer.
Thankfully, there have been plenty of people involved in cricket coming out and saying that is not necessary.
I think, for a start, that it would make the contest between bat and ball lean too far in favour of the batsman.
It would make batting a lot easier if you knew that every delivery was going to be in roughly the same area.
The bowlers already do it tough with fielding restrictions, particularly in Twenty20 and one-day matches, and pitches that encourage rapid run-scoring.
Questions were also asked about the helmet Hughes was wearing.
I can’t see how the manufacturer could have done anything differently. These type of helmets have been designed to protect the head and they do a very good job of that.
There have been quite a few instances of bats-men taking a blow directly to the helmet and just carrying on as per normal.
The neck region has never really publicised as an area of concern.
That may well change now. If the length of helmets was increased to cover
the whole neck area, players would soon get sick of the restricted mobility and go back to what they use now.
Of course, we must also be thinking of the bowler in this incident, Sean Abbott.
There’s probably nothing people can say to make him feel better at the moment.
Thankfully, he received professional counsel-ling immediately, so we all hope that he is able to find some peace.
We must also be thinking of Sean Abbott
PAUL MONFORTEEditor
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A n acute Stroke Unit, nuclear medicine services and chemo-therapy could all feature in the new Maitland hospital under a
draft Clinical Services Plan.Although an iron-clad guarantee
that they would be included could not be provided, as they were still only a focus of the planning, Hunter New England Health’s Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services, Karen Kelly, said that the focus for the planning was based on creating a network of services.
“A lot of people have called for one-stop shopping for their health care, so if we can bring as much together that makes sense, that’s a good thing,” she said.
“Just like Maitland is now, it will be a rural-referral hospital, so it will have its own context and flavour.
“It will work as a network of services like it [current Maitland hospital] currently does but a bit stronger.”
Ms Kelly said that the level of care will be higher than currently provided at Maitland Hospital, but it won’t provide the specialist services like neurosurgery and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that are available at John Hunter Hospital.
Draft plan calls for specialty care programs to be located together on new site
HEALTH
Network of services for hospital
Hospital planning is on track
MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber A large range of outpatient services, such as diabetes, paediatric and pain services are being considered, while the relocation of the Morisset mental health hospital and East Maitland Community Health, identi-fied in recently-released business papers, is still on the table.
“From a clinical services viewpoint and from a mental health viewpoint, one third of our population have met some sort of mental condition or illness,” Ms Kelly said.
“Health today is moving towards normalising these specialty streams, so integrating them into the everyday busi-ness of what we do is one issue that has come up in the planning.
“The other issue is from a running the health service point-of-view - it is difficult to have services scattered, so with having a 40-hectare site there’s an opportunity to bring those things together.”
The new hospital will also be a teaching hospital and a helipad will be on site.
Health Infrastructure NSW’s Senior Project Director, Erik Maranik said that the planning was on track to be completed by June next year, at which time another funding commitment will be sought.
NSW Premier, Mike Baird said in July that the project will be delivered in five years, and Mr Maranik said that timeframe is still feasible.
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T he riverside alcohol-free zone will be lifted for Maitland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, against the advice of police.
City Councillors voted unanimously last week to suspend the zone from 4pm to 9:30pm in the area that spans the Galton’s car park and the River Walk between St Andrews Street and eastern entry point to the river front from the Heritage Mall.
During last year’s New Year events, Central Hunter Police recorded 10 inci-dents involving intoxicated persons and underage possession of alcohol, but also said that they observed dozens more who fled when approached.
“The suspension of the Alcohol Free Area removes a valuable strategy from those options available to police to target alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour on New Year’s Eve,” Sergeant Brett James said in the Local Area Command’s submission opposing the suspension.
Councillors, however, disagreed, saying that it would not be fair to punish everyone for the actions of a few, especially as they have already cut the midnight fireworks show in favour of an enhanced family display at 9pm.
Council vows to not let small number of troublemakers spoil celebrations
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Alcohol back on New Year’s menu
Alcohol will be allowed at Maitland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations Photo: Nomad Tales Photography
Cr Loretta Baker said it was reasonable to lift the zone.
“I’m not minimising these incidents, but you’ve got to put it in perspective,” she said.
“99.99 per cent of people do the right thing [and they] aren’t writing themselves off.”
Cr Brian Burke said that more alcohol was consumed in the prohibited zones on a standard Friday or Saturday night.
“I guarantee there will be more breaches of that rule this weekend than at New Years,” he said.
“At 9:30 there’ll be nothing there to keep
what is the problem every Friday and Saturday night in every city in this coun-try [away from the riverside].”
Cr Steve Procter said that an alcohol-free zone was not a deterrent to those who wish to cause havoc and that Council should not have to bow to the minority.
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W ork on a pedestrian refuge on East Maitland’s Chisholm Road has started, two years after lobbying for its
construction began.The refuge is being constructed approx-
imately halfway between Chisholm Road’s intersections with Molly Morgan Drive and Norfolk Street.
Hunter Valley Grammar School, Mait-land Private Hospital, Ashton Gardens retirement community and several specialists doctor are all in the immediate vicinity, which Maitland City Council-lor Bob Geoghegan said made the area extremely busy for both motor vehicle and foot traffic.
“There are quite a number of older people here, so it had a lot of community support,” he said. “From a safety view-point this is quite a good outcome.”
The footpath that runs along the hospi-tal side of the road will also be widened to 1.5 metres.
A Council spokesperson said that the cost of the work was approximately $40,000, but, at the time of going to print, could not respond to the Post’s enquiries about how the refuge was budgeted
and prioritised as it was not specifically identified in Council’s 2013-17 Delivery
Program, or whether the work was made possible by a special rate variation.
Pedestrian refuge for Chisholm Road, East Maitland underway
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
End of a two-year wait
Councillor Bob Geoghegan surveys the pedestrian refuge works
MELISSAH COMBER @melcomber
Traffic signals part of Thornton North plan
Traffic signals will be installed at a busy Raymond Terrace Road intersection if Maitland City Council amends its Devel-opment Control Plan to include a new precinct plan for Thornton North.
Council will soon place on exhibition for public comment the plan for the eastern area, which includes provisions for open space and recreation facilities.
The traffic signals will be installed at what will become a four-way intersection where Thornton’s Government Road meets Raymond Terrace Road, while the plan also flags a possible intersection with McFarlanes Road, which would provide two separate intersections with the road and estate.
Councillor Ben Whiting said that he was pleased to see the inclusion of the traffic signals.
“It’s [currently] a needed intersection and in the future it’s going to be a desper-ately needed intersection,” he said.
Council’s Executive Manager, Planning, Environment and Lifestyle, Bernie Morto-more confirmed at last week’s ordinary meeting that all roadworks would be paid for by the Section 94 development contri-butions plan.
The precinct plan also includes a six-hectare parcel of land for a sportsground and playground, a multipurpose centre, retained bushland and dams.
This is the second of three precinct plans to be released for stage two of the Thorn-ton North Urban Release Area.
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AMELIA PARROTT @amelia_parrott
N ewcastle City Council may soon add its name to the growing chorus calling for coal wagons to be covered and washed.
In a motion to be put forward by Greens councillors Michael Osborne and Therese Doyle at next week’s meeting, Council will be asked to call on the State Govern-ment to immediately implement policy solutions to address the air pollution caused by coal haulage in Newcastle, including the mandatory covering and washing of wagons across the Hunter.
Cr Osborne said particulate pollution caused by uncovered coal trains was one of the top five issues residents raised with him.
“Most of the suburbs in my Ward are affected by this,” he said.
“You can see the impact of coal dust on surfaces in their homes - inside and out.”
Tess Lieberman, a Tighes Hill resident of eight years with two young children, said she was supportive of Newcastle City Council speaking out against the impacts coal dust.
“The more voices the better,” she said. “I know a lot of residents in this area
have concerns, particularly about the level of fine particulate pollution, which can cause upper respiratory conditions.
“It shouldn’t just be up to residents to complain to the EPA (Environmental
Protection Authority) hotline.” Cr Osborne said industry was dragging its feet on the issue.
“Based on an average cost of $8 per trip [to cover coal wagons], the added cost represents less than one thousandth of the sale price of the coal,” he said.
“Cost is not an impediment to the proposal to cover coal wagons.”
He said covering coal wagons would create jobs in manufacturing and limit the amount of coal lost in transit.
The motion follows Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery’s tabling of a petition to the NSW Parliament, signed by more than 10,000 residents from coal affected communi-ties across the State, calling for wagons to be washed and covered, and surveying from the Hunter Community Environ-ment Centre that found 90 per cent of Lower Hunter residents supported the covering of coal wagons.
The motion is expected to be supported by the now Labor controlled Council.
Motion to ask for Council backing on coal wagon issues
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Greens call for support
Greens councillor, Michael Osborne is calling on Newcastle City Council to support the washing and covering of coal wagons
AMELIA PARROTT @amelia_parrott
Briefing sought on truncation impact
Newcastle’s Greens councillors say the truncation of the heavy rail line into the CBD will soon bring traffic chaos to the northern end of Beaumont Street.
In October, the State Government announced that buses would replace trains between Newcastle and Hamilton from January 5, as the rail line is disman-tled and construction begins on the new Wickham Transport Interchange.
The plan will see dedicated shuttle buses arriving at Hamilton Station every 10 to 15 minutes until late 2016.
As a result of a successful motion put forward by Greens councillors Therese Doyle and Michael Osborne at last week’s meeting, Newcastle City Council will seek a briefing from Transport NSW on the impacts of the plan, including traffic and safety issues around Hamilton Station.
Cr Doyle said Hamilton residents had already raised concerns about affect the interim transport arrangement would have on traffic in the area. Cr Osborne said it appeared as though there had been a communication breakdown between the State Government and Council.
Council’s infrastructure director, Frank Cordingley said the proposed arrange-ments had been reviewed and supported by the Newcastle City Traffic Committee, which included local police, and improve-ments had been made recently in the area around Hamilton Station in order to boost pedestrian safety.
Despite this, Mr Cordingley recom-mended Council be briefed further on the impact of the Government’s plan, ideally before Council adjourns for Christmas.
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Community information sessions on Maitland flooding risks
F lood planning and management will come under the spotlight tomorrow (Thursday) as Maitland City Council holds three commu-
nity information sessions about the future risk of flood to the city.
The sessions coincide with the public exhibition of three documents which Council is seeking feedback on.
The Hunter River Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMSP) is being exhibited, as well as the proposed changes to the Local Environment Plan (LEP) flood maps and the Development Control Plan (DCP) Hunter River Flood-plain Management chapter.
The FRMSP looks at issues such as evacuation planning, flood modification measures and the potential impacts of climate change.
“The Study and Plan focuses on the Hunter River floods rather than local catchment flooding and overland flow,”
Flooding near the Church Street roundabout in 2007 Photo: Stephen Mudd
Council’s Manager Urban Growth, Ian Shillington said.
“The draft FRMSP represents a reason-able and practical approach to dealing with flood risk for future development in Maitland.”
The LEP changes are in response to
comprehensive flood mapping which updates which properties could now be affected by flooding.
The DCP change would allow habitable floor space to be located below the flood planning level where previously this was not allowed.
The three information sessions will be held on Thursday, December 4 at the Maitland Town Hall.
They will be held from 11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. Attendees are asked to register via www.maitlandyour-say.com.au.
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L isteners of ABC 1233 Newcastle rallied outside the station last week, as senior management briefed staff on the impact of
budget cuts announced by the Federal Government last month.
The station will be downgraded from a metropolitan to a regional station and nine staff will lose their jobs as a result of the $254 million worth of cuts to be made to the national broadcaster over the next five years.
Speaking in an unofficial capacity to the 100-strong crowd, 1233 Breakfast presenter, Aaron Kearney said staff were struggling to come to terms with the job losses.
“We don’t understand what business models have been brought to bear, we don’t understand how they have arrived at this decision,” he said.
“What data was brought to bear to come up with these numbers and these people in this place?”
He encouraged listeners to pursue an audience with ABC management.
“Everybody is talking about value for taxpayer dollars.
“You’re taxpayers who are getting less for your money than you did last week and you are at least owed a justification for that.”
ABC’s director of radio, Michael Mason
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Listeners maintain the rage
Protestors march against cuts to ABC Newcastle
AMELIA PARROTT @amelia_parrott
also addressed the crowd, thanking them for their support for the station and explaining that he was consulting with staff “to work through the options for them”.
Earlier in the week, Lake Macquarie City Council resolved to write a letter to Communications Minister, Malcolm Turnbull questioning the extent of the job losses at ABC Newcastle.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Jodie Harrison praised ABC Newcastle for their efforts to keep residents informed during bush-fires and floods in the area.
She said she did not want to see that kind of important reporting put at risk.
While the motion was supported by the majority of councillors, Liberal council-lor, Jason Pauling left the chamber mid-way through the debate in protest of what he saw as the Council’s unwar-ranted interest in a federal funding issue.
Speaking to the Post after the meeting, Cr Pauling said the community wanted councillors to get on with the business of running the city, not write letters to already well-informed federal ministers.
He said he did not intend to walk out of debate in Council in the future.
Cr Barney Langford, a part-time employee of the ABC, left the chamber ahead of the debate.
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I’m sure many of you would have been as shocked as I was to look at the calendar this week and see that December is now upon us.
This time of year seems to come around so fast and people begin to get swept up in pre-Christmas events.
One event that I am very much looking forward to is Carols in the City. I have been attending choir practice to get my voice in tune and you will all have the chance to sing along with me on Saturday, December 13.
Carols in the City is not just carols, but a festival for the whole family that begins at 3.00pm with carols starting from 7.00pm. The festival is being held at No.1 Sportsground this year (in Central Maitland behind the Art Gallery) and will offer amuse-ments, market stalls, entertainment and family activities.
It’s great to see the focus on family, as after all Christmas is traditionally the time for family to come together, whatever family means for you and your loved ones.
For those who are a little superstitious, the passing of December 1 is also the signal that you can start putting up your Christmas tree and decorations. I really enjoy taking a drive across our city at night in the lead-up to Christmas, seeing the great effort that so many families go to in lighting and decorat-ing their houses.
The pride that people take and the many hours of work that goes into the displays is really a reflection of our community and it’s a fantastic thing to see. I also see so many families out, driving around with wide-eyed children, creating a tradition and making memories that will stay with them for years to come.
With Christmas approaching it would be remiss of me not to encourage you all to shop local this festive season. We have such a great range of retailers across our city that rely on this busy time to get them through leaner times of the year, so if you can buy your gifts and Christmas supplies here in Mait-land, please do.
I hope to see many of you at Carols in the City and if you would like more information on the festival, please go to carolsinthecity.org.au
CR PETER BLACKMOREMaitland City Council Mayor
Bring the family for a fun night of singing
MAITLAND MATTERS
I havebeen attending choir practice to get my voice
in tune
all council matters: maitland.nsw.gov.au
BOB PYNSENTCessnock City Council Mayor
Congratulations to Cassandra Battle, who was crowned Miss Cessnock at Cessnock Ex-Services Club last week. The event was a fun-filled evening, with this year marking the 24th anniversary of the Miss Cessnock tradition. A big thank you to Allyra Robson for all of her contributions to our community throughout 2013. We look forward to seeing you on the fire truck with Santa and this year’s Carols in the Park!
In attending the Christmas functions of the View Club and Kurri Kurri Retired Mineworkers over the past weeks, it was so important that Nell Workman, Judith Wright and Ruth Gordon could be acknowledged in front of their peers. These three outstanding ladies have all been named on this year’s NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. I thank them all for their tireless efforts.
I’ve been visiting schools around our LGA over the past week, taking the White Ribbon Day pledge with our male teachers and students. The male students and teachers of Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Mount View High schools have all joined me in reciting the pledge in front of their peers. White Ribbon is such an important campaign to end men’s violence against women. I hope the pledge stays front of mind for our young men, and I look forward to continuing work with our schools and broader community to raise awareness and education about this important issue all year round.
Nominations are closing this Friday, December 5 for the 2015 Cessnock City Australia Day Awards. I strongly encourage you to nominate someone who you have noticed is doing an outstanding job in the community in one of our seven catego-ries. Full selection criteria and nomination forms are available from our Administration Centre, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri libraries and on our website-www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au
I was pleased to attend yet another opening of a new busi-ness in Vincent Street this week for Ability Links NSW.
A warm welcome our new Miss Cessnock
CESSNOCK MATTERS
A bigthank you to
Allyra Robson for all of her
contributions to our community throughout 2013
all council matters: cessnock.nsw.gov.au
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David Evans General Manager 285–287 High Street, PO Box 220 Maitland NSW 2320t 02 4934 9700 [email protected]
Agendas are available from our website or by contacting customer service. For information on development applications please visit our website – maitland.nsw.gov.au
PUBLIC NOTICESDESCENDANTS OF WALTER JOHN KERRIGAN SOUGHTThe Maitland Park Plan of Management and Masterplan were adopted by Council on 11 November 2014. A key element of the Masterplan was for the demolition of the Kerrigan Pavilion. The Kerrigan Pavilion is a semi enclosed brick picnic shelter located within Maitland Park. The shelter, constructed in 1960, was named after Walter John Kerrigan of Louth Park following his death on 7 July 1960. Walter Kerrigan was a proprietor of a hardware shop in High Street and Alderman of Maitland Council. Prior to the demolition being undertaken it is proposed to remove the existing dedication plaque from the Kerrigan Pavilion for reinstallation at an appropriate location. Council would like to hear from any descendants of Walter Kerrigan who would be interested in participating in this process.To register your interest or obtain further information please contact Amanda McMahon, Acting Recreation Planning Coordinator on 4934 9717 or [email protected] no later than 23 December 2014.
SPECIAL EVENTSIn accordance with Council’s Special Events Policy notice is hereby given of the following proposed event occurring in Maitland.• The Outdoor Cinema Company propose a Cinema Under
The Stars at Maitland Park, Maitland between 8am–11pm on Friday, 6 February 2015.
Written submissions regarding this event are invited from the public and will be received up until 4pm on Friday, 12 December 2014.Please Note: The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 applies to Council. Under this Act, certain information held by Council may be released upon application by members of the public. Council will not consider your submission as confidential, and may reproduce it in part or in whole.Further information may be obtained by contacting Council’s Service Planning and Regulation Group on 4934 9700.
MAITLAND CITY COUNCIL PICNIC DAY FRIDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2014NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO SERVICESCouncil operating hours and services will be changed for Friday, 12 December 2014, due to our annual Picnic Day. Staffing levels may be limited at the offices or facilities that are open, and residents are asked to take this into consideration if attending these points of service. Council staff will, however, endeavour to meet the needs of the community.The following services will apply on this day:• Administration Building, High Street, Maitland: Customer
Service Centre will be open to receive payments, answer routine enquiries and take messages
• Art Gallery: Open all day• Libraries: East Maitland and Rutherford Libraries open as usual.
Maitland and Thornton Libraries closed• Swimming Pools: Maitland Pool is closed to the public from
10am to 2pm. East Maitland Pool open as usual• Waste Disposal Depot, Mt Vincent: Open as usual• Waste Collection Services: Normal garbage collection services,
however it is requested that bins are placed out the night before as collection times may be earlier than usual. Council is not obliged to return to collect bins not presented for collection
• Works Depot: Closed• Visitor Information Centre: Open as usual• Maitland Gaol: Open as usual
Interested residents are welcome to attend.Next meeting: 9 DECEMBER – 5.30pm
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I ronically, Michaela Swan credits studying oversees as the pivotal moment that brought a new found confidence to her practice.
The irony being, the 22-year-old Bach-elor of Fine Art student is now destined to depart the country once more to further her career, having been announced as the recipient of the 2014 Brenda Clouten Memorial Travelling Scholarship.
Besides the prestige of winning the much sought-after accolade, Swan receives $3000 to put towards broadening her educational horizons overseas.
Swan, who is in her final year at Newcas-tle University, spent a semester studying abroad and subsequently returned home all the better for the experience.
“Most of the work that I’ve included in the exhibition is very much based around the work that I’ve created in the past year after returning from a semester of exchange in Hong Kong,” she said.
“I’m obviously a lot more confident in experimenting with scale and materials and my work is very much fibres textiles based with performative elements.
“I think it’s quite clear to me how going overseas has impacted my practice, in that
Scholarship winner set to put $3000 prize to good use as career options unfold
ART AND CULTURE
Off again to broaden horizons
2014 Brenda Clouten Memorial Travelling Scholarship winner, Michaela Swan
LUKE HISLOP its been inspired by different cultures and my personal reaction to different places.”
Entrants were required to submit four artworks that they had completed within the last 12 months, along with a proposed travel itinerary outlining their overseas ambitions, which weighed heavily in being selected as a finalist.
This year was the tenth anniversary of the award, having been established back in 2005 by founders Vicki and Bruce Woods.
The scholarship was formed to honour the memory of their friend who passed away due to breast cancer at the age of 60.
“I’d like to thank Vicky and Bruce Woods for their continued support of the scholar-ship and of emerging artists in the Hunter region, along with the judges for the opportunity,” Swan said.
“It’s an incredible experience and oppor-tunity for someone who is only 22.
“It’s just a fantastic opportunity for the four finalists to be part of the exhibition at Maitland as well as its such a great starting point in terms of applying for residencies and scholarships and we’re just very lucky for the opportunity.”
Swan has applied for residency in Sweden and plans on visiting other parts of Europe including Scandinavia and the Netherlands.
T he Post is encouraging our readers to help spread a bit of festive cheer this year by donating gifts to our annual charity Christmas appeal.
This year, the Post will be supporting the efforts of the Combined Charities Christ-mas Warehouse.
An initiative of Samaritans and the Salva-tion Army, the warehouse offers families who are unable to afford Christmas presents for their children the opportunity to register for assistance.
Warehouse spokesperson, Helen Fielder-Gill said there was a great deal of need in the community around Christmas.
“Families who do it tough throughout the year find themselves under so much pressure at Christmas time,” she said.
“It’s a big expense to celebrate Christmas, so often they’ll just go without.
“It’s very rewarding to see people being able to choose their own gifts for their children that they can take home and wrap themselves.”
Post editor, Paul Monforte, said he was thrilled by the response from readers last year and hoped to see even more gifts donated this Christmas.
“Being able to bring a smile to a child’s face at Christmas is what the season is all about,” he said.
“I want to encourage all our readers to give as much as they can to assist these worthy charities in their important work.”
Post readers are encouraged to leave unwrapped gifts under our Christmas tree, located in the foyer of our office at 19 Pearson Street, Charlestown.
Donations will be accepted until Friday, December 12.
Families wishing to register for the ware-house can phone Samaritans on 4960 7100 of the Salvation Army on 4929 2300.
Post journalists, Melissah Comber and Amelia Parrott decorate the Post’s Christmas tree
AMELIA PARROTT @amelia_parrott
The Post needs your help to brighten the Christmas of families in need
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T he forthcoming vintage in the Hunter Valley is shaping up to be all about quality, not quantity, according to winemaker Andrew
MarganMargan, president of the Hunter Valley
Wine Industry Association, said the extreme weather conditions were here to stay, with minimal rainfall anticipated.
The shortfall in rain and the token volumes being received invariably means yields will be down, but the upshot being the superior quality of the fruit.
“They’re saying 70 per cent El Nino at the moment - I usually don’t go past three months, but the next few months look particularly warm and dry,” Margan said.
“If it stays very dry then the grapes wont weigh in very heavily, but the quality will certainly be excellent.”
Keeping a close watch on the heavens is an occupation winemakers and vignerons embrace unconditionally, as they assume the added responsibility of meteorologist.
Like anyone earning a crust off the land, the vulnerability of Mother Nature can make or break a season, an aspect of the game that Hunter Valley wine produces are well attuned to.
Below-avergage rainfall expected to produce high-quality Hunter Valley vintage
VINEYARDS
Dry weather means good wine
The quality of this year’s Hunter Valley vintage is expected to be high
LUKE HISLOP More often than not, the inclem-ent weather dictates when the fruit is harvested, as opposed to letting the grapes reach optimum ripeness.
Despite encountering several searing days unmatched with rain, Margan said the 2015 vintage is progressing very well.
“We had a great spring and we’ve got the vines looking particularly healthy.
“They look as though they’ve got a reasonable crop on them and the condi-tions have been such that whilst we had a slightly later bud burst, things have crept forward and now we are looking for maybe a slightly earlier vintage than what would be normal.
“There’s a little bit of leaf burn around that I’m seeing after the 40-odd degree days we had, we still have quite healthy canopies that I’m seeing round the place and the vines look like they’re generally holding pretty well.”
There’s a lot to measure-up to after the resounding vintage that 2014 delivered, with heavy November rains followed up by perfect ripening conditions labelling it as one of the best seasons ever.
Due to the unseasonal conditions last year, picking began on January 6 which is particularly early, though Margan said at the moment they are approximately a week to 10 days behind that date this year.
I t’s time to discharge the dulcet tones and dig out the hymn book in readi-ness for this year’s Cessnock Carols in the Park.
As Christmas wish lists undergo final drafting and houses are met with over-zealous accesorising, there’s no more fitting way to further embrace the festive season than by partaking in a carol or two.
This years event is expected to attract another strong turn-out from the commu-nity, with Cessnock Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent, anticipating the benchmark to be raised even higher this year.
“The evening will start with a different flavour, with a demonstration from our local PCYC aerobics team,” Cr Pynsent said.
“There will be free face painting and a jumping castle for the kids and plenty of great local entertainment for all ages.”
While the kids are bound to revel in those activates along with the carols, the arrival of Santa is sure to capture the limelight, with the big man himself making a special appearance.
Hosted by Tara Naysmith, the night will feature performances from the Combined Schools Choir, Hope Valley Church Band
Face painting and jumping castle as part of Carols in the Park
COMMUNITY
Songs and Santa in Cessnock
Host of the Cessnock Carols in the Park, Tara Naysmith
and students from Mount View High School. “There will be hot food and drinks available for purchase, all you need to
bring is your picnic blanket and chairs and your best singing voices,” Cr Pynsent said.
Held in the Cessnock TAFE grounds,
this year’s festivities will get underway at 6pm on Thursday (December 4) to ensure children get the opportunity to see Santa.
LUKE HISLOP
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Kearsley students’ photography successA picture is worth a thousand words,
yet for Cessnock school students, a happy snap can also be worth a few dollars.
Cody Probert and Jarrod Hodges from Kearsley Public School can vouch for that, having sealed second and third prize respectively in the 2014 Mayoral Photogra-phy Competition.
The young photography enthusiasts claimed their winnings in the kindergarten to year two category and in the process netted a cool $200 for their school, which was presented to principal, Sue Holt, at assembly last Thursday.
“It’s important for the kids’ peers to see what a fantastic job they’ve done and to publicly acknowledge their achievements,”
Cessnock Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent said.
The ‘spring’ inspired theme saw happy snappers from kindergarten to year 12 enter the competition open to school students from the Cessnock local government area.
Despite the success coming as a result of the students own competence and finesse, the prize money is awarded to the school itself, not the individual.
“The kids are the ones who have worked hard for their prize money, so it’s only fitting they should present the cheque to their Principal,” Cr Pynsent said.
Cr Pynsent was endeavouring to do the rounds of all the winning schools before the end of the year.
L ike all things archaic and dilapi-dated, there comes a stage when its primary function is spared in order to remodel and modernise
the associated goods. That’s the precise course of action that
Cessnock City Council is undertaking with regards to several decaying bridges in the local government area.
Lowes Bridge, Congewai, is the most recent to undergo an overhaul due to the decrepit condition and the 10-tonne load limit restrictions.
The primitive timber bridge has being enhanced exponentially, having been replaced with new reinforced concrete box culverts, invariably providing a more robust structure.
In addition, the upgrade also eliminates the 10-tonne load restrictions, with the crossing open to all motorists.
“There are a total of 41 timber bridges
remaining in the Cessnock local govern-ment area we are focusing on refurbish-ing and replacing as part of our Bridges Construction Program,” said Cessnock City Council Director, Works and Infra-structure, Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr.
“The new structure on Congewai Road will provide a safe crossing well into the future with reduced maintenance costs.”
With such a high number of bridges in the local government area in need of maintenance, the council has engaged specialist consultants to inspect the crossings, whereby their safety and condition will be assessed.
“Not every bridge needs full replace-ment, so we assess them on a case-by-case basis. Load restrictions have been applied to preserve some bridges with others needing major or maintenance works instead,” said Mr Fitzpatrick-Barr.
The funding for the replacement of Lowes Bridge was supported under the NSW Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Bridges overhauled as part of road safety
Cessnock Council’s Katrina Kerr, Ben Lovell, Sam Basnayake, General Manager, Stephen Glen, Cr Allan Stapleford, Mick Cornish, Mayor, Cr Bob Pynsent and Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr at the refurbished Lowes Bridge, Congewai
LUKE HISLOP
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T he Cessnock City Council has long valued the contribution made by senior citizens to the community and fittingly acknowledge a
deserved recipient each year. Usually granted during Seniors Week
(March), the presentation timeframe of the Senior Citizen of the Year has being overhauled, with the council now incor-porating it into their Australia Day Awards.
Cessnock Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent, said the revised date enables the beneficiary to represent the community during the course of the year.
“Council’s Awards Committee made the decision to include this category in our Australia Day celebrations at the begin-
ning of the year,” said Cr Pynsent. “We feel this is a fair addition to our Australia Day Awards, and ensures our Senior Citizen of the Year is given the opportunity to be an ambassador for the entire year - not just during Seniors Week.”
Sponsored by the council, the Cessnock City’s 2015 Australia Day Awards are currently open, with nominations for all categories closing on December 5.
“Winners will be announced on Australia Day at a Civic Reception at East Cessnock Bowling Club,” Cr Pynsent said.
Official nomination forms and selection criteria are available from www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries and Council’s Customer Service building at 62-78 Vincent Street, Cessnock.
For further information, please contact Gina Radford on 02 4993 4210.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Honouring our seniors
2014 Senior Citizen of the Year, Sheila Turnbull, with Cessnock Mayor, Cr Bob Pynsent
LUKE HISLOP @Luke_Hislop
Categories for Cessnock City’s 2015 Australia Day Awards:
• Citizen of the Year Award
• Senior Citizen of the Year Award
• Young Citizen of the Year Award
• Community Event Award
• Sports Award
• Environmental Award
• Heritage Award
• Achievement and Appreciation Awards
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• Jamo S628HCS12 Speaker Package • 1 extra pair Jamo S622 Surround Speakers• Jamo IC608 FG Ceiling Speakers • Marantz SR7009 Amplifi er •Marantz MM7025 2Ch Amplifer • Marantz UD7007 Ultimate Blu-ray Player • Full TV and Home Theatre Calibration • Samsung UA75H7000 Series 7 75” TV • All Speaker, HDMI Cables and
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Are you moving into a new home or renovating and need a new TV antenna?Fully installed for $160, Usually $299 Please Note: the antenna deal only applies to installing a new roof mount, standard gain antenna and connected to a splitter only.
Little Green Truck
1800 111 555 [email protected] www.littlegreentruck.com.au
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The Little Green Truck Maitland business along with other Little Green Trucks in Newcastle are this week being joined by the final area of Newcastle, Charlestown which will be managed by Graeme Moore.
Now all businesses and homeowners in the upper Hunter and Newcastle can get their stuff picked up and delivered from one of Australia’s number one pick-up and delivery services, the Little Green Truck.
The Little Green Truck services homes to homes - homes to business - business to homes and business to businesses.
They can pick up anything that is too big for your car and they are available 24 hours a day.
Your Little Green Truck business owner has insurance and also provides a guarantee, to care for your goods or items as if they were their own. The owner will always be courteous and treat you and your goods with respect. They pledge to arrive or deliver within an agreed time or their service is free. When you are buying something from any retail store, call Little Green Truck.
Perfect for seniors, students, small house moves, perfect for the gardener when you need green waste or rubbish removed. The Little Green Trucks are in Cardiff (owned by Kerry), in Hamilton (owned by Ben), in Kotara (owned by Karen) in Maitland (owned by Stuart).
Graeme is looking forward to giving all businesses and homeowners in the Charlestown area a friendly service that will not only help them but also save them money.
Customers will be in the draw to win a holiday. You could be off to the indulgent holiday home, Villa Vivante. If you want to become a Little Green Truck owner in an available area in Australia, head to www.littlegreentruck.biz
The little truck with big serviceNeed something bulky delivered? Give the friendly team at the Little Green Truck a call. Available 24 hours a day across Newcastle and the Hunter region
BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
business
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TRADES & SERVICES Phone Gary on 4032 8151 Email [email protected]
Advertise
with us!
TRADIE IN NEED OF WORK?ADVERTISE YOUR TRADE OR SERVICE WITH US!Our Trades and Services section is the most comprehensive weekly guide available in the Hunter region.Some of your sections include• Carpentry• Concreting
• Draining• Electrical
• Fences• Gutters
• Handyman• Landscaping
• Painting• Plumbing
• Roofing • Tiling
WW13780
SHOWROOM: 2/37 Shipley Drive, RutherfordABN: 38944206616
• DIY fl atpacks or we can fully install• Free design and quotes
P 4932 4910www.listkitchens.com.au
No job too small! FREE QUOTES!
Tree Lopping • Stump grindingSmall access • Palm removal
lawn mowing/lawn care
Fully insured
Phone garry 0434 495 715 or 044 724 9180 W
W14248
Home Improvements
Tree Felling & Stump RemovalACE GUTTERS
Manufacturers & SuppliersQuality Rainwater Products
Available in 25 colours in most profi les Daily delivery throughout NewcastleCentral Coast and surrounding areas
For an obligation free measure and quote
Ph: 4948 6611
• Nu-Line• Mini-Line• Square-Line• Quad
• Half Round• Roundline• Steel Fascia• Fascia Cover
WW8189
GREEN LIVING KING PTY. LTD• Leak Detection • Roof Repairs • Roof Painting • Roof Cleaning
• Guttering • Metal Roofi ng • Leaf Screening
(for your gutters)
0477 464 447Lic No. 252546C WW14250
Guttering & Spouting Roof Repairers & CleanersFor your convenience
We accept!
To advertise here call Gary on 4032 8151
Gypco InteriorsA brilliant plasterboard service by Gypco.
Specialising in small, large and insurance jobs.
Paul Gauci 0412 962 519Lic
R9
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WW8215
All Types of Gutters InstalledFactory Direct • Comprehensive Warranties
Metal Roofi ng Leafguard Products Rainwater Tanks Roof Restoration
Reliable Service & Competitive Prices
4388 9007 www.abcseamless.com.au
ABC SEAMLESSGUTTER DISCOUNTERS
Lic
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To advertise your trade or service here call Gary Scotton 4032 8151!
YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO!
Guttering & Spouting Plasterers-Plasterboard FixersElectrical Contractors
DECK DOCTORDecks, verandahs, repairsrefurbishments, cleaning, sanding, sealing, staining, painting. Beautiful. FREE QUOTES. FULLY INSUREDPhone The Doctor 0409660670
DECK DOCTORDecks, verandahs, repairsrefurbishments, cleaning, sanding, sealing, staining, painting. Beautiful. FREE QUOTES. FULLY INSUREDPhone The Doctor 0409660670
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SD & L RUBBISH REMOVALALL RUBBISH
REMOVED• DEMOLITIONS • YARD CLEARING
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041868576149582756 WW8220
Decking Contractors
For your convenience
We accept!WW13257
CARPET/
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FREE MEASURE
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ALL FLOORING
0481 169 214
FLOATING FLOORS –TIMBER /BAMBOO FLOORS & LAMINATES
ALSO SKIRTING & ARCHITRAVING & REMOVAL OF OLD
Floating fl oors laid/supplied from $49 sq mtr
Carpet laid and supplied from $22 sq mtr
RUBBISH REMOVAL•All areas •All kinds of rubbish
•All removed •Prompt Reliable Service •7 Day Service
0412 510 111 or 4955 2416FREE QUOTES!
WW8221
Carpet Layers & Planners Rubbish Removers
www.localassist.com.au
For your convenience
We accept!
LAWN MOWING & CLEANUP GARAGES. PensionerDiscounts.Ph: (02) 4971 6172 or0412663339
POSITIONS WANTED
WANTED Licences MotorMechanicMust have pink slip Ticket.Wheel Alignments. Based inBoolaroo. Right $ for theright guy. Contact Steve0409 568 820.
Advertise in the Classifieds from as little as $25!
Phone Gary 4032 8151 today!
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POSITIONS VACANT
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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Advertise in the Classifieds from as little as $25!
Phone Gary 4032 8151 today!
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ABSOLUTELYEXCELLENTRESUMES
25 years experience.Resumes, Letters and all
Application Criteria.Marilynne: 0438 154 882.
COMPUTERS &ACCESSORIES.
NEW, REPAIRS &TUTORING. Your home ormine! From $25 per hr. Ph:
0419 684 584. 20 yrsexperience.
EDUCATION &TRAINING
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TRAINING COURSES& CLASSES
PUBLIC NOTICESCAREERDEVELOPMENT
STAPLES TransportRefer to Trades & Services.P h : 4 9 5 7 7 6 9 5
CALL JOHN ATACQUIRE PEST
CONTROL0408496084
All types of pest controlincluding termite work.
GUTTERCLEANING
Leaf and bird proofing.Small repairs. Free quotes.
Licence # 10548
PHONE TERRY4954 0309
PUBLIC NOTICESOLD BAR BEACHPET FRIENDLY!
2 bedroom cottages and 3bedroom luxury villa. Fablocation - Walk to shops,
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POSITIONS WANTEDTICKETS & TRAVEL NOTICE BOARD HGWSREMOVALS
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PHONE:49296763.
REMOVALIST JOB OPPORTUNITIES
WW12767Burning, Pain, Urgency?
Urinary burning, urgency, frequency and pain. All symptoms of Cystitis or bladder
problems, if you have any of these symptoms talk to Mark at our Pharmacy Clinic Monday & Thursday each week.Terry White Chemists Hamilton
Tel: 4961 12692
WW14222
PUBLIC NOTICESHEALTH & BEAUTY
www.spotpress.com.au
(02) 9549 1111 [email protected]
cataloguesmagazines
newspapersbrochures
newslettersleafl ets
mailing &fulfi llment
NOTICE BOARDFOR SALE
W omen’s rugby is back in stock and it comes in one colour - Black.
The Maitland Rugby Club has revealed its intention to field a women’s rugby team in 2015, as the latest news follows a string of announcements made during the off-season.
Already, the Blacks playing roster is growing substantially, with a core group showing their intent by registering.
The instigator of the rebirth is Erin Green, a NSW Country Corellas representative and former Newcastle University player.
Green parted ways with the Students having relocated to Maitland and has paired-up with Wallaroo and Farley resident Mollie Gray to garner interest and promote women’s rugby in the area.
“We want to build on the already strong rugby culture at Maitland, and increase the participation and development of women’s and girls’ rugby in Maitland and the Hunter Valley,” Green said.
Due to national duties, Gray is purely acting as an ambassador for the team, with the duo circulating through various Mait-land high schools to speak of their experi-ence and encourage girls to get involved.
Before the Hunter Women’s competition gets underway, the Blacks will take part in a series of pre-season sevens tournaments to build team unity and cohesion.
There’s an extra incentive to lace-up the boots, with women’s rugby sevens now included in the Olympic and Common-wealth Games. The club is yet to confirm a coach for the women’s side, with applica-tions still being sort.
At the Blacks headquarters at Marcellin Park, the bulletin board is nearing capac-ity with the announcement of new club president, Ben Emmett, the unveiling of their own rugby academy and the recent appointment of Todd Bowd as first grade coach.
For more information regarding the Mait-land Rugby Clubs women’s team, contact Erin Green on 0422 590 827.
RUGBY UNION
Maitland Rugby Club’s Erin Green and Mollie Gray
Exciting times for Blacks LUKE HISLOP
Since 1988 the Hunter Academy of Sport has been canvassing the region for gifted sportspeople, then providing those who measure-up the opportunity to engage in development programs.
Now, the academy is looking to identify a talented individual of a different kind and for potential suitors, a partiality towards sport would be a good start.
Following Ken Clifford’s retirement after 27 years of service to the academy, the search for a replacement CEO has begun, with Hunter-based firm, Forsythes Recruitment, overseeing the headhunt-ing.
Geoff Crews, co-owner and partner of the agency, is handling the recruitment process personally, with the firm even expanding their reach internationally in order to obtain the right candidate for the vacated role.
“We are searching for someone with a passion for sport and helping young athletes who is also an excellent admin-istrator and capable of leading change,” Crews said.
“Applications for the position close on December 5 and we hope to have an offer made to a successful candidate before Christmas.
“Depending upon the successful candi-date’s availability it is likely they will start in February.”
Since its inception, the academy has developed into the largest of its kind in Australia and now supports some 600 sportspeople across 28 talent develop-ment programs.
Sport // Luke Hislop
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www.huntervalleyjoyflights.com.au
GIFT VOUCHERSFROM $99
Call 0439 634 244
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Don’t put up with cracked floors, walls, pavement or driveways any longer!
Resinject relevel and re-support sunken homes, factories, warehouse, airports, seaports, railways and other construction by improving the structure of the ground. We lift and relevel concrete slabs as well as fill voids in the underlying soil strata.
NSW Project Manager: 0408 489 245www.resinject.com.au
Call today to receive a FREE assessment!
WW13678
SPORTthe hunter post // www.thehunterpost.com.au
Wednesday 3 December 2014
A gain it was a matter of plenty of effort for no real reward for the Newcastle Jets in their 1-1 draw with the Central Coast Mariners at Hunter Stadium on
Sunday afternoon.After a scoreless first half, strong lead-up
work from David Carney saw Edson Montano put the Jets in front after 48 minutes.
However, the Mariners were back on level terms only seven minutes later through Rich-ard Vernes.
The result left the Jets still in search of their first win after eight matches with coach Phil Stubbins again pointing to the players’ mindset when trying to hold onto a lead.
“It’s very disappointing, again a home game for us, a local derby and not to pick up the three points today is frustrating for everybody,” Stubbins said.
“Also we must get better when there’s parity back in the game, we need to be better at being able to go on and win.
“We had a good week on the track, got ourselves the goal again but we just can’t seem to bring it home.
Jets unable to capitalise again
The Jets fought hard against the Mariners but are still yet to record a victory this season
Stubbins frustrated as home side fails to secure three points in draw with Central Coast
PAUL MONFORTE “They (Mariners) kept the ball better than what we did in certain periods and had some chances as well.
“For us, we had some really good chances today, we just didn’t take them.”
The Jets have another match at home this weekend when they take on the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday afternoon at 5pm.
A-League ladder after round 8: Perth Glory 19pts (+4), Melbourne Victory 18pts (+10), Adelaide United 17pts (+6), Sydney FC 16pts (+6), Wellington Phoenix 12pts (+4), Central Coast 6pts (-5), Melbourne City 6pts (-7), Bris-bane Roar 4pts (-3), Newcastle Jets 4pts (-9), Western Sydney Wanderers 3pts (-6).
The Jets’ W-League side had a 2-0 victory over Adelaide United at Jack McLaughlan Oval, Edgeworth on Saturday.
Victoria Huster and Rhali Dobson scored for the home side.
Their next match will be against Sydney FC at Lambert Park in Sydney on Saturday afternoon at 5pm.
The Jets’ Youth League team were defeated 3-2 by Central Coast Mariners at Weston on Saturday afternoon.
They will play Adelaide United in Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.
WW14405
Locally owned and operated for 21 years • Independent
• Providing full servicing for all vehicles • NRMA approved
repairer • Rego checks • Fully competent accessory fitting
service available
263 Anderson Drive, Beresfield
Phone 4966 8330
WW14405
•
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Open
Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm
Fri 8am-3.30pm