It’s our birthday 6th th month! is
Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram for community news and info Issue No 73• A community newspaper for Newcastle’s suburbs • May 2020
Back to school (sort of) Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell recently outlined the plan for students attending public schools to progressively return to face-to-face learning in week three of Term 2. Ms Berejiklian said health advice continues to be that schools remain open, and parents, teachers and students can be confident that school is a safe place. “We are grateful to all families who kept their children home from school at the end of Term 1 and to teachers who worked tirelessly to deliver education online,” Ms Berejiklian said. “This allowed us critical time to measures to allow schools to return. prepare our schools to develop “We know that nothing is more better online learning options and important than a child’s education, for considering additional hygiene and we must begin to return our
students to their classrooms in a considered way. “Under these changes, from week (continued on page 7)
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LOCAL
Matters All editorial, advertising and distribution enquiries to Mark Brooker by email: mark@ hunterlocal.com.au or ph 0455 210 000 Mail: PO Box 130 Lambton, 2299 Office: 51 Howe Street, Lambton (appointment only) Founder & publisher: Mark Brooker
Advertising bookings for the June issue close on Friday 15 May The Local is lovingly produced and carefully hand delivered each and every month to more than 10,200 residential letterboxes and businesses in Lambton, North Lambton, New Lambton, New Lambton Heights, Broadmeadow, Hamilton North and Jesmond. You can find back issues of previous editions and check out the latest community news and information at: www.hunterlocal.com.au or on our Facebook page @thelocalnewcastle. If you enjoy receiving The Local in your letterbox each month please support the businesses you see advertising on these pages. Without their support your local paper could not and would not happen. Pretty simple really...
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Readers, advertisers and community groups are encouraged to contribute to The Local with news items, community events and any matter of general interest to residents of the area. In contributing news items the contributor accepts that such information may or may not be published in print and/or online using websites and social media channels at the sole discretion of the publisher. No guarantee of publication is ever implied by this invitation to contribute. Except where noted otherwise, all information, photographs, text and images, within The Local is subject to copyright. Material may not be reproduced and/or distributed in whole or part in any form without the prior, explicit consent of the publisher. The Local is printed on Australian-made paper using up to 55% recycled fibre. The Local is 100% recyclable. Please recycle it, but only after you’ve read it!
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Page 2 > The Local > May 2020
with Mark Brooker Publisher of The Local
Covidcidence
It’s hard to overstate how very strange the last few weeks have been for us all. Could anyone have imagined how everyday life and simple day to day activities would be curtailed, even outlawed? Like pretty much every enterprise The Local has been impacted by these restrictions. You would have noticed that the April issue never landed in your letterbox. We felt that it would be asking too much of our walkers to venture around their respective neighbourhoods delivering your copy when lockdown had just begun. Instead we decided to leave quantities of The Local at lots of retailers, pharmacies, cafes etc. We hoped that as you went about what movements you could locally you would happen upon a copy to take home. Many of you did, which is great. We still have copies of available if you would like one. If you would like a copy of April issue just text your address to 0455 210 000 and we’ll drop a copy in soon. So, here we are. As a community, as a city, as a state, even as a country, we’ve done well so far at flattening that infamous curve. The danger of course has not fully passed and now is no time to be complacent. But there are good signs that the worst of the restrictions are over. We have resumed monthly letterbox delivery of The Local to more than 10,000 homes and businesses in Lambton, North Lambton, New Lambton, New Lambton Heights, Hamilton North and parts of Broadmeadow. To secure a solid future for The Local going forward we have decided to limit our letterbox distribution to the suburbs listed above. Each month we will make bulk copies available through advertisers and other outlets in surrounding suburbs. Remember to support local retailers and service providers whenever you can, keep up the social distancing and wash your hands often.
Hey Stuckers! Help is here
When two primary teacher friends found themselves wondering in late March what they could do to help kids and parents stuck at home during the COVID-19 a YouTube channel called ‘Stuckers’ was born. With a combined 40 years of primary teaching experience Kim Hawgood and Sally Pilgrim, both of Lambton, are well qualified to know what captures the attention and imagination, then entertains and teaches kids. “We both really felt compelled to use our combined skills to do what we can to support kids, parents and Sal (left) and Kim from Stuckers filming one of their teachers. After all....we’re stuck at daily YouTube challenges for kids stuck at home home too!” Sal told The Local. Each day Stuckers release a new video with a levelled challenge the house which have some from kids, parents and teachers.” for kids. The aim is to get them off educational value. Sal said. screens doing fun activities around “We are getting fabulous feedback (continued on page 6)
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Leaders join forces for City’s COVID-19 recovery Seventeen CEOs and city leaders met via video link in April to develop a blueprint for Newcastle’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The City Taskforce consists of business, industry and government representatives from key sectors across the local economy, from education to finance to tourism and the arts. All leaders openly shared insights on the significant impact to their business, industry and most importantly, their people and customers. Newcastle’s City Taskforce consists of Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes, Chair; Hunter New England Health CEO Michael DiRienzo; Wests Group CEO, Philip Gardner; NIB CEO, Mark Fitzgibbon; Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody; University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO; Colliers International Managing Director, Peter Macadam; Greater Bank CEO, Scott Morgan; Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes; Hunternet CEO, Tony Cade; Independent Creative Alliance’s Justine Coggan; Newcastle Airport CEO, Peter Cock; Alloggio CEO, Will Creedon; Newcastle Permanent CEO, Bernadette Inglis; Regional NSW Director, Alison McGaffin; Samaritans CEO, Brad Webb and Hunter Workers Secretary, Daniel Wallace. City of Newcastle has committed $500,000 to the project, as well as in-kind support, as part of its COVID-19 Community and Economic Development Resilience
Page 4 > The Local > May 2020
Above: City leaders and CEOs came together, virtually at least, in April to form the City Taskforce. The Taskforce will develop a blueprint for Newcastle’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis Package, while each organisation will provide staffing resources to implement initiatives. This will initially fund an Expression of Interest (EOI) program to provide innovative and targeted responses to those local industries hardest hit by the virus. Chaired by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, the Taskforce will coordinate a concerted, strategic approach to recovery. “This is an historic moment in the City’s response to this global crisis, as we work to maximise the capacity and speed of our recovery,” the Lord Mayor said. “Never before has our city seen such an unprecedented level of collaboration amongst its leaders. “I’d like to thank all 17 CEOs for accepting my invitation to give their time to the Taskforce. Each
has their own responsibilities in terms of leading their organisations’ response during and out of COVID-19. “Despite this, they are making time to assist City of Newcastle in ensuring that we leave no stone unturned in identifying anything and everything that can be done to help our city now and during its medium to long term recovery.” The Taskforce will liaise with lead agencies Hunter New England Health for Public Health updates; Regional NSW on government responses; and the Hunter Research Foundation Centre around economic impacts. It will meet fortnightly through to the year’s end. While the Taskforce has been established as a Newcastlecentric initiative, its benefits will be felt well beyond LGA boundaries.
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Hey Stuckers! (continued from page 3)
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With over 20 daily challenges to date, almost 600 subscribers and 22,000 views on YouTube and 1700 likes on their Facebook page, Stuckers has already been a success by any measure. “It’s the satisfaction of knowing we are doing our little bit to help kids and parents during the difficult season we find ourselves in that makes it worthwhile.” Sal added. To find Stuckers - search @stuckerskids on Facebook or search ‘Stuckers’ on YouTube.
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Transitioning back to school
(continued from front page) three of Term 2, every student will be attending school for one day a week. “We will look to increase the number of days students are at school in a staged way and hope to have all children back at school full-time by Term 3. “I’d like to thank the Catholic and Independent schools for working with the NSW Government at this time, as well as staff, including teachers, principals and cleaners, for working so hard to prepare for a resumption of school. “I’d also like to thank parents for what has been a tough month, often juggling working from home and caring for children. We hope the partial resumption of on campus learning will provide some much
needed relief to those families.” During the first stage of oncampus learning, parents will be encouraged to keep their children home except on their allocated day of face-to-face learning. Initially, about a quarter of a school’s students are expected to be on site at any one time. The specific days students will be required to attend school each week will vary from school to school and will be clearly communicated to parents. Classes will be split across schools, allowing schools to appropriately social distance students and teachers. As always, schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school. Ms Mitchell said careful
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consideration had been given to support the school community, providing clarity and certainty on the path forward. “This plan provides a clear path that balances community concerns with a need to deliver continuity of quality education,” Ms Mitchell said. “Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms and provisions are in place for at-risk teachers to work from home. Drop off, pick up, recess and lunchtimes will also be staggered to ensure social distancing.” In addition to the staged return to school, the NSW Government has committed up to $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged in active work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Local Quiz
Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Louise Parsons of Adamstown Heights. Your prize is on its way. Last month’s mystery photo was the mural at the Brown Rd entrance to Broadmeadow Railway Station. This month’s quiz questions are below. You’ll find the answers within the pages of this issue, except of course for the mystery photo answer. Question 1 How many days per week will pupils attend school commencing week 3 of term 2? Question 2 What is the name of the initiative that uses handdrawn pictures to add some colour and love to the lives of older locals which NovaCare Community Services has joined? Question 3 How many business and community leaders met recently to form the Newcastle City Taskforce? Question 4 Where was William Conn’s grocery and produce store located?
Question 5 What building is partially pictured below?
Send your quiz answers to admin@hunterlocal.com. au with ‘The Local Quiz’ in the subject line or post them to PO Box 130, Lambton 2299 by Friday 15 May for a chance to win a $50 open order to spend at your choice of one local business advertising in this issue.
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Page 8 > The Local > May 2020
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Surviving ‘Learn from home’ The Local invited parenting consultant Mel Burgess from Love Parenting to offer local parents some tips on surviving the ‘Learn from home’ world we find ourselves in.
Bam! This kids-schooling-from-home caper came upon us very quickly and the stress from it is palpable. Most parents I am Zoom meeting with have eyebrows hitched so high they are barely distinguishable from their hairline as they marvel wide-eyed over how much has changed for their family in the last month and how exhausted and overwhelmed they feel from the red-hot-go they are giving to prioritising education alongside all the other things they dearly value. A key point for us to consider at this point is that flooded kids can’t learn. Think back to the last time you were running late and couldn’t find your keys. In your flurry you probably checked and rechecked places you already had looked, got angry, and went ‘blank’ on where you even used them last. The fight/flight/freeze centre of your brain was in gear and not being able to access your pre-frontal cortex was hampering you doing something that you can usually quite easily do.
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Page 10 > The Local > May 2020
Local parenting consultant and mentor Mel Burgess of Love Parenting The same concept applies to our kids at the moment. Emotional flooding closes off the area of the brain where rational thought, self-regulation and learning takes place. I invite you to remind yourself that we are midpandemic…that your expectations of yourself and your kids are quite probably escalated up into the ‘not even close to humanly possible’ realm at the moment…..that our kids learn best when they feel settled and safe….and that school can send home all the work it likes, but our kids can only soak up as much as their limbic systems are ready to. While our kids are learning from home our job alongside them is to keep our expectations (of them and ourselves) matched to what is actually physically possible in these extreme times and return them to school with their mental health, immune systems and hunger for learning as in-tact as possible. That is how we keep their education a priority. You know your kids. You know what settles and nurtures them. Lead them to do as much of that as it takes, and make sure you deal yourself in on that too. To learn more go to www.loveparenting.com.au
The Local > May 2020 > Page 11
Locals in lockdown - fun in iso Whether it’s spotting teddy bears in windows around your neighbourhood, learning a new instrument, working and learning from home or catching up with family via video chat, we have all found new ways to keep ourselves occupied while maintaining social distancing. Clockwise from below: Esther & Lydia of North Lambton; Robert from Wallsend; Chris, Declan & Bubbles from North Lambton, Mark & Riley from Lambton (middle right panel)
Page 12 > The Local > May 2020
Locals in lockdown -ANZAC Day We remembered servicemen and women with fitting tributes on an ANZAC Day like no other. At right: Phil Mahoney and his family remembered their Uncle John Percy Gallagher who enlisted for The Great War aged 14, served at Gallipoli and died aged 17 in 1917. Bottom left: Brian Lizotte from Lizotte’s played the Last Post on trombone as the National Dawn Service was held. Below and bottom right: Other locals placed floral tributes on their gates and fences to remember the fallen
The Local > May 2020 > Page 13
Is your letterbox feeling lucky?
and a $30 voucher for Spar Express Lambton to choose from. First in best dressed with choice of vouchers. The vouchers must be claimed by 13 May and redeemed at your chosen retailer by 31 May. Congratulations to the residents of 18 Orlando Rd Lambton who received a $30 voucher last month.
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If one of the letterboxes pictured above is yours, you’ve won a $30 shopping voucher from one of three great local retailers. Phone us at The Local on 0455 210 000 by Wednesday 13 May to confirm your address and choose your prize. There’s a $30 voucher for Jarrett’s Quality Meats at Lambton, a $30 voucher for Q’s Books at Hamilton
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LAMBTON
Thank y ou. . . to you, our Custome rs! YOUR SUPPORT OF LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING THESE TRYING TIMES IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. THE FEELING OF COMMUNITY IS ALIVE AND WELL RIGHT NOW!
WE’RE STILL OPEN 7DAYS 114 ELDER STREET, LAMBTON • PH: 4956 3657 Find us on
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THAT WAS THEN This is now
with Lachlan Wetherall
William Conn In the late 19th century, William Conn was the owner of one of the finest commercial establishments in Lambton. Conn was born in Durham (UK) in 1841 and emigrated to Australia with his parents in 1864, initially working at a mine in Hamilton before opening a store in Lambton. This month’s photo by Ralph Snowball shows William standing by the front door of his large grocery and produce store on the north west corner of Elder and Morehead streets. At his side is one of his daughters, while upstairs on the balcony is his wife Sophia with their four other children. While the ground floor was devoted to commerce, upstairs was the family residence and a large room capable of seating 200 people. This “Temperance Hall” was used in the campaign against the social ills of alcohol. Many other community gatherings, political meetings, church anniversary teas and public lectures were held in the hall. The grand appearance of this building with its verandas and colonnades was no accident, for it was designed in 1885 by a young up and coming
architect Frederick B Menkens, who would go on to design some of the city’s iconic buildings such as the Mechanics’ Institute in Hamilton and the Earp Gillam Bond Store in Newcastle East. Unfortunately, the prosperity of William Conn captured in Snowball’s photo evaporated in the late 1890s with a series of bad financial investments. “In one undertaking, which was regarded as safe as a bank he lost upwards of £300.” In 1900 he was forced to sell off his business and depart the district. He had been an enduring contributor to civic life, serving seven years as an alderman on Lambton Council, including two years as Mayor.
Opposite page: William Conn’s store, residence, and hall, at the corner of Elder & Morehead Streets Lambton, circa 1888. Photo by Ralph Snowball. University of Newcastle. Cultural Collections. Above: the same location today The hall William built continued to be used for many decades, and was variously known as Bell’s Hall, Empire Hall, and Tiplady’s Hall. After residing in Wallsend for about 20 years, William Conn died on 2 June 1921 and was buried in Sandgate cemetery. You can view these photos and more details at www. lachlanwetherall.com Registered psychologists experienced in assessing and treating a range of symptoms from various disorders including… ➤ autism ➤ depression ➤ anger ➤ grief and loss ➤ post traumatic stress ➤ work place issues ➤ behavioural issues ➤ domestic violence ➤ anxiety ➤ addiction ➤ relationship problems ➤ trauma
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A STUDY OF LIFE IN LAMBTON LAMBTON RESIDENTS GROUP
PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
CAPTION YOUR PHOTO BEGINNING WITH…
• Still life • Wildlife • Leisure life • Working life • Lifestyle • Way of life • • Life’s work • Lifelike • Lifelong • Lifeline • Lifesaver • Love of life • Lifetimes • • Low life • Midlife • Nightlife • Young life • Life in lockdown • NO LIMIT TO YOUR IMAGINATION! COLOUR, B&W OR COLLAGE CATEGORIES • Senior: Age 60+ • Adult: Age 18-60 • Junior: Age 17 & Under • People’s Choice • Photos will be printed on A4 size and on display at Lambton Bowling Club Email digital copies to mwebster7@bigpond.com and don’t forget to include the name of photographer, category and photo title. (maximum 4 entries per person) Competition Closes Page 18 > The Local > May 5pm 2020 Friday August 21st, 2020, winners announced on dates to be advised. The organisers, Lambton Residents Group, reserve the right to reproduce and display any photo entries.
Book Review sponsored by Q’s Books
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The beginning…. A sad, lonely girl who felt like she didn’t belong, scraping at the bottom for survival. An outcast in her own family who relied on her. The middle…. Complete and utter loveliness, forbidden love, secrets and the unknown. A beautiful world she wanted to hate. The end…. In your face, didn’t see that coming, blow after blow, battling to the very end for love. This book might possibly be the best thing I’ve ever read. I was captivated from the very beginning. The author took me to a world I’ve never been taken before. I was taken to a place so far from my reality and I wanted to stay there permanently. I was so captivated. I felt every word, smelt every smell, saw every colour, and felt every emotion as if I was right there with them. I wanted to be Feyre!! And isn’t that the purpose of a great book? To be taken from reality so deeply its as if you are one of them. It was brilliantly written and a story that I will never ever forget. I 100% recommend everyone to read this. It’s a must for your “to be read” list. I’ll never get over this one.
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Here to
HELP with Elaine Abery of Unravelling Red Tape
Designing public policy
Thanks for that great question! First things first. When designing public policy, government decides how it wants to deal with a certain situation. In the current environment, government has been taking staged steps to shut down “risky” activities. The law that resulted from those policy decisions lists what is not allowed. This is a simpler solution than making lists of what is and isn’t allowed and in which circumstance. Simply put, there are so many activities, and so many variations of each activity, that it would be extremely difficult to list everything. And that would make for a lot of pages of law. Obviously, there are activities similar to those found in the prohibited activities list. So, people and professions have been asking government to clarify if their profession or activity can continue.
In response, over time, governments have changed the laws around Australia to make exceptions to Dear Here to Help, the list of what is not allowed. This results in rather I am finding governments’ covid-19 directions really complicated law, where you can’t do something on hard to understand. Why can’t they just tell us what the list, unless you fall within a specific exemption. everyone can and can’t do? Again, there are activities and professions similar to those in the exemptions. As the list of exemptions grows, the law becomes more complex, and more uncertain. Another key factor in law-making is discretion. No law-maker can envisage every possible situation the law will apply to now and into the future. So, law works best when authorities have discretion to apply the law in a way that works best in particular circumstances. One example of this is beach closures. Surfing and fishing were generally allowed to continue, because they are a form of exercise (an exception to the rules). But swimming was not, even though it is also an exercise. Newcastle has spacious ocean baths, where it is possible to exercise and observe social distancing. And so, after a few days of closing the baths and beaches to swimmers, Newcastle City Council made the practical decision to allow swimming for exercise purposes. This aligns how ocean water-based sports are treated in Newcastle under the current rules. In summary, although the law may not be 100% clear about how your particular situation is treated, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Page 20 > The Local > May 2020
Regards, Elaine
AGE Matters with Joseph McCarthy CEO of NovaCare Community Services
Splash of colour brightens the COVID-19 gloom
Around Newcastle and the Hunter, we have many people over 70 years of age who are self-isolating in their homes, just as they have been encouraged to do, to look after their health. What this means is that older people, many of whom live alone, are not having any visitors now. At
NovaCare, we know this can be very lonely and that people need to feel supported and connected to their communities more than ever. As a local community organisation, NovaCare is asking you all, in the wider community, to get creative with a wonderful initiative called ‘Wall Heart’. ‘Wall Heart’ is a fun, heart-warming way to help fill the lives of older people with love and colour with hand-drawn pictures. For all the grandparents and other elders out there, we’re asking you to help make this happen. Get the young and young at heart in your home to make some colourful ‘Wall Heart’. You’ll really make someone’s day! Send them to your grandparents, put them in your neighbour’s letter box or you can mail them to us. We have over 1,500 older people who are part of our NovaFamily, and we will happily distribute your drawings to them. Let’s reach as many people as we can through this initiative to help combat isolation, and surprise and delight as many people as we can get. We ask you to please send your original drawings to: Wall Heart, PO Box 240, Carrington NSW 2294. If you are a group or organisation please talk to Simone or Teresa, call 1300 363 654.
The Local > May 2020 > Page 21
GUT HEALTH
Matters with Sara Knight of The Gut Clinic
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Page 22 > The Local > May 2020
Who’s taking care of you?
In these surreal times, we may be leading simpler but not necessarily easier lives. We may put others first with home schooling and housework during the day, working late into the night. And then our health starts to suffer. In many cases, it is our gut telling us to stop and listen with signs of increasing food sensitivities, bloating, fatigue, irritability, poor memory and frustration to name just a few. Many of us may feel “wired and tired” or simply burnt out. To help you put yourself first again, here are some tips: • Schedule time for you every week. And then every day. You need to put yourself first so you can teach/demonstrate to those around, and looking to you, to take care of yourself. • Get regular sleep - often I see that parents only time for themselves is after everyone has gone to bed. Getting to and up from bed at the same time each day and aiming for around 8 hours of sleep is a great investment in your physical and mental health. You will have more energy, brain clarity and motivation. • Delegate - A key area is the work that needs to be done to run the house by finding age-appropriate chores for kids because it challenges us parents to give more responsibility to our kids. And the kids love the challenge and the feeling of mastering a new skill. • Finally, celebrate your wins. The busier we are, the more likely we are to see the items left do on the list, and ignore all those the items that have been checked off. Take some time to look at all that you have achieved, all that you have and celebrate! Although our current circumstances are temporary, we each need to still have measures in place to take of ourselves. This is more important now than ever. Taking care our yourself first means that you stay healthy in order to look after those around you.
Care
with Cheryl Shaw of Dogoverboard
Have fun with your dog
Whilst the current situation is changing our lives dramatically, our pets absolutely love having us at home. Pets are known to have many health benefits for their owners including lowering blood pressure and aiding in mental health during times of high stress and anxiety. It is great owning a cat or dog to give comfort and companionship. It is amazing to see so many dogs out walking with their owners. As their paws hit the pavement just remember if the dog isn’t used to being walked regularly or is not in great shape, take it slowly, we don’t want Fido exhausted, we just want the dog to enjoy the sights and smells whilst they exercise. Whilst you are self-isolating, there are many ways you can interact with your pet and enjoy doing some fun new things together. You can have some fun and the dog can get some exercise and enrichment for their mind
The fun and healthy place for dogs
L BUSINE CA
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Dogoverboard
LO
PET
too. Apart from the obvious going for a walk, why not try some suggestions from my list; Hide and see, is not just for kids, it’s a great game to play and can be done indoors or outdoors. Chase each other playing tag, you will both get fit as you play. Drop into Dogoverboard for a beautiful groom, pedicure and include some nail polish for those glamorous girls? If you are into Yoga, get your dog to join you in the downward dog pose. Sing to your dog and dance with your dog. Teach your dog a new trick, and no it’s never too late old dogs can learn new things. Never played with a frisbee before, well get a soft plastic lid and throw. Create an agility obstacle course in your back yard. Make bubbles and let your dog chase them. Dress your dog up and have a photo shoot, have fun and smile. If you are artistic try drawing your dog, you may be surprised at the results. Make some homemade special treats, maybe some ice cream. Plenty of recipes are available online. Got a skateboard? Teach your dog to ride, could go viral on the internet. Take your dog for the ride in the car when ordering food at a drive through. Write a list of all the words your dog understands, you may be surprised at their vocabulary. Give your dog a relaxing massage. Make some paw prints of your dog, these could be used in the garden as stepping-stones. Sometimes it’s ok to be a couch potato and have a snuggle. Try rolling on the grass with your dog. Dogoverboard is open for all our doggy pampering services. Don’t forget your beloved dog at this stressful time.
2019
AW
ARDS
WINNER
PET CARE CATEGORY HUNTER
The most comprehensive dog care centre in NSW! Thanks dog lovers for voting us Best Pet Care & Dog Grooming business in the Hunter 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2019! Professional Dog Grooming Doggy Day Care
Puppy Creche
Puppy Pre School
Exclusive collars, leads, jackets and beds
Bathing
Heated Indoor Swimming
Nail clipping any time without an appointment!
Phone 4957 8500 Open 7 Days 10 William Street Adamstown dogoverboard.com.au Follow us on /Dogoverboard The Local > May 2020 > Page 23
VET Chat by Dr Fiona Wallace of New Lambton Veterinary Clinic
Ch-ch-ch-changes!
2020 – will we ever be the same after this year?? But although it’s been tough not to be able to catch up with friends, share a hug, attend regular sporting and social functions, enjoy a latte in the local coffee shop etc etc etc I’m sort of hoping that we won’t quite return to “normal” after this! I have noticed a real sense of calm pervading the world. Traffic sounds are fewer, birds more numerous, spending quality time with those in our households has become very real, people have been generous and innovative, and not only that, I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty proud to be part of a nation with a great health care system and a desire and ability to work together effectively for the good of all. At the clinic, we have been operating a contactless
system with carpark consultations and “Pets not People” inside the building. We have started our tele-medicine consultations, and they have been amazingly successful and popular. I always found it valuable to observe pets in their home environments when I ran the mobile practice and I am finding that an advantage in our ZOOM calls too. The calls are definitely better for the fact that we are talking to each other directly from our own “spaces” and we can see the pet at home. We have our Uber Ambulance up and running and we are offering free pick-up and delivery and food/ medicine drop offs to our over-70 clients as well as those in enforced lock-down. We have recently, as a gesture of thanks, extended this free service to any frontline health care workers who are part of the New Lambton Veterinary Clinic family, to give them a break from their busy hospital schedules. Finally, we have been working on on-line puppy preschool! We have had quite a few puppies coming in for their needles over the last couple of weeks, and obviously we can’t run our usual classes at the moment. But there is a wealth of information still to impart, and we are planning lunch time puppy training dates in-house over the four week course to supplement to on line learning. Participants just need to download the ZOOM app on their phones and the rest is easy to explain, with the aid of our custom written puppy training hand book!
NEW LAMBTON VETERINARY CLINIC
Loving care and attention with cutting edge technology and expertise… we are your best friend’s best friends!
FREE
PARA TICK TR LYSIS EATMEN T
Ask us h
ow!
126 Lambton Rd, Broadmeadow • 4952 8809 • www.newlambtonvets.com.au Enter from Perth Rd (rear of Rovert Lighting) • Follow us on
Page 24 > The Local > May 2020
LAW
Matters by Rob Dilley of Newcastle Legal
Family Dispute Resolution and Legal Aid
Covid 19 means families spend more and more time in each other’s company and it’s not surprising that tempers flare and the incidence of domestic violence escalates. This can lead to a complete breakdown of a relationship. Family law in Australia requires that people attempt to resolve their prior to any application to the court. Before any court application can be made a person must obtain a Section 60 I Certificate which can only be issued by a Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Practitioner. Where there are children involved its essential that the parties come to some agreement on how the welfare of the children is to be managed. Mediation or FDR as its more commonly known is negotiation between 2 people to resolve differences and find a way to communicate and go forward albeit in separate directions. Both children and property matters can be addressed in FDR. Private FDR is relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of going to court. Nevertheless many people cannot afford the cost of a private mediator and must rely on Legal Aid. Newcastle Legal is able to provide easy access to legal aid via our own online portal. In less than 25 minutes we can get your application into Legal Aid and quickly assess whether or not you will be eligible. If agreement can’t be reached then the certificate will be issued and you may commence action in the family Court. Newcastle Legal can advise and assist with any application, whether it concerns children or property or both, and help guide and assist you through the complicated process of family law in Australia.
Making Legal Easy FAMILY LAW MATTERS ➤ Explain Court processes and the laws that relate to Family Law. ➤ Negotiate with your ex-partner or their lawyer. ➤ Represent you in Court. ➤ Assist you through your family law matter.
Call 1800 003 004 for an appointment 17 Beaumont St, Hamilton T: 1800 003 004 E: mail@nlegal.com.au W: www.nlegal.com.au The Local > May 2020 > Page 25
Local news from another time... From The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of Monday 29th May 1876
From The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of Thursday 29th May 1879
Page 26 > The Local > May 2020
From The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate 25th May 1910
PHARMACY
Matters by Anthony Piggott
of Piggott’s Pharmacies: Blackbutt, Branxton, Hamilton, Lambton and Merewether
Virtual baby clinics
and email babynurse@piggottspharmacy.com.au for her to arrange a personal Virtual Baby Clinic using Zoom.
Face masks
Face masks are a hot topic at the moment. I do need to stress the significance of using face masks produced to an International Standard, along with the importance of a good fit and face mask care. It is vital that fask masks are not shared amongst family or friends. Consider putting your initials on your face mask.
A mask is only as effective as its fit. There should be no gaps along the side or under the chin that would allow This is such a difficult time for everyone. But it is air and droplets to bypass the filter medium. The mask should always be properly adjusted to fully cover both especially difficult for new parents. the mouth and nose. You have brought a baby into the world just as thousands have done before, but you have been cheated out of all There are several things that contribute to a good fit. The that physical support and shared joy that usually comes most important consideration is the nose piece. It should mould over the nose (start by folding over your finger) with the territory. and cheeks and maintain its shape over time. For new parents, please take advantage of our free Baby Nurse service. Ruth has been our wonderful Baby Nurse Face mask care: Extended use is favoured over reuse for many years and has needed to adopt her service because it is expected to involve less touching of the in the current climate. So, instead of coming into a face mask and therefore less risk of contact transmission. Piggott’s Pharmacy to see Baby Nurse Ruth, send an A key consideration for safe extended use is that the face mask must maintain its fit and function. Workers email to babynurse@piggottspharmacy.com.au in other industries routinely use N95 face masks Here’s how the Virtual Baby Clinics works: for several hours uninterrupted. Experience in these Include your phone number and Baby Nurse Ruth will settings indicates that face masks can function within call you back. their design specifications for 8 hours of continuous or After contact, you can opt for a video call through Zoom intermittent use. (free to download). There is no way of determining the maximum possible A few things to note: Response time will vary depending number of safe reuses for an N95 face mask as a generic number to be applied in all cases. If no manufacturer on how many calls Ruth receives. guidance is available, preliminary data suggests limiting The number Ruth will contact you from will read the number of reuses to no more than five uses per ‘Private’. device to ensure an adequate safety margin. Having Zoom already downloaded and installed will For more information Ask Piggott’s Pharmacy or make swapping to a video chat much easier. see: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hcwcontrols/ Please like and follow Ruth on Facebook: recommendedguidanceextuse.html @ruthscottbabies and @piggotts for general information,
HAVE YOU VISITED A
Samaritans Shop
We invite you to pop in and grab a bargain. We run four quality recycled clothing stores.
Donations of clothing, manchester, bric-a-brac and other collectible items are always welcome! You can deliver items directly to any of our Retail Stores. STORES & OPENING HOURS
HAMILTON - 4961 5233 | 19 Beaumont Street, Hamilton MAYFIELD - 4960 9015 | 131 Maitland Road, Mayfield WALLSEND - 4951 5779 | 145 Nelson Street, Wallsend BOOLAROO - 4958 2307 | 15 Main Road, Boolaroo
Monday–Friday: 9am – 4.15pm Saturday: 9.30am – 1pm
www.samaritans.org.au/shops
The Local > May 2020 > Page 27
SUPPORTING THE FIGHT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Survivor’s R Us Incorporated is a not-for-profit charity and benevolent institution that supports the fight against domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment. If you need our services please contact us on phone 4953 7108 or mobile 0477 702 151 You will find us at Unit 1/3 Ranton St, Cardiff Web: survivorsrusincorporated.com Email: survivors@survivorsrusincorporated.com Page 28 > The Local > May 2020
ELECTRICIAN
Dogoverboard The fun and healthy place for dogs
The most comprehensive dog care centre in NSW!
SAFE FRIENDLY TIDY
Neil Smith 0413 832 646 or Peter Kotz 0411 380 023
Phone 4957 8500 Open 7 Days 10 William Street Adamstown dogoverboard.com.au Follow us on /Dogoverboard
GARDEN SERVICES
GARDEN SERVICES
CALL US TODAY
YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICIAN
ON TIME
Lic #: 94942C
We specialise in custom made kitchens, bathrooms & laundries Free design and quotation Over 30 years experience
Lic: 253363C
Local Trades and Service Directory
DOG GROOMING
BUILDERS
PHONE: 0467 682 017 djcelectrician@gmail.com
LEGAL SERVICES
IAN’S MOWING SERVICE In your local area
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS Lawn, Garden and General Maintenance Handy Man Services ✤ General Household Tasks Preparation of House for Sale or Rental Holiday Maintenance Services ✤ Gutter Cleaninq Rubbish Removal ✤ Quality Service Guaranteed For a FREE quote call Brett 0484 698 955 EMAIL: brett.casson@hotmaiI.com @premiumedgemowingandmaintenance
PAINTER
● Lawn Mowing ● Edges ● Fertilize ● Spray for Weeds ● Reliable Service
CALL NOW FOR A FREE QUOTE 0404 325 407
Making legal easy • Traffic • Criminal • Family • Wills • Litigation • Commercial • Employment • Conveyancing
1800 003 004
• mail@nlegal.com.au • 17 Beaumont St, Hamilton
PLUMBER
PLUMBER
Andrew Turnbull PAINTER & DECORATOR
3RD GENERATION NOVOCASTRIAN TRADESMAN 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE LICENSED & INSURED WORK GUARANTEED FREE COMPETITIVE QUOTES Lic. 143667C
PHONE 4965 5016 OR 0439 403 751
PETER DEDMAN PLUMBING • ROOFING • GUTTERING • • GASFITTING • DRAINAGE • • WATER SERVICES •
24HR
BREAKDOWN SERVICE
M: 0434 359 855
E: peterdedman.plumbing@hotmail.com Lic. No. L14074
Your Local Plumber Servicing New Lambton, Lambton and surrounding suburbs… ➤ Plumbing ➤ Drainage ➤ Gas Fitting ➤ Blocked Drains ➤ CCTV pipe inspections ➤ Friendly and Reliable Service 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE, ALL WORK GUARANTEED
CALL FOR A FREE COMPETITIVE QUOTE
Phone Jon on
0400 603 545 The Local > May 2020 > Page 29
Local Classifieds... FOR SALE
ARCHERY BOW PSE left-handed, 50 to 70 lbs, quiver, armguard, fingertab and bow bag $160 o.n.o. Ph 4957 7470 BUFFET 3 door pine buffet $50 Ph 4957 3075
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
GOLF PUTTER Odyssey ‘Versa’ mallett type, ball pick-up, cover, mid-sized grip attached, excellent condition, new price approx $300, for sale at $150 Ph 0415 675 171
MOBILITY/DISABILITY AIDS Wheelchair black/silver, brand new $350; walker red/black, 9 months old, exc. cond. $75; Rollator black/silver, 18 months old, also can connect a walking stick to it $125; over toilet chair with splash bowl exc. cond. $50 Ph 4957 2924
CAR STEREO SPEAKERS Full range car speakers. 6” 30 watt flush mount, good condition. $60 o.n.o. Ph 0452 049 912
HONEY Local, raw, pure, organic honey straight from the hive, no heating, no added sugar or syrups, just the good stuff straight from the bees. $12 per kilo Ph 0423 050 778
DINGHY Brooker 12’ aluminium dinghy. Deep V, reasonable condition with oars, rowlocks and anchor $350 o.n.o Ph 4948 8839
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Just like the classifieds in other newspapers except they’re free and they work! Email yours to admin@hunterlocal.com.au by 15th of the month.
Solution to crossword on page 28
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U D
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PIANO Mignon piano & stool, good condition, $100, pick up Hamilton. Ph 0428 654 064 SHOWER CHAIR Auscare white aluminium shower chair. Very good condition. $60 o.n.o. Ph 0404 018 735 TREADMILL iWalk electric treadmill. Never been used. New $799.98, sell for $500 o.n.o.Ph 0418 207 976 WORK PLATFORM Fold-up aluminium work platform. Deck 30cm x 110cm, height 73cm $25 Ph 0415 930 777
FOR LEASE APARTMENT 2 bedroom apartment for lease. Suit working lady or gent. Close to city. Ph 4961 5601
WANTED
COLLECTORS Collecting is our passion, markets are our hobby. We buy old typewriters, old bottles, old glass vases etc, anything old and unusual. Ph 0417 927 007 SEWING TABLE Wanted to buy an extension table to fit model XL3022 ‘Brother’ electric sewing machine Ph 0408 005 611 2 BEDROOM COTTAGE Wanted to lease 2 bedroom cottage, out of town, pet friendly, ok if a little run down. Over 50s renters. Ph 0431 082 564
Local Classifieds... NOTICES
NOTICES
BRAITH’S PRODUCTS Free local delivery. We locally manufacture natural cleaning products including grey-water friendly clothes washing detergent, general purpose household spray, dog wash/shampoo & dog grooming spray. We also stock uniquely cute greeting cards. We are proud to support the Hunter Valley Brumby Association. For orders & enquiries please phone. Ph 4952 2352 CARPENTER Affordable Reliable Carpentry Fully licensed with ABN. For your local carpentry & maintainance jobs. From small repairs to renovation. Call, message or email for a free measure and quote mytchalthompson@gmail. com Ph 0403 599 468 LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Local classifieds are just like the classifieds in other newspapers except they are free and they work.Email admin@hunterlocal. com.au
NOTICES
Eric Loi
GGUITAR UITAR & BAS BASS TUITION All styles & levels Zoom online lessons available le Registered Creative Reggi Kids provider HSC Music 0419 642 096 Email: ericloimusic@bigpond.com
PEST CONTROL Guaranteed. Average home $150, units and town houses $80, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Hunter Valley areas. German Cockroaches a specialty. Ph 0418 637 990
T’RIFFIC TOUCH REMEDIAL MASSAGE Long-term ailments keep coming back? Physical & emotional healing could be the answer-$70/ session, or you may prefer a remedial massage - $59/session. Please phone Sue Ph 4952 2352
Something to sell or to tell? Try our FREE Local Community Classifieds. They work! Name _____________________________ Address ________________________________ ____________________________________________ Phone ________________________ Email_____________________________________________________________ Write the wording of your advertisement below. (Max. 25 words please) Text: _______________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Classification (eg. For Sales, Notices, Garage Sales, Wanted etc):__________________
Complete this form and post it to: ‘Local Classifieds’ PO Box 130, Lambton 2299 or email: admin@ hunterlocal.com.au by 15th of the month. We reserve the right to not publish advertising considered inappropriate or not in the spirit of the free classifieds offer. Private party ads only. For business classifieds advertising please email admin@hunterlocal.com.au The Local > May 2020 > Page 31
Social distancing, hand washing, cough and sneeze etiquette and personal hygiene remain key to limiting virus transmission.
25%
N OW
HAND SANITISER BYO container and we’ll fill it for only $3 per 100ml
OFF
Large quantities available, fantastic for spray bottles.
FLU VACCINES Supply is slow and demand in high, we will notify you by SMS when we have more in stock. Please leave your mobile number in store or email it to flushot@piggottspharmacy.com.au. We apologise for any inconvenience
ASMOL Restricted supply.
BABY NURSE RUTH Is now holding Virtual Baby Clinics!
Please bring proof of Asthma by way of script or old puffer with your name on it.
FACE MASKS also available in several styles
To arrange a tele-appointment please email babynurse@piggottspharmacy.com.au
THERE’S NO NEED TO ENTER LARGE, BUSY SHOPS.
With parking at our front door, it has never been easier to pop into a Piggott’s Pharmacy! Like @piggotts to keep up to date with current health topics and other promotions. Now with 3000 Followers!
Please do your part in keeping the Community health services and your friends healthy by being responsible. PIGGOTT’S PHARMACY BLACKBUTT 58 Orchardtown Rd, New Lambton Phone: 4957 2474
PIGGOTT’S PHARMACY HAMILTON 83 Beaumont Street, Hamilton Phone: 4961 3179
PIGGOTT’S PHARMACY MEREWETHER 400 Glebe Road, Merewether Phone: 4969 1978
PIGGOTT’S PHARMACY LAMBTON 117 Elder Street, Lambton Phone: 4957 3630
Page 32 > The Local > May 2020
♥ www.piggottspharmacy.com.au ♥