The Local - April 2024

Pool advocate recognised

Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery MP has announced in March that the 2024 Wallsend Woman of the Year is community advocate and founder of the We Love Lambton Pool Alliance, Anna Dawson-Glasby.

Anna is a staunch community activist and regular pool user who decided that ‘enough was enough’ when she witnessed the neglect of her local pool. She founded the We Love Lambton Pool Facebook group which swiftly grew to almost a thousand members.

Following this success, Anna brought together the We Love Lambton Pool Alliance as a community group of pool users to encourage more investment, care, and attention for this vital community asset.

“With Anna’s strong advocacy, we have seen a new grandstand built, some other minor upgrades as well as a promise from City of Newcastle for future investment at Lambton Park Memorial Swimming Centre.” Ms Hornery told The Local. (continued on page 5)

All editorial, advertising and distribution enquiries to Mark Brooker By email: mark@ hunterlocal.com.au or ph 0455 210 000

Mail: PO Box 130 Jesmond, 2299

Founder & publisher: Mark Brooker

Advertising bookings for May issue close on Friday 19 April

The Local is lovingly produced then carefully hand delivered each and every month to more than 11,000 residential letterboxes and businesses in Lambton, North Lambton, New Lambton, New Lambton Heights, Broadmeadow, Hamilton North, Jesmond and Kotara.

You can find back issues of The Local and check out the latest community news and information at: www.thelocalnewcastle.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...

....and here’s some fine print

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 In contributing news items the contributor accepts that such information may or may not be published in print and/or online using websites and social media channels at the sole discretion of the publisher.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 proudly printed in Newcastle and is 100% recyclable. Please recycle it, but only after you’ve read it!

ABN 48 260 331 896

with Mark Brooker Publisher of The Local

Walking on sunshine

Regular readers may remember my little health scare while at the gym mid-way through last year. Since that time I will admit to having not done a lot in terms of deliberate exercise. Recently I decided it was well past the time to stand up and get on with things.

Over the last month I have walked a minimum of 10,000 steps per day, or about 8km. It’s not the 3040 minute high intensity interval training I used to enjoy a few times a week at the gym. But it has been great for my mood, my energy levels and my sense of well-being.

There’s nothing new in what I’m saying here but the benefits of regular walking are truly amazing and worth repeating.

According to the Heart Foundation walking for an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by 35% percent and Type 2 diabetes by 40%.

It’s not just your heart and muscles that benefit from walking. Regular physical activity can help you to manage weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and even reduce your risk of developing some cancers.

It will also help maintain your bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. It improves balance and coordination, reducing your risk of falls and other injuries.

Lastly, but by no means leastly, regular walking improves your daily mood which, cumulatively, leads to better mental health.

So get your shoes on. I’ll see you around the streets.

ANZAC Day

Lambton - New Lambton RSL sub-Branch will hold a number of services around our local suburbs to commemorate ANZAC Day on Thursday 25th April.

The main service of remembrance 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 of commemoration 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 in New Lambton Park on Hobart Rd (opposite Wests New Lambton at 6.45am and at the Lambton Park War Memorial gates on Morehead St at 9.30am.

Local residents are encouraged to pay respects to our servicemen and servicewomen at any of these services and others around the city.

Zara’s House fundraiser

A partnership between a local law firm and non-profit has helped raise funds to educate refugee women and children in the region.

Turnbull Hill Lawyers recently held their second annual fundraiser with at the Cooks Hill Gallery, raising over $12,000 for Zara’s House at Jesmond Zara’s House is a place where refugee women, asylum seekers and their friends can connect with each other and meet supportive members of the local community.

Programs at Zara’s House include English conversation and literacy, mother language literacy classes in Arabic and Dari/Pashtu, assistance with preparation for the Australian citizenship test, sewing, arts and crafts, make-up and beauty, women’s health, assistance dealing with Centrelink and financial management

The money raised at the event will be used to fund the pre-school bilingual program, which prepares refugee children for Australian schooling, whilst their mothers utilise the other literacy programs offered.

Partner at Turnbull Hill Lawyers, Rani Gandha, said it was a pleasure to be able to support such important programs. (continued on next page)

Above: Wanda McInnes-Fogg and Farida Baramgayabo enjoying Turnbull Hill Lawyers fundraiser for Zara’s House at Cooks Hill Gallery

(from previous page)

“Zara’s House do incredible work for refugee women and children in our community,” Ms Gandha said.

“Helping ensure the kids are cared for and learning helps mothers take advantage of all the services Zara’s House has to offer. They’ve created such a warm and welcoming community.

“Many of these women can’t read or write their mother tongue, which makes it extremely difficult to learn how to read and write English.”

Ms Gandha said it was heartening to see local businesses and community members give so generously to the fundraiser.

“We had such a positive response from the community, which goes to show how important the work they do at Zara’s House is.”

Sister Diana Santleben of Zara’s House said the entirety of the funds raised would go towards the early childhood bilingual education program.

“With this we can offer these little ones possibly the only pre-schooling they will receive,” Sr Diana said.

“Their mothers meanwhile are able to access the Zara’s House classes each day.”

For more on Zara’s House go to: www.zarashouse.org.au

Women of Year Award

(continued from front page)

“The Woman of the Year Awards are an important way for the NSW Government to recognise women who have made an important difference in our communities in the last year.” Sonia Hornery MP said.

“Anna cares for her community and has stepped up to ensure that this valuable community asset has a strong voice behind it.

“She is committed to holding all elected representatives, including myself, to account to ensure that our valued community assets are looked after to the highest standards.

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know Anna and I look forward to working with her to improve our community further in the future.” Ms Hornery added.

In receiving the award from Sonia Hornery Ms Glasby said she was humbled to have her community advocacy work acknowledge.

“A huge thank you goes to all the people that have got involved in the campaign to ensure our local swimming pool survives and thrives into the future.

“Thanks to all the people that have provided support and advice along the way.” Ms Glasby said.

A

fitness class for kids aged 5 to 14!

class caters for all fitness levels and

include chair drumming like a rockstar!

Smith Park upgrade

City of Newcastle (CN) is pushing ahead with improvements at Smith Park in Hamilton North, with the contract for construction now open for tender.

The project will see new drainage and irrigation installed, as well as the realignment of the three synthetic cricket wickets.

The upgrade is being delivered by CN, with support from a $2.5 million grant secured by the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association through the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the work will form part of the Smith Park Masterplan, which is in the process of being finalised.

“City of Newcastle is committed to upgrading sporting facilities across the community for the benefit of all,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Smith Park is a popular facility that caters for a large number of sporting groups including junior and senior cricket, football clubs, and a thriving Oztag competition.

“City of Newcastle sought extensive feedback from key user groups and the broader community to make sure the needs of all users were considered during the development of the precinct’s Masterplan.

“This initial project will be consistent with the longterm vision for the park and will meet the needs of all users.”

Chair of CN’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the upgrade also aligns with City of Newcastle’s Strategic Sport Plan 2020.

“We’re committed to delivering our long-term vision for upgrading facilities across the community,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

An aerial view of Smith Park at Hamilton North

Letter to Lambton’s Post Office to go

It is with heavy hearts that we share some difficult news. Despite our best efforts and unwavering dedication, we regret to inform you that our beloved Post Office will be closing its doors for the final time on May 1st.

This decision was beyond our control, and we share in your sadness during this time of transition. While this chapter may be closing, we want to remind our customers that our newsagency will continue to serve our community. It will need your support more than ever. Your dedication and kindness has meant the world to us throughout this journey, and we are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support you have shown us.

Our thanks go to the local community for standing by us through thick and thin. Your support has made this difficult experience a little easier to bear, and we will

be forever grateful for your loyalty.

With heartfelt thanks,

Trish and Millie - Lambton Nextra

The Local Quiz

Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner June Anderson of Waratah West. June has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy. Last month’s mystery photo was taken at Lambton Park playground.

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 - Name either of the productions in Newcastle Theatre Company’s upcoming Indie Season.

Question 2 - What date is ANZAC Day?

Question 3 - When was the original All Saints New Lambton Church building erected?

Question 4 - Who was awarded Woman of the Year 2024 for Wallsend electorate?

Question 5 - Name the partially pictured building shown 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, Lambton 2299 by Friday 19 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

Is your letterbox feeling lucky?

If one of the letterboxes pictured above is yours, you’ve won a $25 shopping voucher from one of three great local retailers. Call Mark at The Local on 0455 210 000 by 19 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 19 April and redeemed at your chosen retailer no later than 31 May 2024. Congratulations to the residents of 11 Nerong Rd North Lambton who claimed a prize by correctly identifying their letterbox last month.

NTC’s indie season is here

Newcastle Theatre Company’s Indie Season kicks off in April with two short season productions.

Naked and Screaming, directed by Aiden Clark has performances on Wednesday 3, Friday 5 and Saturday 6 April at 7.30pm and a matinee on Saturday 6 at 2pm.

First Date, directed by Jason King and Silvia Martinez has 7.30pm performances on Wednesday 17, Friday 19, Wednesday 24, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 April. There is also a 2pm matinee on Saturday 20 April.

The Local has one double pass to each of the two Indie Season productions to give away to readers. To be in the running for a double pass just text the words ‘Naked and Screaming’ or ‘First Date’, your first and last names, and your preferred performance day/time to 0455 210 000 by Friday 5 April. The winners will be advised by phone and their name published in next month’s issue of The Local.

THAT WAS THEN This is now

with Lachlan Wetherall

All Saints Anglican Church, New Lambton

Within a year of New Lambton beginning in 1868, residents had erected two church buildings, the Lay Methodists in Rugby Road and the Wesleyan Methodists in Victoria Street.

Members of the Anglican Church however had no place to meet and had to travel to neighbouring Lambton to worship at St Johns church. This situation endured for many decades, although by 1918 the New Lambton Anglicans were at least catering for children by running a Sunday School in

the Mechanics’ Institute hall.

In 1924 the first Anglican Church building in New Lambton was erected on the corner of Cromwell and Oxford Streets. Costing £750, it was “of the Gothic architecture, constructed of rusticated weatherboard, 60 feet long by a width of 24 feet.”

At the dedication service on 26 April 1924, the bishop of Newcastle, Dr Reginald Stephen declared to those present that “it was going to be used for the worship of God, to pray for themselves and for others” and that “the building was intended to be a blessing to the whole neighbourhood.”

The new church, given the name All Saints, was still part of the Lambton parish. However, growth in the congregation meant that four years later in November 1928, New Lambton became a separate parish and appointed their first rector, the Reverend Hugh Linton.

In 1958 the Anglicans purchased a large block of land on the corner of Regent Street and St James Road and erected a spacious brick building. The Newcastle Morning Herald reported that over 1000 people attended the opening service in September 1959.

Around 1970, the original wooden church on Cromwell Street was demolished, and the current brick hall and parish office erected in its place.

In 2024, one hundred years from opening their first church building, New Lambton Anglicans are undertaking major renovations and refurbishment of the Regent Street building, making it ready for the next hundred years of being a blessing to the neighbourhood.

You can view these photos and more details at lachlanwetherall.com

At left: The church office and hall now occupy the site on the corner of Cromwell and Oxford Street.

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am to 4.45pm

Above: The original All Saints New Lambton church building erected in 1924. Photo from the collection of Thomas Ernest Millington, via Lyn Millington.

Jamie Smarts

I have chosen to review the book Bunny vs Monkey because it’s so hilarious. I’d recommend this book to eight to twelve-year-olds. It’s an amazing book with very well illustrated characters.

I am ten years old, and I loved this book so I thought I’d do a book report on it so I could share it with other children, I love reading so I’m doing this to show people that reading a book is just as fun as playing a video game.

I read plenty of books, but I chose this one because you didn’t need to read the book half a dozen times to understand that the author, Jamie Smarts, was aiming to make an incredibly funny text with even more hilarious characters like Monkey for instance always blowing up the inventions that Skunky provides for him.

I love all books, but this one was certainly one of the best I’ve read in a long time, and it was certainly the funniest one.

My favourite character is Bunny, always saving the forest from Monkey and Skunky by slapping Monkey in the face with a cheese sandwich or bonking him on the head with his own inventions.

Review by Marcus Lawry - age 10

Is there a book you would like to review? Please get in touch with us at Q’s Books email: info@qsbooks.com.au

Here to HELP

with Elaine Abery of Unravelling Red Tape

Anti-innovation government

Dear Here to Help,

Government awarded me a substantial grant to pursue my innovative idea. I poured my heart and soul into my project and developed it to a stage where it was ready to launch. Then, I came in for a nasty surprise. Government was forcing me to jump more hurdles!

How on earth does government approve my innovative idea, give me money to work on it, then suddenly decide that there are more rules. Rules that I need to conform to, which it never told me about?

They could have told me about those rules at the beginning, when I was developing my idea. But they wait till I have spent all the grant money, and most of my own money, on the idea and now they tell me their other rules.

The only way I could do this is to go back to the beginning and start again! But I am two years and a load of money down the track. I can’t afford to start again. I have poured my heart, soul and finances into this project and I just don’t think I can go back to the beginning because government gave me new rules I have never heard of!

Thank you for your question.

That’s a really hard thing to happen.

It’s a hard response. Government is not a single entity. We have local, state and federal government. Each level of government has departments and agencies. They don’t always communicate as well as they should with one another.

It would be great if successful government grants came with a “how to” guide to help you engage with government. This could include things like:

• Common regulations and requirements for different types of innovators and entrepreneurs (manufacturing, IT, etc)

• Which departments are responsible

• Key contacts in relevant departments

• a concierge service that helps entrepreneurs/ innovators interact with government

As a first stop, I would go back to the department that awarded you the grant. Usually, you will have received an email from them – have you tried replying to that email and asking them for help?

There are a number of services and organisations dedicated to helping small businesses, that might be able to help you:

• https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/businessconcierge-service

• https://hunterif.com.au/

• https://www.newcastle.edu.au/engage/businessand-industry/integrated-innovation-network-i2n

• https://www.businesscentre.com.au/

• https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business

If you are not based in the Hunter, there are similar organisations across Australia.

It may be useful to consult my previous articles about engaging with government – sometimes you have to push back and patience is key.

Good luck!

with Ben Hutton of Brightside Physio

Matters

How to know when to see your physio

So you’ve got a painful *insert dodgy body part*. And half of your brain says: ‘She’ll be right - it’ll get better’

The other half of your brain says: ‘Geez, this hurts. Maybe I should get some help’ Where does the truth lie?

It depends. Here are three quick questions to ask that will help guide whether its a ‘leave it’ or a ‘book it’

1. How long has it been sore for? My rough rule of thumb is anything that’s been sore for one to two weeks (or longer) without any improvement - book it. You need a proper physio check.

2. How bad is it? If your pain is enough to make you want to cry/throw-up/can’t-concentrate/curl-up-anddie…book it. If it’s more a pain that niggles and nags but is not ruining your life - refer to point 1.

3. Have you had it before? If this is Groundhog Day and your pain is like a bruise you keep bashing - book it. There is probably an underlying cause, let’s figure it out and give you long-lasting relief.

Otherwise ‘leave it’. You might just have slept funny and your neck is sore, and in two days she’ll be apples. If in doubt. Send us an SOS via info@brightsidephysio. com.au or avoid all human interaction and book online: www.brightsidephysio.com.au

VET Chat

with Dr Darren Gibbins of Elder St Vets

Fighting dental disease in pets

At Elder Street Vets we witness daily the painful toll dental issues take on our furry friends. From inflamed gums to tooth loss, the consequences are painful and severe. That’s why we’re on a mission to raise awareness and provide solutions.

Plenty of us have had a tooth ache and know how painful it can be, this can happen for our pets too. Being aware of the problem is the first step to managing dental disease.

At Elder Street Vets we aim to educate pet owners about the signs of dental disease and emphasise the importance of regular check-ups in managing dental disease. Simple habits like brushing teeth and providing dental treats can make a world of difference.

For pets already suffering, our clinic offers advanced treatments tailored to their needs. From scaling and polishing, dental x-rays, extractions and surgeries, we have the expertise and technology to tackle even the toughest cases.

Our efforts go beyond treatment. We’re committed to empowering pet owners with knowledge and resources for proactive dental care. Through informative materials, and personalised advice, we’re making dental health a priority.

As a veterinarian, seeing pets regain vitality after dental care is immensely rewarding. With awareness and being pro-active we can turn the tide against dental disease and ensure our companions live longer and happier lives.

Elder Street Vets offers complimentary dental checks. If you are worried about your pet’s dental health give us a call and pop in for a free check-up.

PHARMACY Matters

by Anthony Piggott of Piggott’s Pharmacies: Blackbutt, Branxton, Huntlee, Lambton and Merewether

Fibre and bowel health

The fibre in food helps keep your bowels (intestines) healthy and may protect against bowel cancer. It also helps control your weight, blood cholesterol level and blood sugar level. There are good amounts of fibre in wholegrain breads and cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. Ask a doctor, your local pharmacist or dietitian for advice.

What is fibre?

Fibre is found in foods that come from plants. It is also called ‘roughage’ or ‘bulk’. Dietary fibre is the part of plant foods that is not digested or absorbed in your stomach or small intestine. Dietary fibre passes unchanged into the large bowel (large intestine, colon), where bacteria break it down. The break-down of fibre may produce a lot of gas (wind) in the large bowel.

Most dietary fibres are carbohydrates. The main types of dietary fibre are soluble fibre, insoluble fibre and resistant starch.

Some foods with good amounts of soluble fibre are: oats, barley, rye, fruits, vegetables and legumes (e.g. beans, lentils).

• Some foods with good amounts of insoluble fibre are: wheat bran, rice bran, wholegrain foods, the skins of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds.

• Some foods with good amounts of resistant starch are: unprocessed wholegrain cereals, nuts and seeds, under-ripe bananas, legumes, slightly undercooked (“al dente”) pasta and cooked and cooled potato, rice and pasta. Resistant starch (as Hi-Maize) is added to some breakfast cereals and fibre supplement products.

Fibre and health

Some health benefits of a high fibre diet are:

• Fibre increases the size of faeces (bowel motions) and helps to soften them. Large, soft faeces move quickly and easily through your bowel, and are easy to pass when you empty your bowel.

• High fibre foods can help control body weight.

They are often slow to eat (they need more chewing), they are filling, and they often contain less kilojoules (calories) per gram than low fibre foods.

• Soluble fibre slows the absorption of sugar into the blood stream. A high fibre diet can help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels and may also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Soluble fibre can help lower your blood cholesterol level.

• Fibre may reduce the risk of bowel cancer (colorectal cancer).

The breakdown of soluble fibre and resistant starch in the bowel produces short-chain fatty acids, which may protect the bowel from cancer. Also, large, soft faeces moving quickly and easily through the bowel can quickly remove cancer-causing substances from the bowel.

• High fibre foods usually contain many vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

Effects of low fibre

A diet that is low in fibre may cause or worsen some health problems such as constipation, haemorrhoids (piles), bowel cancer, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, being overweight, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.

Self-care

• Eat a wide variety of high fibre foods. Most adults should aim to eat at least 5 serves of vegetables, 2 serves of fruit, 4-6 serves of wholegrain or wholemeal foods, and some nuts and seeds every day. Limit foods high in fat, sugar or salt.

• Increase fibre in your diet gradually, to avoid wind, bloating and cramping.

• Eat regular meals to help your bowel activity.

• Never ignore the urge to empty your bowels.

• Drink enough water every day to satisfy your thirst and to keep your urine ‘light-coloured’ (unless a doctor advises not to). A person with a high fibre diet needs to drink plenty of fluid, to avoid constipation

• Exercise at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes on all or most days of the week. Exercise can help your bowel activity.

Fibre supplements

The best way to get fibre is to eat high fibre foods. Some people also need to use fibre supplement products. The fibre in these products may produce less gas in the bowel than high fibre foods. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice. When using fibre supplements always follow the instructions carefully.

LAW Matters

by Chris Hill-Smith of Appleton Law, Lambton

Wills: Do I really own those assets?

It seems simple enough. I can gift anything I own in my will. Can’t I? Surprisingly there are many things that we have the possession, use and enjoyment of and which we believe to be our own but which in truth we cannot gift in our will.

The family home is a good example. It is very common for the title to the family home to be held in the names of the husband and wife as ‘joint tenants’.

If that is the case the home will not form part of the estate of the deceased spouse and will not pass under a will.

The interest the deceased held in the home would pass to the surviving spouse through the right of survivorship. The surviving joint tenant spouse therefore automatically receives the interest the deceased held in the house.

The same principle generally applies to joint bank accounts and joint investments.

Assets are often owned by private companies and those assets are not able to be gifted in a will. The testator may hold shares in the company and those shares can be gifted but the relationship between the company asset values and the shares will determine what the beneficiaries of the shares will realise.

Assets held in trusts are not able to be gifted in wills because the title to the assets is held by the trust and not by the beneficial owner.

Family trusts are common and are used for the taxation benefits and asset protection which they can provide. In achieving those outcomes however, the title to the property vests in the trust.

Life insurance policies may be owned by someone other than the insured person, particularly when a nomination

has been made to another beneficiary. In that situation the funds distributed from the policy will not go to the estate of the deceased.

Superannuation is another type of asset which commonly will not go to the deceased estate. Unless a valid binding death benefit nomination has been put in place, to the estate or to a tax dependant, the fund trustee will have the discretion as to the ultimate destination of the death benefits.

Not all superannuation funds allow binding death benefit nominations. For those funds, the trustee will determine who the recipient of the benefits will be. Other assets may be charged or mortgaged with a debt, usually secured against the property and obviously there will be implications for the estate if the intention of the testator is that the property is to be gifted to a beneficiary.

Disclaimer

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. Formal legal advice should be sought in particular matters.

Local Community Group Notices

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

HOME-START FAMILY SERVICES

Home-Start is a voluntary service offering support, friendship and practical help to families with at least one child under 5 where the parents are experiencing difficulty in their parenting roles or are under stress. For information about volunteering or Home-Start services ph 4952 9488 or go to: www.homestartaustralia.org/

NEWCASTLE BIRTH MOVEMENT

Newcastle Birth Movement is a pregnant womans’ dream. Located inside Pachamama House, 21 Gordon Ave, Hamilton. We offer complimentary emotional support services with professionals, not-for-profit, hypnobirthing & many more great events. Plus preloved maternity, breastfeeding & babywear, all in great or excellent condition. Contact us by email at newcastlebirthmovement@gmail.com

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 11 April at 5.30pm. For more information email: lambtonresidents@gmail. com or call Angela on 0422 633 737.

HUNTER ANIMAL WATCH

Hunter Animal Watch offers subsidised pet desexing for dogs and cats belonging to pensioners and health card holders. Phone 4961 6133 between 10am and 4pm Tuesday to Friday

COMMUNITY GROUPS

HUNTER PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS AND SUPPORT GROUP

The Hunter Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group (HPCASG) is a group of locals who share one thing in common - Prostate health concerns. If you or a male family member are concerned about Prostate Health, we are here for you. Many have travelled a similar path with the same concerns and reservations. We often have topics of interest, and our local Prostate Cancer specialist nurses are often available to speak with. We are supported by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Calvary Mater Hospital and meet on the second Tuesday of every month (except January), 2pm at Wallsend Diggers, 5 Tyrell Street, Wallsend near the Lemon Grove Hotel. Please feel free to come along and find that your concerns are acknowledged with us. We are here to help ourselves and others. Call 0458 960 300, come along to the meeting or visit our webpage http://hunterprostatesupport.org

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

BOOK AND COFFEE GROUP

Meeting fortnightly in Lambton. This discussion group will look at different books in the bible and discuss their relevance to today’s world. Contact Faye on 0411 166 500

SOCIETY OF ARTISTS NEWCASTLE INC.

Society of Artists Newcastle Inc. is situated in Lambton Park. We have social art groups, workshops and members’ exhibitions. With more than 300 members we cater for many artists in the local area and provide a practicing art community for over a hundred members each week at our rooms. Call Ann-Maree Kelly (president) on 0417 261 891 or go to www.societyofartistsnewcastle. com for further information

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 Community Group Notices

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

NEWCASTLE CREATIVE EMBROIDERERS AND TEXTILE ARTISTS (NCEATA)

Do you enjoy working creatively with textiles and fibres? If so, you might be interested in joining NCEATA, a group of individuals with varying skill levels and interests who come together to interact, learn, share and exhibit their creative works. You can find more information about our workshops and meetings, as well as examples of our textiles, on our website www.nceata.org and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ NCEATA. We have two meetings every month, except for December, which are subject to change depending on public holidays. Our meetings are held on the 1st Monday of the month from 10am to 1pm and on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 1pm to 4pm at Belair Church Hall located at 130 Garden Grove Parade, Adamstown. We welcome visitors who are interested in joining our group. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at secretary@nceata.org.

HUNTER DISTRICT BROMELIAD SOCIETY

Are you interested in bromeliads, including tillandsias (air plants)? Do you want the opportunity to buy your plants cheap, directly from the growers? Then come along to Henderson Park Hall in Merewether on the third Saturday of each month and mix with fellow gardeners. We’re an active group with monthly competitions, guest speakers, demonstrations, Q&A, etc. Plant sales commence at 12.30pm and meetings at 1.15pm. Come along and get tips and advice direct from the experts in your local area.xFind us on Facebook or send enquiries to hdbssecretary@gmail.com

LAMBTON GARDEN CLUB

Lambton Garden Club meets at 1.30pm on the 3rd Saturday of each month in Lambton Library. Interesting topics, garden visits and outings are arranged. Contact Tammy for more information on Ph 4956 2241.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

HUNTER WOMEN OF NOTE CHORUS

Do you love to sing and perform? The Chorus is open to women 18yrs and over. We meet every Monday evening and sing barbershop style . For information, visit our website www. hunterwomenofnotechorus.com, connect on Facebook, or phone Maureen 0404496262

HUNTER REGION FIELD NATURALISTS & NATURE JOURNALING CLUB

A local club started in Lambton almost two years ago offers free outdoor nature journaling sessions to anyone interested in trying their hand at drawing and painting whilst exploring nature. The club meet outdoors on the 4th Saturday of each month and offer online sessions on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook: @naturejournalclub. hunterregion

SENIORS GROUPS

LADIES PROBUS CLUB OF NEW LAMBTON

Are you recently retired or semi-retired and looking for a friendly group of ladies to share activities and social outings with? Our Club has vacancies for new members. Our monthly activities include active and interesting walks, book club, movies/theatre/shows, day trips, birthday lunches and a monthly meeting with guest speaker on the fourth Monday at Central Charlestown Leagues Club. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of please contact Eileen at eileencampbell46@yahoo.com. au or on 0428 991 184.

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 Community Group Notices

SENIORS GROUPS

NEWCASTLE MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

Newcastle Men’s Probus Club provides great social outings, regular monthly meetings, for Friendship, Fellowship and Fun in retirement. We love to welcome visitors at our meetings. Why not drop into our regular 4th Tuesday of the month meetings at Souths Leagues Club Merewether. You will be warmly welcomed, enjoy some refreshments and a guest speaker. The meetings start at 9:30am. We would love to meet you at our next meeting. https://www.newcastleprobus.org/ Contact Brian Prior 0415 081 610.

LAMBTON SENIORS GROUP

Interested in playing cards? Canasta is a great social game and is played every Thursday from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm at Jesmond Bowlo, 48 Mordue Parade (near the Jesmond Mall). You’ll be most welcome and we’ll happily teach you, either from scratch or just refresh your knowledge. Free off street parking. Phone Nola 4952 3685 or Des 4955 5032.

NEWCASTLE LADIES’ PROBUS

We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.30 at Wests Newcastle. We are a friendly group of ladies and we have a variety of activities which include coffee mornings, a walking group, lunches and other outings. Each month we have an interesting guest speaker. For more information contact Margaret 0417 663 064 or Ruth 0439 478 431

BEL AIR VIEW CLUB

Bel Air View Club meets on the third Monday of each month at South Leagues Club Merewether at 10.30 am. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to join us for friendship and interesting guest speakers and to help support the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program which assists young Australian school children create a better future for themselves. For any further information please phone Gillian on 4963 5655.

SENIORS GROUPS SENIORS GROUPS

THE PROBUS CLUB OF SHORTLAND INC.

We are a Combined Club who meets at the beautiful Hunter Wetlands on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 9.30am, for friendship and fellowship with the meeting starting at 10.am. We are currently looking for people over 55 years who have retired and would like to join us for Coffee Mornings, Outings of day trips and away trips, good Guest Speakers, and a great morning tea at our Meetings, followed by a BBQ on the following day. We have 4 lunches at the Wetlands per year. If you would like to find out more about this Club, please contact Alan on 49683325 or email westalan@hotmail.com

NOVACARE VOLUNTEERS

NovaCare are searching for reliable and trustworthy volunteers to join our organisation. Volunteer requirements include: being able to commit to a few hours each week; able to build relationships with consumers; reliable transport and drivers’ licence. Would suit active retirees. Enjoy getting to know your local community. If this sounds like you please call Britt Owens on 1300 363 654 or email brittanyo@novacare.org.au

NEW LAMBTON LADIES BOWLING CLUB

We are seeking ladies to join our bowling club on our all weather greens. We play Tuesday morinigs from 10am, Saturdays from 1pm and Thursday mixed from 10am. Free coaching is available to Wests members. Come along and meet our friendly ladies and look over our beautiful club. We’re sure you will want to join for the social aspects and exercise. For more information ph Bev 4955 0080 or Marion 0408 433 893.

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...

AUSTRALIAN PLANT SALE

Saturday April 6th from 9.30am2.00pm at the Shortland Wetlands Education Centre. Hundreds of varieties at the low price of $4 each. APS Newcastle Group

Bush and modern budgies for sale, starting from $15 Ph 0456 919 046

FURNITURE

Large dining table & 6 chairs in good condition $200, glass top oval shaped cane table & two chairs $100, solid timber coffee table $60 Ph 0431 610 116

BRAITH’S SMALL APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Almost anything repaired from video players to vacuums, tables to typewriters. Specialising in Dyson vacuums. We normally have reconditioned, many asnew, Dyson vacuums for sale too. Phone Braith to see if we can fix it for you. Ph 4952 2352

Mondays 10.30-11.15

Wednesdays 11.10 -11.55 (April)

Wednesdays 10.30 -11.15 (new time from May)

Kotara Bowling Club 2 Howell Street Kotara

Lorraine 0411 422 300

CONGRATULATIONS!

Roslyn Evans who was the winner of two tickets to see ’Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ at Newcastle Theatre Co.

NOTICES WORK WANTED

HUNTER THEATRE SUPPORTERS

Trip to Fingal Bay Surf Club for 12 noon. Tuesday 16 April. Leaving at 10.30am from Wests New Lambton. For bookings and details Ph 4952 8590

IELTS TUITION

Experienced university lecturer. IELTS/IDP Certified. Lessons via Zoom & Google Docs. Suitable for foreign nationals applying for Permanent Residency/Sponsor visas & university applications. Offering instruction for all academic levels. Testimonials available. From $40 per hour. Contact Chris by email: chrisausspeak@gmail.com or SMS Ph 0416 624 710

SHARPE’S HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANCY & DESIGN SERVICE

Onsite advice service, plant disease diagnosis, lawn problems, general garden & plant concerns, plant positioning & location. Phone Simon Ph 0438 609 229

TICKETS FOR NEWCASTLE THEATRE CO. IN 2024

Naked and Screaming - Saturday 6 April at 2pm. Hostage - Sunday 26 May at 2pm. Might Must Fall - Saturday 13 July at 2pm. For bookings Ph 4952 8590

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS They’re free & they work!

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 $30 per hour with a minimum 2 hour engagement. References are available. Call Katy on 0406 926 729 or email katygoura@ hotmail.co.uk

of the free

admin@ hunterlocal.com.au