The Local - August 2023

Cash splash or stunt?

A $10 million indoor aquatic facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is part of a tender the City of Newcastle placed on public notice in July for the operation of Newcastle’s five swimming pools.

Proposed upgrades by BlueFit Pty Ltd, who have been managing Lambton Swimming Centre since 2014, will also include a gym, new kiosk and new changerooms.

BlueFit has also committed to building accessibility facilities at each of the city’s five pools at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield.

Under the proposed lease of seven years, with two possible seven-year extensions at the City’s discretion, BlueFit would commit $5 million as part of their successful tender to operate the city’s pools.

artist’s impression of the 25m indoor pool proposed by BlueFit Pty Ltd for Lambton Pool should they be successful in their bid to manage the City’s five inland pools

A decision on whether to award BlueFit the contract to manage Newcastle’s pools or bring day to

day management of the pools back in-house will be made in August

(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 Lambton, 2299

Founder & publisher: Mark Brooker

Advertising bookings for September issue close on Friday 18 August

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 In contributing news items the contributor accepts that such information may or may not be published in print and/or online using websites and social media channels at the sole discretion of the publisher.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

ABN 48 260 331 896

LOCAL Matters

with Mark Brooker Publisher of The Local

AI is here

It seems to be in the news daily. They say it is coming to take our jobs. It has us questioning whether some things, especially some things we see on the internet, are real or just deep fakes. It may even have written these few sentences.

What is it? Artificial Intelligence or AI for short.

I can assure you that AI was not employed to write the sentences above.

It was however asked, just as a little test, to produce a short piece on the the benefits of shopping locally. This is a topic The Local is passionate about, as you know. I thought I’d challenge Chat GPT, probably the best known brand in the AI race, to see how it went. Here’s what appeared on my computer screen, free of charge, in less than the blink of an eye:

Shopping locally offers numerous benefits that positively impact individuals, communities, and the environment. Firstly, it fosters a strong sense of community by supporting local businesses, preserving unique shops, and promoting a personalized* shopping experience. This sustains local economies, creating jobs and generating tax revenue for public services.

Additionally, buying locally reduces carbon footprints by minimizing transportation distances, contributing to a greener environment. Consumers gain access to fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal products, ensuring higher quality and authenticity. Moreover, personalized customer service and a connection with the producers enhance trust and loyalty. (*US spellings left uncorrected for authenticity)

And it goes on from there. There’s nothing particularly insightful or clever in what it wrote. Uncharitable readers might say that’s what makes it indistinguishable from the pieces I write in this space each month.

I might just lay low and get the bot to write all of next month’s issue and see if anyone notices...haha!

Happy 100th birthday Alma

Adamstown Ladies Probus Club gathered at Wests New Lambton recently to celebrate not just Christmas in July but the milestone birthday of a long-standing member.

Alma Tate celebrated her 100th birthday in style surrounded by 60 members of the Probus Club.

When asked what she thought the secret to longevity might be Alma said “I’ve kept busy and always

found pleasure in whatever I am doing.”

“To be honest I’m quite surprised by it all. The years have just flown by.”

“I’ve always had plenty to do. Life is pretty precious you know.” she told The Local.

Alma, who served two terms on Newcastle City Council from 1977 to 1983, and is mother to longserving lord mayor and councillor

John Tate, said she has always enjoyed her community work.

Alma helped establish Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in the early 1960’s and New Lambton Community Centre in the 1980’s. She served as president of the latter for close to 20 years.

Alma’s many years of community service were recognised in 2011 when she was awarded an OAM. Happy birthday Alma...

Alma Tate, seated wearing scarf, celebrated her 100th birthday recently with fellow members of Adamstown Ladies Probus Club

Cash splash or stunt?

(continued from front page)

following a public notice process that invited community comment on the proposed lease.

The report favouring BlueFit as the successful tenderer states that over the full 21 year lease term the cost to the City to have BlueFit operate the pools would be $30 million. In comparison, a return to inhouse management by City of Newcastle has been calculated to cost $69 million.

Many observers, including some of the elected councillors, were left bemused when City of Newcastle advertised the public notice in a Monday issue of a Sydney metropolitan newspaper.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath defended the decision, saying on NBN television news, that “... the Daily Telegraph was by far the most widely read newspaper...in Newcastle and the Hunter region.” Industry sources have confirmed to The Local that this is not correct.

The public notice was subsequently placed in a Saturday issue of Newcastle Herald, some 12 days into the 28 day period for public comment.

Anna Glasby, convenor of the We Love Lambton Pool alliance said that, like many people, she was agnostic on the question of whether the pools should be managed by council or by private operators.

“Almost 70% of the people who completed the We Love Lambton Pool survey late last year said they didn’t mind who managed the pool as long as it was done well.” Ms Glasby told The Local.

“What I am totally opposed to is the shoddy, secretive process and the last minute nature of how City of Newcastle has handled the whole issue of pool management. It’s poor governance and it’s disrespectful to pool users, residents and rate payers.”

“The proposed 25 metre indoor pool looks to me more like a media stunt designed to woo those who may be against private management.

It’s not a genuine, well-thought through plan to meet the needs of current and future pool users.” she added.

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. Phone us at The Local on 0455 210 000 by Friday 11 August 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 11 August and redeemed at your chosen retailer no later than 30 September 2023.

Congratulations to the residents of 43 Dent St, North Lambton and 98 De Vitre St, Lambton who each claimed a prize last month by correctly identifying their letterboxes.

Win a double to NTC production

The next production from Newcastle Theatre Company during Season 2023 is titled One Man Two Guvnors and it opens on Saturday 19 August at 8pm. Fired from his skiffle

band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from the dad of his fiancee.

But Roscoe is really his

sister Rachel posing as her own dead brother, who has been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers.

Holed up at The Cricketers Arms, the permanently ravenous

Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be reunited with Rachel. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.

Based on the classic Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni, in this new English version by prizewinning playwright Richard Bean, sex, food and money are high on the agenda.

Evening performances will be held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 19 August until 2 September.

Matinees at 2pm will be performed on Sunday 20 and Saturday 26 August.

The Local has one double pass to the winner’s choice of performance of One Man, Two Guvnors.

To be in the running for the double pass just text the word ‘Guvnor’, your first and last name, and your preferred performance day/time to 0455 210 000 by Wednesday 16 August

BOOKINGS: call 4952 4958 or online newcastletheatrecompany.com.au

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL: all tickets $30

• 90 De Vitre Street

• Lambton •

The winner will be advised by phone and their name published in next month’s issue of The Local.

Hello from Hamilton Business Association (HBA). We are a progressive volunteer collaborative that promotes a precinct that is welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. Hamilton Business Association won Community Group of the Year in 2021. Love Local, Love Hamilton. This monthly update will give you information on some of the exciting projects and collaborations the HBA is involved in.

the overwhelming patronage. Thank you to everyone who supported the weekend and our plan is to repeat this event in the future, albeit with some changes to make it bigger and better!

Art Projection in James St Plaza, have you seen any yet? Our current offering is video work Dead Tongue (2015) by leading First Nations artist Dr Christian Thompson AO. Presented as a large-scale outdoor projection, the artist appears to be silenced by the Union Jack flag placed between his lips, however the audience can hear full-throated and beautiful singing in Bidjara language surrounding them. This work will be on display every night from 6:00pm until Sunday 27 August 2023. Go the Matildas!

Love Local, Love Hamilton ª Hamilton Business Association

Noodle Night Markets in James St Plaza, were you there? It was very exciting to see the plaza utilized to its potential, full of people on a cold and windy Friday and Saturday night last month. The food and entertainment was well received by the community and being the first event of this kind in James St Plaza, the HBA was pleasantly surprised with

For more information and keep up to date on all our current and upcoming projects join us on Facebook HelloHamiltonNSW and Instagram hello_hamilton_nsw

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

PERSONAL TRAINING

“To inspire people to be happy, healthy and independent throughout all stages of their life”

CLASS TIMETABLE

MOTIVATED MONDAY: MONDAYS 6PM TO 6.50PM

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Basil & St. George

OPEN DAY

10am - 3pm • Saturday, 19 August 2023

Cnr of George & Morgan Sts, Islington

Visit the church that has been an integral part of Newcastle since 1964. See the wall mural sized icons from Mt. Athos depicting the life of Christ. Take part in a short Liturgical Service and enjoy the Independence Day Commemoration.

11am: Moleben (Liturgical service) to the Lord God in time of war for victory over the enemy in Ukraine

1:30pm: Ukrainian Independence Day Commemoration vocal/instrumental performance by Nila and Peter Deriashnyj on the bandura, Ukrainian stringed Instrument

Light refreshments served

More information:

Father Edward Waters on 0425 567 655 or Peter Deriashnyj on 0429 968 329

HEATON PUBLIC SCHOOL JESMOND

MIDDAY MOVERS:

TUESDAYS 12PM TO 12.45PM

JESMOND PARK UNITING CHURCH

BOXING CIRCUIT: WEDNESDAYS 6PM TO 6.50PM

JESMOND PARK UNITING CHURCH

BOXERCISE

FRIDAYS 6PM TO 6.50PM

JESMOND PARK UNITING CHURCH

Art Bazaar at Lambton Park

Art Bazaar returns to Lambton Park from 9am to 3pm on Sunday 27 August.

Drawn from across the Hunter region, the majority of Hunter Arts Network’s (HAN) wide variety of stallholders are exclusive to Art Bazaar. Visitors to Art Bazaar can meet local makers and have the assurance of returning to the next Art Bazaar to find their favourite artisans. By purchasing direct from the makers shoppers are supporting locals.

“The point of difference with Art Bazaar is that you won’t find many of our stallholders at other markets - most of our traders will only set up stalls at Art Bazaar”, Margo Humphries, Publicity Officer, Hunter Arts Network told The Local.

There’s plenty to capture your

imagination while you wander the stalls of Art Bazaar. Take home a one-of-a kind treasure or get your Christmas shopping started. Art Bazaar has cemented its reputation over more than 20 years as the event that showcases the Hunter’s vibrant arts

community that locals and visitors look forward to several times every year. Food trucks, coffee and entertainment will be on offer during the day.

HAN is run by a dedicated committee of volunteers who celebrate visual art in all it forms.

Lambton Park has hosted Art Bazaar annually since 2015

McCullough classic at Civic Theatre

TIM a novel written by Australian icon Colleen McCullough will be at Civic Theatre Newcastle for one performance on Friday 4 August.

Central to TIM is an unorthodox love that develops between Mary, a career driven, mid-50s business executive and Tim, a handsome 25-year-old labourer with a mild intellectual disability. Tim has grown up in a small but loving working-class family who have tried to shelter him from the cruelness of the world. He is often the brunt of ridicule by those around him, particularly his uncharitable work mates.

What begins as a chance meeting between them, soon develops into a lifechanging relationship for both. Tim’s protective family grapple with a deep suspicion of Mary’s motivations, a disability system that has failed them and the devastating loss of Tim’s mother.

Whilst Tim’s disability is never labelled in the play, it is a constant, underlying theme, embedded in a story that explores the importance of embracing differences, opening oneself to the fullness of life and the opportunities it has to offer.

Filled with notions of love, loss and acceptance, and set in the modern day, this seminal Australian story has been sensitively adapted for the stage by playwright Tim McGarry (Boy Swallows Universe, There’s A Sea in My Bedroom). He has also worked extensively supporting people with a disability living in residential care.

Directed by award-winning Darren Yap (Diving for Pearls, Miracle City, Letters to Lindy),

TIM’s gripping and controversial storyline catapulted Colleen McCullough to international fame. She remains Australia’s highest selling author, with over 80 million books sold worldwide.

TIM is directed by Darren and produced by Christine Dunstan.

The title role is played by Ben Goss, a recent graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts who,

like Tim, has a lived experienced of mild disability. Goss stars alongside Jeanette Cronin (Mary), Valerie Bader and Andrew McFarlane.

See TIM at Civic Theatre Newcastle on Friday 4 August 2023, before it tours nationally in 2024. Tickets are on sale now at civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

The cast of TIM (clockwise from top left): Ben Goss, Jeanette Cronin, Andrew McFarlane and Valerie Bader

The Local Quiz

Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Alan Browne of Hamilton North. Alan has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy.

Last month’s mystery photo was taken at Bindera Rd, Lambton, near Johnson Park. 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:

Who wrote the novel Tim?

Question 2:

In what year did BlueFit commence management of Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre?

Question 3:

How many terms as councillor did Alma Tate serve on Newcastle City Council?

Question 4:

On what road in New Lambton did Ralph Snowball live?

Question 5:

In which local park would you find the popular play equipment pictured above right?

THAT WAS THEN This is now with

Lachlan Wetherall

History in 3D

Thanks to Ralph Snowball’s extensive archive of glass plate negatives, we have thousands of clear views into our city’s past. But Snowball also dabbled in one of the photographic crazes of the 19th century, stereoscopy. Our perception of a three-dimensional world comes from having two eyes, each seeing the same scene from a slightly different point. Our brain combines the images to give us sense of how close or far away objects are. Stereoscopic photography mimics this by using a camera with two horizontally separated lenses, that capture two images of a scene. Prints can then be mounted on a stereoscopic viewer, a goggle like apparatus that uses lens to combine the two images to give us the impression of a three-dimensional view.

Newcastle University’s Living Histories collection contains eight stereoscopic images by Snowball, including views of New Lambton, Newcastle harbour and the beach. The negatives have varying degrees of damage, with the best-preserved example being of a Chinese market garden vendor at the foot of the steps of Snowball’s home in Clarence Road, New Lambton. Not many people have an antique stereoscopic viewer lying around the house, but YouTube, that modern purveyor of DIY solutions has an alternative. A video (https://youtu.be/jIh8zetHB9E) demonstrates how to create your own viewer using a few tools, cheap plastic reading glasses from a bargain store, and a small threaded bolt.

I achieved best viewing results when photos were printed with each image 7cm wide. I placed the images on a well-lit horizontal surface with a gap of a few centimetres between them. With the connecting bolt of the glasses against my nose, and at a viewing distance of about 40cm, I used my left eye to focus on the lefthand image and slowly moved the right image inwards until the two images merged.

It can take a while to master the technique, but when you do, the effect is both startling and enchanting to suddenly see history in 3D.

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

Above: Chinese market garden vendor at Ralph Snowball’s residence in Clarence Road New Lambton September 1886. University of Newcastle, Living Histories.

Below: The DIY 3D glasses viewer, with examples of Snowball’s stereoscopic images.

by Hannah Kent

At Q’s Books we are often asked for recommendations. We thought we would list some of our favourites over the past few years for you to consider. Enjoy! Once

by Charlotte McConaghy

by Pip Williams

by Geraldine Brooks

It’s never simple

Dear Here to Help,

I don’t understand why government doesn’t do things about the rental crisis.

All they would need to do is set a rental cap and penalise landlords who charge more Thanks for that interesting question.

Community is a complex set of interactions and public policy decisions need to consider all of this.

If we look at the housing market, there are several levels of government involved:

• Federal Government, responsible for income taxation, including:

o Capital gains tax, and the 50% discount if assets are held for more than a year

o Income tax, including quarantining and negative gearing (which applies across the tax system, not just to housing)

o Foreign investment review

o Superannuation and Self Managed Super Funds

• State Government, responsible for things like:

o Public housing, including the relevant department

o Land tax

o Stamp duty

o Appeals of some council decisions

o residential tenancy regulation

• Local Government, responsible for things like:

o Rates

o Planning and development

On top of all that is community attitudes to property. “Safe as houses” is part of our mentality and there are many ‘mum and dad’ investors who have 1-2 investment properties as their superannuation fund, with mortgages, insurances and other costs. At the other end of the spectrum are landlords who own many properties.

There are good tenants and good landlords; bad tenants and bad landlords. Like most of society, most people lie in the middle – good enough tenants and good enough landlords.

More tax on rental properties could result in more properties on the holiday/air bnb market, or force ‘mum and dad’ landlords to sell their rental properties. This might reduce supply and push up prices, which is the opposite of what your proposal is trying to do. This complexity is why public policy takes time –government doesn’t want to create a bigger problem than the one it’s trying to solve.

with Elaine Abery of Unravelling Red Tape

PHYSIO Matters

Someone has stuck a knife in my neck

Have you got the ol’ eye-watering jabby, pokersharp neck pain? Feels like someone getting stabby with a pair of scissors when you turn your head? Makes driving a car tricky. Makes sleeping dodgy. Makes pole-dancing (my favourite hobby) downright impossible.

Sometimes they settle by themselves. The ‘kinked’ neck that you woke up with takes itself off to the beach after a couple of days and buries itself back in the sand. But sometimes, it sticks around and causes your life to start looking a bit like a sad whale: grey, dreary and

The key to proper treatment is understanding the ‘WHY?’ of neck pain. No ‘why’ = No long term solution. Quick fixes are fix mickeys. Short-term is a bandaid on big pain or a panadol for a broken bone. For more permanent pain relief - you have to get to the guts of the problem.

To get a grip on why your neck is sore, start with looking at the areas above and below the painful bit. Is your upper back stiff? Are your shoulders weak? Is the top part of your neck stuck?

Then widen the focus to other factors: Increased load? (Constantly holding up the weight of the world), Decreased exercise? (Stopped walking the dog or quit the gym) Or even other factors like: poor sleep, stress or a diet that’s flown out the window and directly into Dr. Dan Murphy’s. As a rough rule of thumb - give a sore neck a day or two to settle, if it hasn’t - you may need the healing hands of an excellent physio (that’s us!). We’ll reduce your pain and give you:

1.Understanding of why your neck is stuffed

2.How long it will take to get better and

3.What to do to get a long term solution.

To start extracting the knife and get into the guts of the problem call the helpful humans at Brightside on 4062 8862 or avoid talking altogether and book online www.brightsidephysio.com.au

N O K N E E T O F E A R

with Ben Hutton of Brightside Physio

HEALTH Matters

Weight management and exercise support

Sustainable weight control takes time and work but with support, it can make your journey easier.

Whether you need support with weight loss, weight gain, muscle recovery, general health, exercise endurance or recovering from illness; look for the following:

• Protein Powders • Collagen Powders • MCT oil • Blood Sugar Balance support • Energy Support • Probiotics for Weight management • Herbal tonics for energy and blood sugar regulation • Amino Acids

Protein Support:

Protein is made up of ‘amino acids’ or ‘building blocks’. The body utilises these amino acids for muscle building, strength and recovery as well as healthy hormone and

WHEY PROTEIN

enzyme production. There are different types of protein powder available; Whey protein Isolate and whey protein concentrate, pea protein, sprouted and fermented brown rice and legume protein.

Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) is a good source of protein that is easily digested. It is a complete source of protein and contains essential and non-essential amino acids your body needs. Whey protein is:

• High in protein • Low in fat • Low in sugar • Helps with satiety (feeling full) • Can be used as a meal replacement for weight loss or in addition for weight gain

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT)

• Helps with ketone production and healthy weight management. • Provides a rapid and sustainable fuel (for brain and body). • Increase your mental energy and clarity.

• Helps banish brain fog.

Inositol:

• Helps balance blood sugar levels. • Reduces sugar cravings. • Helps balance hormones.

Carnitine:

• Is an amino acid that helps with healthy weight management. • Brain and body energy • Physical endurance

• Aids in post exercise recovery • Supports healthy heart and cholesterol.

We often get requests from health care professionals to custom make amino acid mixes for different health conditions. For example, exercise recovery and performance, liver detoxification, healthy heart support, calming the nervous system etc just to mention a few. Feel free to come in and get your custom mix.

with Sarah MacGurin Naturopath at Visionary Health

Professor Kristen Pammer

School of Psychological Sciences

College of Engineering, Science & Environment

University of Newcastle University Drive

Callaghan NSW 2308 Phone: (02) 49217980

Email: Kristen.Pammer@newcaste.edu.au

READING, DYSLEXIA & BRAINWAVE ACTIVITY

The University of Newcastle is seeking participants for a research project about reading, dyslexia and brainwave activity.

We are looking for adult (18 years +) participants who • have difficulty reading, writing or spelling,

OR

• have previously been diagnosed with dyslexia.

The project is being conducted at the University’s School of Psychological Sciences, led by Professor Kristen Pammer. We are investigating the brain processes that enable people to learn to read, as well as the way these brain processes differ in people who have dyslexia or trouble reading.

Participation involves attendance at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan Campus for two sessions, during which you will be exposed to audio-visual stimulation, complete several reading, language and vision tasks, and have your brainwave activity and eye-movements monitored. Each session will last approximately 1 hour.

Completion of session 1 will place you in a draw to win one of four $100 gift vouchers.

Completion of session 2 will place you in a draw to win one of two $200 gift vouchers.

If you are interested in finding out more about the study and what is involved to participate, please scan the QR code and scroll down to select ‘Request Account,’ or email Kimberly.Archer@uon.edu.au.

This project has been approved by the University’s Human Research Ethics Committee. Approval No. H-2019-0280

Providing professional friendly dental care for the whole family.

Your support of our practice enables us to provide volunteer services to the National Dental Foundation to continue to help people in our local community in need.

Do you have Scottish ancestry?

Are you interested in Scottish research sites, customs, traditions, superstitions, scenery, food and more?

The Scottish Special Interest Group will be presenting all things Scottish Saturday 12 August 2023

10.00am - 3.00pm

Newcastle Family History Society 68 Elder Street, Lambton

11.30am - enjoy entertainment provided by a Scottish piper Followed by readings of Scottish poet Robert Burns’ poetry

Traditional Scottish morning tea available from 11.00am

Local Classifieds...

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANT SALE DAY

Saturday 26th September. Hunter Wetlands Centre, 1 Wetlands Pl, Shortland. 9.30am to 2pm, next to the education buildings.

BUDGERIGARS

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

FILM CAMERAS

7 x Nikon and Minolta SLRs, filters, 3 x rangefinder cameras. 1 x Mamiya 645 medium format. Variety of darkroom gear. Best offer. Ph 0408 684 132

GAS COOK TOP/OVEN

Westinghouse free standing cook top / oven, very good condition, easy install. $300 O.N.O

Ph 0451 090 598

GUITAR

Maton six string acoustic guitar, circa 1970, with case, best offer.

Ph 0408 684 132

HONEY

Local, 100% pure and unprocessed, no heating or sugar syrup. Raw and natural from our hives, pick up New Lambton $13kg Ph 0423 050 778

PUSH BIKE

Road bike, good condition, best offer Ph 4952 9219

Solution to crossword on page 28

TREADMILL

Proflex, folds down to fit under bed, good condition, safety switch, also attachment to automatically switch off if it becomes unattached. Will fit in car easily. Ph 0400 228 905

NOTICES

Gentle Flow Yoga

CLEANER AVAILABLE

My name is Carol-Anne, I’m a hard working, offering cleaning services. I’m looking for work in your area $35.00 p/h have references. Ph 0403 34 0592

CUSTOM CABINETRY & JOINERY

Kitchens, vanities, laundries, TV display units, stone, solid timber & veneer surfaces. Licence number 353314C Chris’s Custom Cabinetry. Email chriscustomcabinetry31@gmail. com or phone Ph 0406 033 171

DECLUTTERING

Like to increase the price of your home by decluttering? I can help you. I also offer cleaning, gardening and makeovers. Ph 0415 389 811

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

They are free and they work!

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

Local Classifieds...

NOTICES

NOTICES

PARKING REQUIRED

Looking for somewhere locally to park my micro caravan, flat and easy access, not too good at reversing yet LOL. Call Brenda Brenda Ph 0410 556 287

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

THEATRE TICKETS

Tina Turner the Musical at Royal Theatre Sydney for Wednesday 1 November, 2023 for 1.00 pm session. For details & bookings

Ph 4952 8590

NOTICES

TULIP TIME COACH TRIP

Trip to Bowral on Saturday 23 and Wednesday 27 September 2023. Phone for details and bookings Ph 4952 8590

WEDDING & FUNCTIONS ENTERTAINMENT

Jake Jon King is a local established solo musician who is well suited for weddings, pub gigs as well as any outdoor events. He knows many hit songs from the past 70 years plus many traditional wedding songs. Email jakejonking@gmail.com or Ph 0410 308 523

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

They are free and they work! Email your ad to admin@ hunterlocal.com.au or post it to PO Box 130 Lambton 2299 by 15th of the month.

POSITION VACANT

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY

The Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre is looking for an experienced administration assistant volunteer to support the organisation and provide generalist administration assistance.

The volunteer administration assistant will assist in day-to-day duties, which will include various general administration and office-based tasks, update and maintain databases, archiving, filing, and scanning files, answering phones and emails, and supporting clients, other volunteers, and staff.

We are looking for:

-Experience in office administration.

-Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite; especially Outlook, Word, and Excel

-Strong interpersonal skills, team commitment, written and verbal communication skills both on the phone and face to face with a wide range of people.

-Experience in managing electronic filing systems, email inboxes and calendars.

-Effective time management skills and ability to prioritise competing demands.

ability to follow instructions and basic checklists.

-Ability to handle information in a confidential and sensitive manner.

-Working with children check

Volunteering hours: 15 – 20 hours / week - flexible

This volunteering opportunity will help you to feel more connected to the community, meet new people and improve your skills. For inquiries or to apply please email: info@mncinc.org.au