Snowball mural unveiled
A mural featuring 17 Ralph Snowball photographs taken between 1848 and 1925 has been unveiled in Lambton.
Situated on the side wall of the Dailey’s Funerals building at the corner of Grainger and Elder Streets, the mural depicts various aspects of life in the early days of Lambton. It also features a number of prominent buildings that remain a part of today’s streetscape.
The project was the result of work done by Bruce McLean and Robert Watson of Lambton Residents Group with support from Newcastle Theatre Company, and the assistance of University of Newcastle - Living Histories and City of Newcastle Library. It was made possible by a grant from City of Newcastle.
A mural of photographs by Ralph Snowball was installed on the side wall of Dailey’s Funerals at Grainger St Lambton recently
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Founder & publisher: Mark Brooker
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LOCAL Matters
with Mark Brooker Publisher of The Local
“Five years from now”
It’s a common device in recruitment interviews, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
But imagine if you had been asked that question five years ago today. What would your answer have been? Could you have imagined that we would be where we are now?
You see it is five years, almost to the day, since the first national lockdown in response to the spread of COVID-19 was implemented on 29 March 2020. How time flies!
Do you remember how you felt then? Give yourself a moment and cast your mind back to April 2020. Could you have imagined today? A world where we are, for the most part, getting on with life. Coronavirus is very much still with us. And after all we were warned it would never go away.
I remember being very worried at this point in 2020. Worried for my family, and especially worried for my older relatives. I was worried that my kids’ schooling would be interrupted.
I was worried even that my small business The Local might be facing an existential threat. Would businesses and shops be able to open as normal again? Would my advertisers’ businesses simply close? Would it be possible for my deliverers to go letterbox to letterbox with next month’s issue of everyone’s favourite little community newspaper if lockdowns were to become commonplace? Some might say it’s a controversial view to hold, but I think, all in all, given the knowledge they had at the time, making decisions on the run, our health authorities and elected officials did the best they could. Five years on I think we all stop for a moment and be thankful to them once more.
ANZAC Day services
Lambton - New Lambton RSL sub-Branch will hold a number of services around our local suburbs to commemorate ANZAC Day on Friday 25th April.
The main remembrance service will be held on the lawns outside Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre.
The traditional march will form up at Club Lambton on Karoola Rd at 10.30am and step-off at 10.45am.
The march will finish at Lambton Memorial Swimming Centre and be followed by the main service from 11am on the Swimming Centre steps.
This year the service will again be led by the school captains from Lambton High School.
Other shorter services include the dawn commemoration service at the War Memorial Gates in New Lambton Park on Hobart Rd (opposite Wests New Lambton) at 6.45am and another at the Lambton Park War Memorial gates on Morehead St at 9.30am.
Residents are encouraged to pay respects to our servicemen and servicewomen at any of these and other services around the city. For more information please email lambton-new-lambtonSB@rslnsw. org.au
Steve Sue Scott
The catafalque party at the Lambton Park war memorial gates on ANZAC Day
If one of the letterboxes pictured above is yours, you’ve won a $25 shopping voucher from one of three great local retailers. Phone Mark at The Local on 0455 210 000 by 17 April to claim your prize.
There’s a $25 voucher for Lambton Fruit Market, a $25 voucher for Piggott’s Pharmacy and a $25
voucher for Q’s Books at Hamilton to choose from. First in best dressed with the choice of vouchers. The vouchers must be claimed by 17 April and redeemed at your chosen retailer by 31 May 2025.
Congratulations to the residents of 38 Thalaba Rd New Lambton who claimed a prize by correctly identifying their letterbox in March..
Community campaigner awarded
Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery MP announced the 2025 Local Woman of the Year recipient in early March.
Alongside her day job attending to the mental health needs of health workers, Jacqui Rosewood of New Lambton has been recognised for bringing together hundreds of local residents to advocate for the preservation of community sports fields at Wallarah and Blackley Ovals through the Save Our Lambton Ovals group.
“I’ve come to know Jacqui very well over the last two years. I admire her bold, brave and inspiring leadership and work ethic to assist her community.”
Ms Hornery said.
“Standing up for your community against seemingly all odds can be a daunting and terrifying experience and I appreciate Jacqui’s unwavering commitment to this community’s cause.” she added.
Ms Rosewood told The Local that she received the award on behalf of all those who have volunteered their time with Save Our Lambton Ovals.
“I’m proud to be fighting for something that means so much, both to me personally, and the wider community - green space once lost, can not ever be replaced.” Jacqui said.
Wallsend Local Woman of the Year Jacqui Rosewood with Sonia Hornery MP at the awards ceremony at Darling Harbour
Classic Australian play at NTC
The next production in Newcastle Theatre Company’s 2025 Season is Morning Sacrifice directed by Pearl Nunn.
Set over three days in the staff room of Easthaven Girls’ School, Morning Sacrifice interrogates the stifling sexual morality of post-War Australia.
The all-female cast are divided by the conflict between a waning Victorian sensibility and
the feminist freedoms of the coming age.
Playwright Dymphna Cusack, a schoolteacher herself, is said to have written this work as a witty revenge on the Department of Education of the 1930s.
Despite top credentials testifying to her teaching ability, in the early 1940s, Cusack was banished to the bush, by the Department of Education, where she was
made supernumerary, given no examination responsibilities, told to fill in for other teachers when they were ill, and make the morning tea.
In the play a mixture of conservatives and progressives play office games and struggle for favouritism, while a tragedy unfolds, unnoticed around them.
The action alternates between comedy and horror as the teachers battle tooth and nail for the good of the pupils and the reputation of the school.
First performed in 1942, Morning Sacrifice has since become a classic of Australian theatre.
Newcastle Theatre Company’s production of Morning Sacrifice, opens on Saturday 3 May at 7.30pm.
Evening performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until 17 May
Matinees performances are at 2pm on Sunday 4, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May.
Tickets can be purchased online at newcastletheatrecompany. com.au or by calling 4952 4958.
The Local has a double pass to give away to the winner’s choice of performance of Morning Sacrifice
To be in the running for the double pass just text the words ‘Morning Sacrifice’, your first and last name, and your preferred performance day/time to 0455 210 000 by Friday 18 April.
The winner will be advised by phone and their name published in next month’s issue of The Local.
Free CPR and AED training
Did you know that 30,000 people die annually in Australia due to sudden cardiac arrest?
Would you know how to assist someone if they suffered a cardiac arrest in the community?
Hunter Heart Safe is presenting a free training session for interested community members on how to perform hands only CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and how to use an AED (Automated External Defribrillator).
Hosted by Lambton Residents Group, the free training session will be held on Monday 5 May.
Hunter Heart Safe was founded in 2019, the name deriving from the concept of a ‘heart safe community’, a population where there are enough communitybased people who know how to do CPR and use an AED.
“The truth is community bystanders are more likely to start CPR if they don’t have to do mouth to mouth,” says Shaun, one of the organisers of Hunter Heart Safe.
“For someone who has a sudden cardiac arrest in the community, immediate CPR from a bystander and the use of an AED, can increase their survival rate fivefold.” Shaun added.
The one hour training session will be held at Lambton Anglican Church Hall at 6.30pm Monday 5 May.
To attend this free event please email your name and contact phone number to Angela from Lambton Residents Group at angnrick@hotmail.com by Wednesday 30 April.
All community members are most welcome to attend.
The Local Quiz
Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Maria Davoren of New Lambton. Maria has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy.
Last month’s mystery photo was the facade at Wests New Lambton.
This month’s quiz questions are below. You’ll find the answers within the pages of this issue except, of course, the mystery photo.
Question 1 - What does the acronym AED stand for?
Question 2 - In what year was Zara’s House established?
Question 3 - Which photograper’s work is featured in the mural recently installed at Grainger Street Lambton?
Question 4 - Who wrote the play Morning Sacrifice?
Question 5 - Where would you find the recently installed EV charger pictured at right?Send your quiz answers to admin@hunterlocal.com.au with
‘The Local Quiz’ in the subject line or post them to PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299 by Friday 18 April for a chance to win a $25 gift voucher* to spend at any Piggott’s Pharmacy store in Newcastle and the Hunter.
* Not redeemable on prescription medicines.
SWIMART NEW LAMBTON REGULAR POOL MAINTENANCE & SERVICING
Operating since 2004
Hassle-free pool ownership! Let us worry about your pool so you can be doing more fun things!
Our Quality Service
What is included:
• Water testing and chemical balancing*
• Empty all skimmer baskets and pump baskets
• Check equipment for proper operation and leaks
• Scoop and clean surface for all debris
Our service can be scheduled fortnightly, monthly or bi-monthly!
• Backwash and rinse filter
• Check and clean salt cell
• Brush and vacuum pool surface and tile line
• Cartridge filter cleaning and maintenance
Terms and conditions apply. *Chemicals at an additional cost, if required. Green pools or equipment repairs will be quoted before work commences.
Blueprint for Broadmeadow
A once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of Broadmeadow has reached a milestone with Councillors to vote on adopting a 30-year strategy for the 313-hectare precinct in late March.
The Broadmeadow Place Strategy is a key planning document that sets a blueprint for the renewal of this area. It will enable the creation of up to 15,000 jobs and 20,000 homes for 40,000 people, while retaining Broadmeadow as the region’s premier sport and entertainment destination.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said the Broadmeadow Place Strategy presented a unique opportunity to help set the
vision and guide where key infrastructure and services should be located.
“The Place Strategy provides a blueprint for how the area will change over time, particularly for areas where significant population growth is expected. Ms Bisson said.
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“Technical investigations were carried out to inform precinct planning, while extensive feedback was also sought from the community including the public exhibition, which attracted more than 300 submissions.
“The Place Strategy seeks to balance the needs of housing, employment and public spaces to establish a vibrant place.”
The Broadmeadow Place Strategy was developed in response to the NSW Government’s Rezoning Pathways Program, which identified Broadmeadow as one of 10 precincts to significantly contribute to housing supply across NSW.
Once the Place Strategy is adopted, a Delivery Plan will be prepared for the precinct in collaboration with a range of NSW Government agencies and City of Newcastle.
City of Newcastle is also currently developing a Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan in line with the Broadmeadow Place Strategy. This will outline the rate levied on new developments to contribute toward the cost of local community infrastructure needed to support new residents and growth in this precinct, such as roads, footpaths, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds.
Ms Bisson said an integrated, collaborative approach was required to fund and deliver the community infrastructure needed to support the future development.
“The precinct population growth will significantly contribute to NSW housing targets, however significant infrastructure will be needed to support this growth,” Ms Bisson said.
“This will require collaboration between multiple levels of government agencies and delivery partners, across the 30-year lifespan of the project.”
NEWCASTLE’S TOP MORTGAGE EXPERTS ARE READY
TO ASSIST YOU ON YOUR HOME-BUYING JOURNEY
Thinking about buying a property or refinancing your home in Newcastle? Partnering with the right mortgage broker can make your journey smoother and far more rewarding. From securing competitive rates to navigating complex paperwork, having a local expert by your side takes the stress out of the process. Here are 4 key things to look for when choosing a Newcastle mortgage broker:
1. Local expertise: Newcastle’s property market has its own specific trends and opportunities to consider. A broker familiar with the local landscape can provide insights to help you achieve your property goal within this environment, whether you’re a first-time buyer, investing, or refinancing.
2. Access to competitive rates: A great broker has access and collaborates with a wide range of lenders in the area. This increases your chances of finding a loan with terms that suit your financial situation and needs.
3. Experience and know-how: The home loan process can be daunting, but a skilled broker simplifies it. This means you can avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions along the way.
4. Ongoing support: A dedicated broker will guide you through all the steps in your property-buying journey. From the initial search on what’s available, to the application and approval processes to the settlement, you have an expert guide ensuring a stress-free experience. By focusing on these factors, you can find a broker who understands Newcastle’s market and your unique circumstances—having the right professional support makes all the difference in a hassle-free purchase journey. Here are our top brokers in Newcastle to help you every step of the way.
MEET THE BROKERS
MONEY LINKS
Celebrating 25 years in Newcastle, Money Links takes pride in delivering exceptional service, backed by 300+ five-star reviews. Offering ongoing support, regular checkins, and education beyond loan settlement, Money Links ensures you feel confident and empowered throughout your property journey.
Website: moneylinks.com.au
Phone: (02) 4925 3999
IN FINANCIAL SERVICES
In Financial Services is a trusted mortgage broker serving Newcastle, Maitland, and Forster. They stand out with a personalised approach, offering ongoing support and education to simplify the finance process. Their access to diverse, reliable lenders ensures you get the best loan option tailored to your needs.
Website: infinancialservices.com.au
Phone: (02) 4934 8558
ASCENSION FINANCE
Joel Archer & Loren Manthey have over 10 years of broking experience under their belts. They aim to provide you with the best personalised home loan solution – whether a first-time buyer, investor, or need refinancing. Dedicated to acting in your best interests, they ensure you confidently achieve your property goals.
Website: ascension.finance
Phone: (02) 4925 1080
WISEBUY HOME LOANS
Wisebuy Home Loans is Newcastle’s leading mortgage broker with access to over 60 lenders. Delivering better, from team to service, they offer personalised home loan solutions tailored to you. Whether buying your first home, investing, or refinancing, Wisebuy ensures a quick, efficient, and seamless experience.
Website: wisebuygroup.com.au
Phone: (02) 4961 4985
Hey neighbour!
by Georgia Osland
Sister Di Santleben
Never see a need without doing something about it – that’s the motto Sister Di Santleben lives by.
You might recognise Sister Di as the face of Jesmond refugee centre, Zara’s House.
She established the not-forprofit organisation, along with a small but passionate group of friends, in 2015.
But Sister Di answered the call to help refugees navigate the complexities of settling in a new country long before that.
To understand how she became a social justice stalwart, we have to go back to where it all started: in Sydney’s western suburbs.
The year was 2000. An experienced primary school teacher and a Dominican Sister, Di was working with deaf children in Lidcombe when she got a call from the local parish, saying a large African family had arrived at its doorstep with nowhere to go.
“I said, ‘Give them a sandwich, I’ll
be down,’” she told The Local
On her way there, Sister Di dropped into a nearby real estate agency and found the family of 14 a six-bedroom house to rent at the eleventh hour.
“We got lucky,” she continued. “We don’t get that sort of luck most of the time.”
Sister Di’s “accidental ministry” grew from there, helping countless families.
In 2005, she and Sister Anne Walsh moved to Newcastle with a plan to retire.
That plan didn’t last long. In 2006, Sister Di met Sister Betty Brown, who was well established helping refugees in Newcastle.
“I said, ‘I own a trailer, could you use me?’ And that was that.”
In 2008, the Sisters opened Penola House in the old Hamilton police station. Four years later, they relocated to Mayfield.
It’s been a decade since they founded Zara’s House. Its first address was in Mordue Parade; today its home is in Hill Street.
Through community donations alone, they bought the building from the Anglican church for $680,000.
“I knew the people of Newcastle had a lifetime of pride in the way we welcome refugees, so I knew we could raise the money,” Sister Di said.
“The people of Newcastle own this place.”
According to Sister Di, Newcastle welcomes about 300 refugees each year, mostly from Syria and Afghanistan.
Zara’s House runs vital programs for women and children, including English lessons, citizenship test practice, and sewing classes. The organisation also helps clothe and feed refugees and offers advice on immigration law.
Sister Di stepped back in 2021 to take a less active role in its dayto-day running, handing over the reins to Farida Baremgayabo and Mary Amponsah.
“Officially, anyway,” Sister Di said with a wink.
Visit zarashouse.org.au for more information.
Do you know a local resident whose story you would like to read here? Let us know by email: mark@hunterlocal.com.au
Sister Di Santleben in the elder’s garden at Zara’s House Jesmond
Lancers in Lambton
THAT WAS THEN This is now
with Lachlan Wetherall
In May 1900, the Maitland Half-Squadron of Lancers conducted a three-day training march, including an overnight camp at Lambton. This was no academic exercise, with former members of the squadron at that very time in South Africa fighting in the Boer War.
The following is an edited extract of a report by one of the officers, published in the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate.
The Maitland Lancers met on Saturday morning to start on a touring march. The object was to impart
tactical training, under such conditions as would be probable on active service. A muster of 36 men under Captain Markwell, with two transport wagons set off about 10 o’clock. After stopping for a midday meal near Minmi they proceeded to Young Wallsend (Edgeworth), where the first night’s camp took place.
On Sunday they travelled round the eastern side of Lake Macquarie to Belmont for lunch, then back towards Charlestown where the peaceful little hamlet was suddenly astonished by the surrounding bush sending forth armed and mounted men from all directions, galloping and converging upon a rallying point. Colonel Ranclaud (Commandant of the Northern Forces) escorted the Lancers into their camp at Lambton, the site being one adjoining the Lambton Colliery, and very kindly placed at Captain Markwell’s disposal by Mr. Thomas Croudace, general manager of the Scottish-Australian Company. Four bell tents were erected when the tired men and horses came in. Horses were quickly placed in their lines, and a hearty meal partaken of, as the night became extremely cold, windy, and wet.
On Monday morning “the reveille” sounded at 6 o’clock, and after the necessary stable duties had been performed, and breakfast disposed of, the troops were put through sword exercises and afterwards lance exercise and squadron drill. About half-past 10 the camp was struck, and a move made towards home via Wallsend, Sandgate, and Hexham, reaching Maitland about 6 o’clock, after a most instructive, enjoyable, and interesting tour, every man glad that he had come.
You can view these photos and more details at lachlanwetherall.com
Below The Lancers’ camp was on the ridge where Turner St Lambton runs today. WISHING
Seated
A specially designed adjustable Massage Chair ensures comfort and support. Purchase a personalised gift voucher for Easter!
Above: The Maitland Lancers’ camp in Lambton, 28 May 1900. Photo by Ralph Snowball. Newcastle Libraries Online Collection.
VET Chat
with Dr Cassy Macpherson of Elder St Vets
Myxomatosis
Elder St Vets have seen an influx of sick rabbits recently caused by the terrible virus Myxomatosis. It usually strikes around February to April each year but can occur all year round. A lot of pet owners are unfamiliar with this disease that has a near 100% mortality rate in affected rabbits. For those who are unfamiliar, read on for a summary of this disease. Myxomatosis is a virus that is spread through contact with mosquitos, similar to heartworm in dogs. It was introduced in Australia and Europe to help reduce the wild rabbit population, but can also affect domestic rabbits. There is no vaccine available in Australia, so the only way to effectively prevent your rabbit from this disease is to keep
them away from mosquitos.
The disease causes bunnies to become tired and lethargic, they become uninterested in food and develop swollen red, sore eyes, ears, mouth and genitals. There are no other diseases that present in this way so diagnosis is made based on a physical exam. The disease is spread by mosquitos primarily but infected individuals can also spread the virus to their companions. It is not zoonotic – that is to say, it only affects rabbits.
The best way to prevent your pet rabbit from infection with Myxomatosis is to keep them indoors, especially during this time of year. Outdoor cages can be covered in mosquito netting, and mosquito coils burned around your rabbit’s hutch (but not too close as they are sensitive to aerosols). If you have any stagnant water sources that encourage mosquito breeding try to remove these and bug zappers can be run to try and reduce the local mozzie population.
If your rabbit has recently passed away from Myxomatosis, please thoroughly clean and disinfect any hutches or equipment before selling or re-using them to ensure the virus is completely removed. If you have any questions about Myxomatosis, or other questions about your pet rabbits, please contact us at Elder St Vets for an appointment, Dr. Cassy is always happy to see your sweet fluffy bunnies and has a wealth of information about their good health and husbandry.
MONEY Matters
with Dominic Brown from Nest Financial Solutions
Why should I invest in Super?
There is often mistrust when it comes to Super. Partly because it sometimes seems that Governments are constantly changing the rules. Possibly because Super is just not seen as important for a lot of people when they are decades away from retiring.
However Superannuation is essentially just a way to invest in a tax effective manner. I would imagine that for the average Australian, Super is going to be the difference between a financially comfortable retirement or a frugal, miserly
retirement. The Centrelink age pension is not likely to provide you with enough income to fund your dream retirement lifestyle. As such you need to turn to your own savings and this is where Super comes in.
There are a range of incentives to encourage you to put some of your own money into super – salary sacrificing, spouse contributions, government cocontributions etc to name but a few. The general gist of a lot of these incentives revolves around you contributing some of your own money to help build up your super for the future and the government will give you a tax benefit now.
It is easy to dismiss making extra contributions due to all the other perhaps more pressing demands on your money that life seems to have - I can certainly relate to this! However it might be worthwhile having a considered, sensible look at your super contributions and starting to think more about your retirement plan. Your older self in the future might well look back and thank your younger self for doing so.
GENERAL ADVICE WARNING – This article is merely intended to be education and informative. It should not be taken as a personal recommendation to you. If you feel that you may need financial advice then please do not hesitate to contact NEST Financial Solutions for a friendly and obligation free chat.
PHARMACY Matters
by Anthony Piggott of Piggott’s Pharmacies: Blackbutt, Branxton, Hamilton, Huntlee, Lambton and Merewether
Sleeping problems
Refreshing sleep is important for our health and wellbeing. Poor sleep can lead to drowsiness, poor concentration and other symptoms that interfere with daytime activities. The best way to treat sleeping problems is to find and manage the cause. The amount of sleep we need depends on our age, lifestyle, personality and circumstances. Many people find that their sleeping patterns change as they get older. Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep per night, teenagers need about 8–10 hours of sleep per night and infants need about 12–15 hours of sleep per day.
Sleep problems affect quality of sleep, amount of
sleep or sleep behaviour including:
• insomnia – having a problem falling asleep or staying asleep, or not feeling refreshed by sleep. It is very common and may be a symptom of another condition
• obstructive sleep apnoea – a condition that causes a person to stop breathing for short peri-ods while sleeping
• restless legs syndrome – a condition that causes an urge to move the legs when lying down
• sleep behaviour disorders – such as night terrors and sleep walking.
Signs of sleeping problems
Signs of a sleep problem may include:
• finding it hard to go to sleep
• restless sleep
• waking up during the night or very early in the morning, and not being able to get back to sleep
• not feeling refreshed from sleep
• feeling tired, irritable, anxious or depressed
• finding it difficult to concentrate, remember things and make decisions.
What causes insomnia?
Insomnia may be caused by or made worse by:
• pain or discomfort
• snoring (can be a sign of sleep apnoea)
• stress, anxiety and strong feelings (e.g. fear, anger)
• worrying about not sleeping well
• having naps during the day
• not enough physical exercise
• sleeping in a room that is stuffy, noisy, or too brightly lit
• sleeping in an uncomfortable bed, or feeling too hot or too cold
• going to bed with an empty or full stomach
• being too stimulated in the evening (e.g. by exercise, working, TV, radio)
• having caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, energy drinks) in the evening
• using nicotine (e.g. cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy products)
• using illegal drugs
• drinking too much alcohol in the evening
• changing work shifts or time zones (e.g. jet lag)
• needing to pass urine often during the night (e.g. men with prostate disease)
• pregnancy
• menopause
• some medicines. Ask your pharmacist
• some medical conditions (e.g. anxiety, depression, other sleep problems, allergy).
Self care
Sleeping ‘DOs’
• Keep to a regular sleep pattern by going to bed and waking up at about the same time each day.
• Spend the right amount of time in bed (this is about 8 hours for adults).
• Use your bed for sleep, not screens. Computers, phones and TVs can disrupt your sleep.
• Relax before bed and have a calming bedtime routine such as having a warm bath or shower, listening to peaceful music, reading or slow, deep breathing. Allow yourself to wind down and relax.
• Make sure your bedroom is comfortable. You should have a quiet, dark room with comfortable bedding and good temperature control.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes. Alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle and lower your quality of sleep. Caffeine and cigarettes are stimulants and can stop you from sleeping well.
• Avoid sleeping tablets. Some sleeping tablets can be addictive. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Ask for help if you need it. Speak to your doctor if you regularly wake up not feeling refreshed, are restless in bed or if feeling tired is affecting your mood.
• Exercise at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes on all or most days of the week. Spending time outdoors each day can help set your body clock.
• Learn and use relaxation techniques to manage stress.
Sleeping ‘DON’Ts’
• Don’t nap close to bedtime. Make sure you are awake for least 4 hours before going back to bed.
• Don’t watch the clock. Watching the clock can make you anxious about not being asleep. Turn the clock around so you cannot see the time.
• Don’t work or watch TV in your bedroom. Keep your bedroom for sleeping, relaxing and sex.
• Don’t have pets or equipment with lights or noise in the bedroom.
• Don’t exercise close to bedtime.
• Don’t have a heavy meal close to bedtime.
• Don’t drink a lot of fluid in the evening (to help limit night time visits to the toilet).
Getting to sleep
If you cannot get to sleep, or if you wake up and cannot get back to sleep, get out of bed.
• Write down worries or problems and decide to deal
with them in the morning.
• Do something relaxing or repeat your calming bedtime routine.
• Return to bed only when you feel sleepy.
Medicines
The best way to treat sleeping problems is to find and manage the cause. Sometimes sleeping tablets are also needed to help correct a sleep problem. Most sleeping tablets should be used at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time (preferably taken only when needed for less than 14 days). Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• It is possible to become dependent on some sleeping tablets if you use them every night.
• If you have been taking sleeping tablets every night, when you stop taking them you may have a few nights of worse sleep.
• It is possible to become tolerant to some sleeping tablets, and you may need to take higher and higher doses to get the same effect.
• Some sleeping tablets can cause daytime drowsiness, confusion and unsteadiness. This can lead to accidents and falls, especially in older people.
• Sleeping tablets may increase the effects of alcohol. It can be dangerous to have sleeping medicines and alcohol in your blood stream at the same time.
Here to HELP
with Elaine Abery of Unravelling Red Tape
Creating a public policy tapestry
I like to have my hands occupied. So, when I watch TV, I am usually doing something with my hands.
One of these things is tapestry.
In their final form, tapestries can look good as cushion-covers or wall adornments.
When people ask me how long it takes to finish a tapestry, the answer is “100s or even 1,000s of hours”. That is just the actual tapestry.
Before that, you need to choose the right ingredients - tapestry design and cottons – which can be wool, plain cotton or shiny cotton.
And you need the right tools, some good tapestry needles (that won’t prick your fingers) and a tapestry holder.
As you do the tapestry, you want to pay attention to use the right colours and right stitches in the right places, so the pattern comes together well. It’s
also recommended to start with the dark colours, as the pale colours can become dirty with all the handling of the tapestry.
Creating good government decisions is similar to creating a beautiful tapestry.
(1) Start with the right tools
a. decide the high level outcomes you want to achieve (see December 2024 edition for more information)
(2) Choose the right ingredients
a. industry expertise
b. research to make sure you understand the current public policy environment, including:
i. the impacts on, and opinions of, other stakeholders who you may not agree with
ii. current government regulation (including legislation and other decisions)
iii. in the case that government has issued formal interpretations of the law, wheth-er that interpretation is the only or best interpretation (eg the ATO issues its interpretations of tax law).
(3) Create (and advocate for) your solution
a. create a working group with the right expertise to discuss your research and the high level outcomes you are aiming for.
b. together, you will create a document that explains the current situation, the outcomes you seek and how your preferred outcomes improve the situation for Australia as a whole.
(4) Keep going
a. just like the tapestry takes 100s or 1,000s of hours to finish, public policy is a slow process that you need to commit to.
i. don’t give up until you reach the outcome you want.
At the end of all that, you should have something beautiful to look back on and be proud of.
Local Community Group Notices
COMMUNITY GROUPS
LAMBTON RESIDENTS GROUP
All residents of Lambton area are welcome to come along to our monthly meeting. You too can be a part of some exciting and worthwhile initiatives and projects for the local area. The group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Next meeting will be at The Mark Hotel on Wednesday 9 April at 5.30pm. For more information call Angela on 0422 633 737.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
NEWCASTLE RECORDER PLAYERS
We meet on the second Saturday of most months to enjoy playing recorder music together. We welcome new players. Not suitable for absolute beginners. If interested please contact Barry 0421 418 418.
NEWCASTLE BONSAI SOCIETY
We are a group of like minded people of all ages, who enjoy the art of bonsai, which, at it’s most basic level, is simply growing little trees in a pot. All are welcome to come along to our workshops where tutors are in attendance to help you with your tree. We are a friend-ly, inviting and informative club where enthusiasts and beginners get together to exchange opinions and ideas about each other’s trees. Workshops are held twice per month: 1st Wednesday of the month at Club Charlestown (Charlestown Bowling club) – 5 Lin-coln Street Charlestown. 6.30 – 9.30pm. There is a demonstration and raffle every work-shop. Bistro opens 5.30 pm if you wish to have a bite to eat before the workshop.
2nd Saturday of the month at Warners Bay Girl Guides hall – 4 Lamington Drive Mount Hutton. 9.30am – 4pm. Morning tea is provided and a visiting demonstrator informs and entertains us every second workshop. A raffle is also held every workshop. For more in-formation follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ newcastlebonsaisociety/ or check out our webpage https://newcastlebonsai.org.au/
HOBBIES
& INTERESTS
EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD NSW NEWCASTLE BRANCH
We are a group of embroiderers who meet every Monday AM and PM at the Church of the Good Shepherd Hall, 101 Joslin Street Kotara. Parking is available on site and in Joslin Street. Our members work on diverse projects and conduct classes. Members have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which they are willing to share. If you are interested in joining a friendly group of ladies who enjoy various stitching projects, we would love to see you. Come and join us on Monday, May 5 from 10.30am for our Mother’s Day Stall and morning tea as we continue to celebrate 60 years of the Newcastle Branch. For any enquiries, please contact us by email: NewcastleEmbroiderersGuild@gmail.com
SENIORS GROUPS
BEL AIR VIEW CLUB
Are you looking for something new to do this year, then come along to Bel Air View Club and join us for friendship, regular activities and interesting guest speakers at our monthly meetings . View stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women . Our meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at South Leagues Club in Merewether at 10. 30 am and we warmly welcome guests and new members to join us in supporting the Smith Family’s learning for life programme which assists young disadvantaged Australian school children to create a better future for themselves through education. If you would like any further information , please phone Gillian on 4963 5655
To have a free community notice published on these pages email the details to admin@ hunterlocal.com.au or post to PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299 by 15th of the month. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations.
Local Classifieds...
ALUMINIUM TINNY
3.6 metre tinny with 15hp (super) Mercury outboard on trailer. Only 50 hours on motor, fully equipped inc. two seats with backrests, oars, lifejackets. Boat and trailer reg’d to Feb 2026. $2200 o.n.o Ph 0412 912 921
DRESSING TABLE
6 drawer, with large mirror, excellent condition $40 o.n.o. Pick up Lambton Ph 4968 4746
GOLF CLUBS
Set of ladies golf clubs, battery driven buggy, any offer considered. Ph 4957 5498
HOSPITAL BED WITH AIR MATTRESS
Single Novis adjustable electric with Novis alternating air mattress . As new condition. Valued over $8000. Asking $4000 o.n.o Ph 0409 578 018
NATIVE PLANTS SALE
Saturday April 12th from 9.30 am to 2.00 pm at Wetlands Centre Shortland. All plants priced at $4.00. Australian Plants Society - Newcastle Group
SAFETY GLASSES
Bolle safety glasses, 20 in stock, protection when mowing and gardening, only $10 a pair Ph 0408 830 883
WAFFLE BOOTS
Brand new unused pair of waffle boots heel/foot protectors with pump $200 o.n.o. Ph 0409 578 018
CLASSICAL LP RECORDS
Time Life LP records title Great Men of Music. 25 sets of the classical composers from A to Z. Including Bach to Tchaikovsky. Contact Narelle Ph 0414 638 718
ANTIQUE CLOCK SERVICES
Servicing many types of antique mechanical clocks. Mantles, Grandfathers, Wall clocks. American, English, French, German. Keep your clocks alive and ticking. Call Malcolm on Ph 0466 152 028
CLEANER
Reliable experienced local. Top references. Residential & small businesses cared for. $25 hr weekly or fortnightly. Ph 0493 054 207
CLEANING SERVICE
Traci & Angie’s Cleaning Service. End of lease cleans, spring cleans and eco cleaning. All ironing services. Special rates for seniors and pensioners. All areas Ph 0412 877 763
CONGRATULATIONS
To Michelle Austen who won two tickets to see ’The Father’ at Newcastle Theatre Company in March.
painting and gyprock repairs, plus most services in small renovation works. 30 years experience. Insured. Phone Jamie Ph 0423 233 727
Local Classifieds...
NOTICES
Semi-retired Registered Nurse available for respite care
I have over 40 years experience in nursing. I am looking for a job helping someone in their home who needs care. Duties may include light housekeeping, showering, taking to appointments, shopping, or just providing some respite to a full-time carer. I am very responsible and have a lot of experience with dementia. Salary is $40.00 per hour with a minimum 2 hour engagement. References are available. Call Katy on 0406 926 729 or email katygoura@hotmail.co.uk
MA’AT STUDIO PILATES
Lambton
A studio teaching the traditional Pilates Method, where “every body” is welcome.
Offering:
• Private & Semi Private Studio Pilates classes
• Mat Pilates including Mature Movers
Improving balance, strength, mobility and overall health and wellbeing. Using a variety of apparatus to assist and challenge the individual. Connecting mind and body through movement in a safe and supportive environment. Enquiries and bookings: Pene 0402 815 055
hello@maatstudiopilates.com www. maatstudiopilates.com
GENTLE FLOW YOGA
New beginnings!
Connect & Strengthen
Join us at Gentle Flow Yoga classes, inviting weekly self care and relaxation. Prioritise finding the balance with time out for yourself to enhance your wellbeing and happiness. New Friday class available. Begin with others starting out & enjoy the benefits of a gentle yoga practice. Seniors welcome. Gift vouchers available. Inquiries and bookings: Michelle Pirie 0400 790 479 (Dip Yoga Teaching IYTA)
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Complete this form and post it to: ‘Local Classifieds’ PO Box 130, Jesmond 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 advertising please email mark@ hunterlocal.com.au
