The Local - January 2023

Boards in

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Horney MP officially opened the Hunter United Diving Academy’s new springboards at Lambton Pool in December. The boards were funded by the club’s application for $65,499 from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership grants in 2021.

Ms Hornery was pleased to support the grant application from Hunter United Diving Academy, knowing how important it is for sporting organisations to have the right equipment to be able to foster youth engagement and support up and coming athletes. The grant went towards the maintenance and repair of springboards at Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre that had fallen into disrepair and were essential for the ongoing use of Hunter United Diving Academy. The event was attended by five-time World Champion continued on page 4

At right: World champion cliff diver Rhiannan Iffland, Commonwealth Games diving bronze medalist Sam Fricker and Sonia Hornery MP, Member for Wallsend at Lambton Pool in December

LOCAL Matters

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Mail: PO Box 130 Lambton, 2299

Founder & publisher: Mark Brooker

with Mark Brooker Publisher of The Local

It got me!

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April last year I wrote about the tedium of seven days mandatory isolation for our family of four when the three that aren’t me contracted COVID.

Well the tables have been turned and I’m now positive. According to the statistics I am, approximately at least, the 11,000,000th person in Australia to contract COVID.

In a population of 26 million that puts me somewhere near the middle. I’m not the first and I’m far from the last to experience the special delights that a visit from the SARS-CoV-2 virus brings.

My symptoms have been moderate at worst, but mostly mild, thankfully.

Today is Day 5 since I tested positive so with any luck the worst its planning to do has already passed.

Isolation is no longer mandatory. Nevertheless I have stayed at home since testing positive. It has proven to be a great opportunity to ensconce myself in the home office and get this issue of The Local done and dusted with minimal distraction.

With an overseas trip planned for early in this new year I am trying as hard as I can to not pass this on to the three others living under this same roof.

My daughter screams and runs away if I venture outside my office door. My son stands at the same door and describes for me each of his shots in cricket last Saturday.

My wife has been so tolerant. She’s living like a single parent who has just taken in a useless and somewhat demanding boarder. She leaves meals and coffee at my door or on the outdoor setting then runs away. Wishing a happy new year to everyone that reads and supports The Local.

....and here’s some fine print

500 questions to be asked

City of Newcastle will seek feedback from the community before, during and after this year’s Newcastle 500 Supercars event as part of a consultation strategy prepared to guide future decisions on the event.

In December Council voted to place the draft strategy on public exhibition ahead of its planned implementation leading into the Supercars season-opener, which will be held in Newcastle from 1012 March this year.

This is the final event to be held under the existing agreement between Supercars Australia, City of Newcastle and Destination NSW.

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the future of the Newcastle 500 beyond the final race is a decision of the NSW Government in the first instance as the consent authority for the race.

“Any inclusion of Newcastle as a potential host city for another five years will be subject to broad community and stakeholder consultation, and a decision of the elected Council after the March 2023 event,” Cr Nelmes said.

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle is committed to undertaking broad community consultation prior to entering into

any agreement should Destination NSW and Supercars Australia propose a five-year extension to continue the event in Newcastle.

“The draft community consultation strategy has been developed by KPMG and includes an evidencebased methodology to understand the opinions of the Newcastle community and ensure that key stakeholders have their voices heard and considered,” Mr Bath said.

“At this time, no decision has been reached by any of the three parties on an extension of the race beyond March 2023.”

The draft consultation strategy proposes gathering feedback from the community via a random telephone survey across the entire city, designed to canvas a range of views from across Newcastle’s

demographic profile and an online survey that will allow all members of the community to take part in the consultation process.

In-person surveys are proposed around the event precinct during the race period to provide insight into attendees’ behaviours including visitation to local businesses, while three postevent stakeholder workshops with community, business and industry representatives will also be held.

The consultation strategy is currently on public exhibition and open for feedback until 27 January.

A report on the feedback and insights from the community and stakeholders will be prepared for Council mid year. This report will inform any decisions about the renewal of the Newcastle 500.

Diving and pool improvements

continued from front page

Red Bull Cliff Diver, Rhiannan Iffland and Olympic diver and Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist, Sam Fricker, both of whom trained at Lambton Pool.

“I was so pleased to be able to support this grant application last year and now to attend the open day and see how the springboards will help young divers to train and grow. Hunter United Diving Academy do an amazing job of coaching our young divers in this great sport” Ms Hornery said.

“Young athletes need support to be able to grow into the household names we recognise. Everybody has to start somewhere and it’s great that the new springboards here at Lambton Pool might support the careers of the next Rhiannan Iffland or Sam Fricker.” She added.

“As we come into summer the crowds are building at Lambton Swimming Centre, with people coming to cool off, relax with their families, exercise or play sport,” Cr Clausen said.

“Lambton Swimming Centre sees almost 185,000 visitors per year and is home to sporting clubs

including Hunter United Diving Academy which uses the diving boards for their regular training and competitions.

“City of Newcastle works closely with organisations across the city like Hunter United Diving Academy to upgrade facilities to cater for our growing sporting community, with Lambton’s new diving boards the latest example of this positive collaboration.

“We’re committed to maintaining and investing in Lambton Swimming Centre to ensure our community has continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities for active living and social connection.”

More than $800,000 has been invested in Lambton Swimming Centre despite the impact of the pandemic on our public pools, with the popular facility used for everything from learn to swim programs to elite-level water polo.

Cr Clausen said the next upgrade to Lambton pool was the installation of temporary seating facilities to support the upcoming busy swimming carnival season while planning is underway to replace the

summer

from facing page permanent grandstand at a cost expected to exceed $1 million.

“With Lambton’s 60-year-old grandstand set for a full replacement once the pool closes for winter City of Newcastle is installing eight temporary seating facilities that will accommodate 320 people so students and families can cheer on swimmers at the upcoming swimming carnivals. The temporary facilities will also cater for pool visitors seeking a place to relax.”

Development approval for the temporary seating was granted in December, with installation to commence this month.

The replacement of Lambton Swimming Centre’s permanent grandstand is expected to commence when the pool closes for winter.

City of Newcastle advises that further updates on the program of repairs and maintenance will be posted at: newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/newsand-updates/projects-and-works/lambton-park-warmemorial-swimming-centre

MP

Sonia Hornery

State Member for Wallsend

Letter to

An open letter to all local Councillors and state MPs

14 December 2022

To: Lord mayor and Councillors City of Newcastle; Sonia Hornery, MP Member for Wallsend; Tim Crakanthorp, MP Member for Newcastle.

platform diving facilities.

Lambton Pool is loved by the people of Newcastle so this alliance of community organisations has joined together to form the We Love Lambton Pool Alliance, to ensure that the Centre survives and thrives for at least another 60 years.

The future of Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre

Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre (Lambton Pool) is a vital piece of social infrastructure for the people of Newcastle. For generations Lambton Pool has been a place of social gatherings, formal and informal recreation, sport and learning. It is the largest swimming pool complex in Newcastle and the Hunter, home to the Hurricanes, a national water polo team, and two international diving champions. It is the only place in the Hunter region with

Lambton Pool is in urgent need of maintenance, restoration and some modernisation if it is going to be able to continue to operate and provide a quality experience to the people of Newcastle, and host major sports events. The closure this year of the grandstand due to concrete cancer, which Council had known about for about a decade, proves that investment into the future of th pool cannot be delayed and must be a top priority of City of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle has previously sought and received two special rate variations to fund infrastructure improvements at Lambton Pool in 2012 and 2015, and specified the need for asset renewal at the pool as one of the top five priorities in the long-term financial plan 2015 - 2025. Unfortunately, we are yet to see this promised investment in the future of Lambton Pool.

We call all the elected Councillors of City of Newcastle and state MPs to work together to ensure that their promises to ensure the future of Lambton Pool are not just empty rhetoric but are backed by a detailed and well-resourced plan of action.

We ask City of Newcastle to provide us with a specific action plans and timetable to ensure that:

1. The promised investment in Lambton Pool is forthcoming and increased to reflect inflation and the increasing need for asset renewal.

2. Detailed facilities management and asset replacement plans are developed as a top priority and that these includes specific actions to ensure the pool facilities:

• comply with the Australian Standards for access for people with disabilities

• enable use by sports clubs, and can cater for a range of aquatic sports carnivals, major events and competitions

• maintain a relaxed family friendly parkland facility suitable for group gatherings and parties

• acknowledge and

Dear elected representatives of Newcastle

commemorate the Centre as a War Memorial

3. Council use initiative, and coordinates and collaborates with others, to apply for all available funding from state and federal government, and ensure that all relevant plans and approvals are in place to enable grant funding requirements to be met.

4. No long-term commercial lease for management of the facility is entered into.

5. Pool users are consulted in the development of all plans for the pool.

6. Pool users are consulted about the design for a new grandstand, and the future needs of competitions, carnivals, events and sports clubs, are taken into account in the design and tendering process.

7. Council plans and promotes a community celebration of the 60th anniversary of the pool’s opening for January 2023, and involve the local RSL subbranch.

We note that, since the We Love Lambton Pool group began advocating for the pool, one of the nine broken windows has been fixed. This is a very small beginning.

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with some

Councillors and to show some stff and Councillors the many maintenance and management issues requiring attention at the pool on 1 October.

We would like to be informed of what action is being taking as a result of that meeting and when we will start to see additional work undertaken to fix the pool infrastructure.

This alliance of community organisations looks forward to working constructively with City of Newcastle and all levels of government in securing a thriving future for our pool. We have over 690 members of the Facebook group (which is growing daily) and the combined membership of our organisations is in the thousands. We have knowledge and experience that can contribute to decision making and can support City of Newcastle in applying for funding to restore and upgrade the facility so that it provides high quality experiences for pool users.

We expect to be consulted on a regular basis and to receive a prompt, full and detailed response to this letter. We look forward to hearing what specific action you are each personally taking, and what combined and coordinated action you will be taken to

secure a thriving future for our pool.

Yours sincerely, We Love Lambton Pool Alliance

Angela Smith, chairperson & Tammy Russell secretary

Lambton Residents Group

Warwick Budden president

Lambton - New Lambton RSL Sub-Branch

Eric Brooker president & Olympic diving judge Hunter United Diving

Lee Bendeich

Water polo administrator

Anna Glasby administrator

We Love Lambton Pool Facebook Group

Support local theatre in 2023

This year Newcastle Theatre Company offers a varied program, jampacked with laughs, music, romance, crime, and history. There are stories of love, honour and courage but also people behaving very badly indeed!

The season begins next month with the musical Merrily We Roll Along, a Broadway fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success.

Stephen Sondheim and George Furth expertly capture the energy of

a backstage musical to create a contemporary story about the importance of staying true to one’s ideals. Merrily We Roll Along begins at the end and moves backwards, tracking back through the lives of wealthy,

jaded composer Franklin, Charley, his lyricist, and their long-time friend Mary past each milestone of their personal and professional lives (good and bad).

The show ends with a touch of rueful irony, as the three best friends, now at the start of their careers, face a bright future: young, talented and enthusiastic about the worlds waiting to be conquered.

The production is directed by David Gray and the musical director is Kieran Norman.

Merrily We Will Roll Along opens on Saturday 4 February at 8pm. Evening performances will be held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until 18 February. 2pm matinees will be performed on Sunday 5, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February.

The Local has one double pass to the winner’s choice of performance of Merrily We Roll Along

To be in the running for the double pass just text the word ‘Merrily’, your first and last name, and your preferred performance day/time to 0455 210 000 by 20 January.

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. Happy New Year from HBA! We are excited for Hamilton in 2023 with many new and ongoing projects and collaborations.

The end of 2022 saw the HBA and City of Newcastle interactive lighting display in James Street Plaza transformed by Curious Legends and local artist, Conor Fox, to a wonderful “Spirits of Newcastle” project. This is just the beginning of a number of projects which will be showcased nightly via the lighting display in the plaza throughout 2023.

HBA supported an amazing project by Ali Sobel-Reid of The Creative Ingredient, which conceptually began at the beginning of 2022 and was completed in December 2022. Check out her Gregson Park tile mural located in Cleary Street, Hamilton on the outside wall of the Kent Hotel. Simply stunning!

We are very excited about a new project–Beautiful Beaumont Doors, spearheaded by Jacinta Fintan. This project will see 6 local female artists beautify and transform

6 doors/doorways between business premises on Beaumont St. These doors and doorways are usually graffitied and can be unsightly. Keep an eye out in 2023 for these artwork transformations!

Throughout 2023 we will continue to create videos that showcase new and existing Hamilton Businesses on our Facebook and Instagram, this is a great way to keep up to date with the abundance of service, retail and hospitality venues available in Hamilton. Follow us on Facebook/Instagram. Love Local, Love Hamilton Hamilton Business Association

Councillor Carol Duncan with Ali Sobel-Reid of The Creative Ingredient, with her Gregson Park tile mural on the wall of the Kent Hotel

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

One local summer event reemerging after a two-year hiatus is Wave — a week-long summer school holiday program for the kids and youth of Newcastle and Lake Mac, put on by Hunter Bible Church at Lambton High School.

Wave has grown each year over the past two decades and now regularly sees more than 500 kids each summer.

Pastor Dave Robertson, who oversees the event, says local parents have been contacting the church in the past few months asking if it will be back on, because their kids loved attending. “We’re thrilled to be able to run Wave again in 2023.

“We were so disappointed that we had to cancel Wave the past two years due to COVID. We missed the opportunity to serve the families of our community so we’re pumped

to be back again, and the team is looking forward to helping loads of kids and teens have an awesome time!”

Wave Kids and Youth (ages Creche–Year 8) runs each morning 9am–12pm from Monday 16th through to Friday 20th January 2023. The cost is only $5 a day or $20 for the week per child.

Parents are invited to enjoy free coffee, morning tea, live music and short relevant talks at the WAVE Cafe.

The Senior Youth (Year 9–12) also have events in the evenings. For more details or to register go to www.wavekids.com.au

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 between Friday 13 and Thursday 19 January 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 January and redeemed at your chosen retailer no later than 28 February 2023.

Congratulations to the residents of 8 Oxford St New Lambton and 120 Alnwick Rd North Lambton who each claimed a prize last month by correctly identifying their letterboxes.

The Local Quiz

Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Sheree Welham of Kotara. Sheree has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy. Last month’s mystery photo was taken at Ford Oval 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 is the title of Newcastle Theatre Company’s first production for 2023?

Question 2:

Into whose backyard on Turton Rd did Alan Kerle crash land his Tiger Moth in January 1953?

Question 3: How many times has Rhiannan Iffland won the Red Bull World Cliff Diving Championship?

Question 4: What brand of chocolate balls does local physiotherapist Ben Hutton particularly recommend?

Question 5:

At the intersection of which two local streets would you find the Street Library pictured above 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 20 January 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

Current back yard pool trends

Like all things in life such as food, fashion and homewares swimming pools follow trends as well. The current heroes of the pool world are robotic cleaners, magnesium or mineral blends that you add to the water and freshwater sanitation systems.

Robotic cleaners are a bit like you’d imagine the basic ones run around the bottom of the pool floor cleaning up the debris and collecting it in their own on-board basket. The big difference is they scrub the surface as they go. Most of them clean the walls and waterline as well. They also free up the skimmer basket to let the filtration flow and collect the debris on the surface of the pool water as intended. The skies the limit and Kev’s Pool Shop even stock ones that will talk to your smart phone!

Magnesium or mineral pools are becoming increasingly popular as

it’s believed magnesium is absorbed through the skin. Imagine Epsom salts for your pool! They’ve risen quickly in popularity possibly due to the quest for wellness and the increase in skin ailments. We have one customer who reports that they have helped their child’s growing pains. Kev’s Pool Shop stock several different brands that have different benefits, one includes Borate which even makes the water softer.

Instead of using salt and chlorine Freshwater Sanitation Systems use

copper and silver plates to produce positive ions to sanitise the water. Put simply algae doesn’t grow in a copper rich environment and silver has purifying qualities. At Kev’s we work with the Naked Freshwater System, and they’re ordered upon request. They’re a large financial investment, but you do save money on chemicals!

Pop down to Kev’s Pool Shop at 3/13 Carbine Close, Maryland if you’d like to chat about any of the above for your swimming pool.

THAT WAS THEN This is now

with Lachlan Wetherall

Planes and plans at Broadmeadow

Broadmeadow has been in the news recently, with the Department of Planning and Environment releasing their “Hunter Regional Plan 2041”. The document flags Broadmeadow as a “regionally significant growth area” and promises to make it “a destination of choice for entertainment, housing, recreation and discovery.”

This is not the first time the area has been subject to great change, as the photos this month demonstrate.

A 2016 aerial photo shows the area bounded by Griffith Rd, Turton Rd, Broadmeadow Rd and the stormwater drain, filled with sporting grounds, trotting track, entertainment facilities, commercial and residential buildings. In contrast, seven decades earlier it was an empty paddock, the site of District Park Aerodrome.

Originally a swampy lowland, the completion of a large concrete stormwater channel in 1899 allowed the surrounding area to be developed for recreation. The government reserved a portion for aviation purposes in 1923 and in 1928 the Newcastle Aero Club formed and began using the aerodrome. However, the combination of increasing aircraft movements and residential development posed a very real danger to the public.

On 20 January 1953, 70 years ago this month, newly qualified solo pilot Alan Kerle was practicing landings in an aero club Tiger Moth. As he landed, the plane bounced, was caught by a cross wind and carried across Turton Rd where it brushed a rooftop, plunged into the back yard of Cedric Jenkins and burst into flames. Just minutes beforehand four children had been playing in the yard. Despite the damage the pilot walked away uninjured.

Between 1931 and 1954 the newspapers reported 13 plane crashes at or near the aerodrome. The suitability of the site was increasingly questioned.

In 1961 the Department of Civil Aviation gave notice to the Aero Club to vacate the Broadmeadow airfield, and they soon relocated to Rutherford.

The government’s grand plans for aviation in District Park had proved unworkable. Let’s hope their grand plans for Broadmeadow in 2041 prove to be of longlasting value.

can view these photos and more details at lachlanwetherall.com

Above:

District Park aerodrome, 1954. The site of the 20 January 1953 Tiger Moth crash is circled in red. Below: The same area in 2016. Photos from NSW Historical Imagery website

Book Review

sponsored by Q’s Books

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor of a last ditch mission through space to save earth. Except, he doesn’t remember where he is, the purpose of his mission or even what his name is. Alone in space, this science teacher must save humanity. He soon works out, he can’t do it on his own. This is a clever and fast paced science fiction book from start to finish. With Grace waking up from a coma to slowly understand his dire situation, the start reminded me of a space version of the Walking Dead (the best cold open ever). It only got more interesting as the story went on. Similarly to his other book,‘The Martian, Andy Weir cleverly weaves in some very complex science into a funny and heart-warming story, so it’s still easy to follow. This also allowed for some great world building, as Grace’s recovery from amnesia meant that we were able to learn what is happening and what this future looked like, along with him.

I recently read a review that said that Andy Weir is the ‘Ted Lasso of science fiction writing’, which I thought was the perfect description for Project Hail Mary and the very likeable main character; Ryland Grace. Project Hail Mary shows a great character centred approach to science fiction writing, which in this book, kept me utterly absorbed in the story until the last page.

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

Government is for everyone

When I tell people that I work to help ensure government’s decisions are the very best they can be to benefit the whole community, I am often confronted with eye rolls, groans or any number of expressions that tell me the people I am talking to don’t believe that this can happen.

I assure you that government can – and does – make many decisions to benefit the whole community and I have worked on many of these decisions.

Government decisions are there to benefit the whole community. Simply put, in my own words, government is there to:

• encourage people doing good things for the community; and • discourage people doing bad things for the community.

It would be naïve to leave out that government wants to be re-elected. After all, everyone wants to keep their job!

Most people think that government has an inherent bias towards decisions that help the big end of town. Why does this bias exist? Mainly because the big end of town understands the importance of, and prioritises, government relations and advocacy.

When I worked in government, the big end of town was always present - at meetings we organised, on the phone and emails.

In contrast, ordinary people, small and medium sized businesses, charities and other not-for-profits (NFPs) are often reluctant to talk to government. Part of this reluctance is fear – talking to government is an unknown and they don’t know how to do it.

Another part of this reluctance is ignorance – they simply might not know they can have productive conversations with government. Then, there are those who feel “burnt” – they talked to government in the past and didn’t get anywhere. Sometimes, people feel advocacy to government is too expensive.

I want to assure you that government wants to talk to, and hear from, ordinary people, businesses and NFPs. Simply approach government with commonsense solutions, respect and persistence and in my experience, you will get good results.

The hardest part is often working out what the problem and solution are – they are not always obvious or what they initially appear to be.

More tips for engaging with government for better outcomes are available in previous editions of this column and can be accessed online at thelocalnewcastle.com.au/back-issues/

Should I update my Will?

So you have a Will but when should you update it? Generally whenever there is a significant change in your personal circumstances. That may because your assets have changed in type or in value. You may have joined or left a superannuation fund and or you may have received a windfall which may mean certain beneficiaries in your Will receive a larger or smaller proportion of your estate than you intend.

If you dispose of property which you have specifically gifted to someone in your will you should review your Will because the beneficiary of that property will very likely receive nothing.

Starting a business involves a consideration of the particular business structure which is appropriate but different structures have very different affects in relation to how the business assets are able to be dealt with upon the person’s death.

When there is a change in personal relationships it is very important to reconsider your Will and gifting provisions. Wills are automatically revoked by

marriage with some limited exceptions. Divorce usually results in a partial revocation of the will, with any provision not related to the former spouse remaining in operation.

Aside from situations involving marriage or divorce, starting a new relationship or ending a relationship usually means that an earlier will is out of date and will not reflect the likely testamentary intentions of the person.

Becoming a parent necessitates a review of your Will, particularly as the children get older and the potential impacts of superannuation benefits becomes more of a consideration.

Other circumstances which might warrant a review of your will are when a spouse dies, when you become a grandparent or when a person appointed in your Will such as an executor or guardian dies or can no longer act in that position.

In any event you should review your will every 3-5 years to make sure it accords with your wishes as to how you want your assets dealt with when the time comes.

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.

by Chris Hill-Smith of Appleton Law, Lambton

PHARMACY Matters

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

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

Many bacteria are now resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Infections caused by these antibiotic-resistant bacteria are difficult to treat. Wise use of antibiotics can help to slow down the spread of antibiotic resistance. Many illnesses are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. These illnesses are called infections. Antibiotics can only be used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Antibiotics interfere with the growth and function of bacteria, but do not affect viruses or other micro-organisms.

Bacteria can develop resistance to an antibiotic. If this happens, infections caused by the bacteria can no longer be successfully treated with that antibiotic.

Some bacteria have now become resistant to most of the antibiotics in common use. Examples of resistant bacteria are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and multi-drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDRTB). Infections caused by these resistant bacteria are very difficult to treat.

It is very important to use antibiotics correctly.Antibiotics can only be used to treat bacterial infections.

They do not work against viral infections such as the common cold, most sore throats, most sinus infections, most coughs, acute bronchitis and the ‘flu’. Viruses and bacteria are completely different types of microorganisms. When an antibiotic is taken for a viral infection it:

• has no effect against the virus. It will not help a viral infection get better faster or stop it spreading to others.

• may allow the growth of resistant bacteria. Then, the antibiotic will not work when it is really needed. Bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics are a lot more difficult to treat and may not be curable.

• may cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhoea and thrush

• may cause an allergic reaction. If antibiotics are used often, and when there is no need for them, the growth of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics increases. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is spreading. In the future, many of our common antibiotics may not work.

There are a number of simple things that you can do to help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance. Use antibiotics wisely

• Do not ask your doctor to prescribe antibiotics. Instead, ask how best to treat your symptoms. Remember that most coughs, colds, sore throats and runny noses are caused by viruses, which cannot be killed by antibiotics. Many minor bacterial infections will also clear up on their own and do not need antibiotics.

• Carefully follow the instructions for taking antibiotics. Take them for as long as you have been told to, even if you feel better. Sometimes, your doctor may give you a repeat prescription for a second course of antibiotics. Always ask your doctor whether you need to use the repeat.

• Never share antibiotics with family or friends.

• Do not use antibiotics left over from a previous infection, or old prescriptions for antibiotics, without first checking with your doctor.

PHYSIO Matters

shoes cognitive decline. It’s been a big few years. And it’s worth remembering to be kind. Kind to yourself and the people around you. Our bodies can tell the story of our year and sometimes this can translate into pain/ stiffness/aches.

Here are some things to look out for in the New Year: 1. New year’s resolutions are good - but keep the target small. It’s likely that if you decide your resolution is to hit the gym three times a day you might find yourself discouraged quickly and give up. Altogether. Start small, just go once or twice a week. Celebrate it with more Lindt balls.

Kale and pale ale

Don’t laugh but last January I had planned on healthy living. I was intending to do all of the wholesome things. The list included: sleeping well, no alcohol through the week, meditating every morning, eating a bucket of kale every day, running regularly, surfing lots and limiting my Lindt chocolate ball intake to 17 per day. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. It’s truthful to say I have managed zero/nil/zip of the above. My dad-bod has steadily grown, horizontally, in line with the pale ale and Lindt consumption and in the kindest possible way, sleep has been an ‘intermittent’ success. It’s worth remembering for me (and all of us) that we reached the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023 in varying states of worn-out, frazzled and pants-before-

2. If you start some new exercise regime, don’t expect any change for six or eight weeks. It’s just how long it takes in the body for you to notice change. If you’re like me and want to see huge biceps after doing one gym session - this could also be discouraging. So be patient.

3. Take some time to notice your body. Do a ‘self-check’ first thing in the morning. Try doing 10 deep breaths and run a mental scan over your body and see if there’s anything you need to address. Are there any aches, pains, stiff bits or wobbly bits? If they’ve been there for a week or so, it might be time to talk to the physio.

Happy New Year everyone! Eat lots of kale and enjoy bubbles in moderate moderation. If you need some expert help with the achy, pain-y type feelings, ring up the legends at our clinic in Lambton on 4062 8862 or

with Ben Hutton of Brightside Physio

Local Community Group Notices

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

FAMILY SUPPORT NEWCASTLEMEN’S PROJECT

The Men’s Project is a free service for fathers who want to enrich their relationships with their children. We have two male workers who can assist and support fathers who have children aged between 0-18 years and may be experiencing some difficulties with parenting. These difficulties may include adjusting to co-parenting after separation. We can provide individual family support to fathers and we also offer a variety of group programs. For more information about the services we offer to fathers please call 4926 3577 or go to: www.nfss.org.au

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/

COMMUNITY GROUPS

MR. PERFECT BARBECUE

Mr. Perfect holds free informal “meetup” barbecues across Australia. We run a free barbecue at Carrington Bowling Club from 11.30am to 1.30pm on the third Sunday of each month. If you are available for a couple of hours for a healthy barbecue, with meat and vegetarian options available, come along and meet a bunch of top blokes. Soft drink and water supplied but please bring your own preference if you wish. The format is simple, informal and completely inclusive. It is a chance to get out of the house in the sun, socialise and meet some great people and form a supportive community. Friends, family and pets welcome too! Mental health is discussed at times and is purely optional. For more info see Mr Perfect on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Please RSVP to Greg at greg@menshealthservices.com.au or text/ phone 0417 772 390 for catering purposes.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

GREEN EARTH PEERS

Green Earth peers aims to give people with disability a voice and have their say about environmental issues and climate change. People with disability deserve to be at the table when it comes to decisions about the environment. This group aims to educate ourselves on environment issues and engage in environmental projects and actions. This is a peer group, meaning it is run for and by people with a disability. We aim to break down the barriers of access when it comes to environmental action and discussion as well as build a peer movement! We meet on the first Monday of every month, 2-3pm via Zoom. Anyone who identifies as having a disability and is interested in the environment and its protection is welcome to join. If you are interested or know someone who is please contact leigh@cdah.org. au or sinead@cdah.org.au or by mobile on 0427 905 702.

GAMBLING IMPACT SOCIETY

Gambling Impact Society (GIS) offers free education sessions regarding gambling harm. GIS are looking for opportunities to provide presentations around Gambling Harm. Talks, funded by the NSW state government, include hearing from someone with a lived experience of gambling harm, in conjunction with your local GambleAware service, who will provide the audience with information about where to get help. If you are interested in having a presentation, please contact Joan at joan@ gisnsw.org.au or 0417 194 307

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.

Local Community Group Notices

COMMUNITY GROUPS

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

HUNTER PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS AND SUPPORT GROUP

Hunter Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group (HPSASG) are a volunteer group who help and support men and their families experiencing prostate cancer health issues. We offer a confidential, friendly and supportive atmosphere with guest speakers from medical and other topical backgrounds. The group meet every second Tuesday of the month, at 2pm at Wallsend Diggers, 5 Tyrell Street Wallsend. Please come along and stay for a drink and a chat afterwards if you wish. Many do. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. Please call Chairperson, Brendon on 0458 960 300 for further information.

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 Tuesday of the month (no January meeting) at Club Lambton, Karoola Rd. No RSVP needed. For more information email: lambtonresidents@gmail.com or call Angela on 0422 633 737.

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 DISTRICT BROMELIAD SOCIETY

Merewether meetings. 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 to Henderson Park Hall, 42 Lockyer St, Merewether on the third Saturday of each month & mix with fellow gardeners. We’re an active group with monthly competitions, guest speakers, demonstrations, Q&A, etc. Sale of plants commences at 12.00 & meetings commence at 1.00. Come & get tips & advice direct from the experts in your local area. Find us on FaceBook and send enquiries to hdbssecretary@gmail.com

SOCIAL SCRABBLE CLUB at NEX Wests City, every Saturday 12 pm - 4pm. Cost $2 and you must be a member of Wests. Phone Christine 0407 484 851 or 49523001. Or just turn up. Free coaching available. A great friendly day out for scrabble enthusiasts.

HUNTER REGION FIELD NATURALISTS & NATURE JOURNALING CLUB

au or post to PO Box 130, Lambton 2299 by 15th of the month. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations.

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

Local Community Group Notices

SENIORS GROUPS

NEWCASTLE MENS PROBUS

Newcastle Probus Club provides great social contacts with Friendship, Fellowship and Fun in retirement and we always welcome new members. Why not drop into our regular 4th Tuesday of the month meetings at Souths Leagues Leagues Club Merewether. You will enjoy some refreshments and and a guest speaker. The meetings start at 9:30am. We would love to meet you. For further information call Brian Prior on 0415 081 610.

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.

MIDDAY MOVERS

Low intensity workout with low impact aerobics, easy to follow dance steps, chair drumming, balance and stretching. This class is for older adults, beginners and anyone that wants a fun low impact workout. Classes are held at Jesmond Park Uniting Church every Tuesday 12pm to 12.45pm. Cost per class is $10 and can be paid with cash or card.

SENIORS GROUPS

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 2952 3685 or Des 4955 5032.

NEWCASTLE LADIES PROBUS

Newcastle Ladies Probus meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.30 at Wests in Newcastle. We are a friendly group and we welcome new members. We have interesting guest speakers at our monthly meetings and other social activities which include coffee mornings, lunches, a walking group, visits to places such as museums, Maitland Art Gallery. For more information contact Margaret 0417 663 064 or Sandra 0438 622 608.

BEL AIR VIEW CLUB

Bel Air View Club meets on the third Monday of each month at South Leagues Club 46 Llewellyn St Merewether at 10.30 am. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to join us for friendship and interesting guest speakers. View clubs Australia are affiliated with the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program which supports young Australian school children reach their full potential to help create a better future for themselves. For further information please phone Gillian on 4963 5655.

FOR SALE

DINING SETTING

Extendable timber dining room setting with six chairs $350 ono Ph 4952 2575

DINING SUITE

French polished Tasmanian Oak dining suite, 6 chairs (2 carvers) excellent cond $150. Must sell to make room. Ph 0439 088 281

VACUUM CLEANERS

Dyson vacuums: DC23 barrel motorhead. Great condition, all accessories $210 o.n.o; DC33 upright. Good condition, all accessories. $175 o.n.o. Phone Braith’s Small Appliance Repairs Ph 4952 2352

40 inch Samsung TV, free, pick up Jesmond Ph 0422 525 671

NOTICES

ACCOMMODATION

WANTED

Quiet, middle aged gentleman, working fulltime, looking for self-contained accommmodation. Please phone Ph 0468 495 993

NOTICES

Gentle Flow Yoga

New class commencing 2023. Book your place now! 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. Begin yoga with others starting out in our new classes and feel the benefits of a gentle yoga practice. Welcome beginners and seniors, suitable for most ages. Gift vouchers available. Inquiries and bookings: Michelle Pirie

0400 790 479

(Dip Yoga Teaching IYTA)

COMPANION WANTED

Mature lady (prefer 60+) to be a companion one day per week to a 60+ female. Please list hobbies. $155.00 /day. Contact by email to: rockorchid@gmail.com

DECLUTTERING

Do you need help with decluttering, cleaning, organising, getting your house ready for sale, or just feeling fresh? Call Jennifer $30 per hour. Ph 0415 389 811

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS They’re free and they work! Get your message into more than 11,000 local letterboxes.

NOTICES

PEST CONTROL

Guaranteed. Average home $150, units and town houses $80, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Hunter Valley areas. German Cockroaches a specialty. Ph 0418 637 990

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Precipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance: Marina Maria Mason©, of Greater Newcastle District, New South Wales state, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my private properties/chattels and all associated copyright protected Trade Names. Marina Maria Mason© and MARINA MARIA MASON©, have lawfully reconveyed all relevant variations of Naming Conventions since my unrebutted Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis, commonly known as the Commonwealth of Australia, on the 27 October 2021, Public Record Number RPP44 63900 05100 14169 01606. Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying Australia corporation in Entirety. The Corporate Australian Kakistocracy and its affiliates, are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and are required to cease and desist misaddressing Marina Maria Mason© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, Glossa. 01/01/2023Public Notice.

SPIRITUALIST

Spiritual readings / angel cards in your home for birthdays or ladies get togethers of up to 10 people. 20 minutes for $25. Phone Celeste Ph 0431 561 433

Room in share house from $40/ night from July or $75/night for Country Music Festival January 2024 Ph 0493 465 917

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

Get your message into more than 11000 local letterboxes next month

NOTICES

THEATRE TICKETS

Tickets for Moulin Rouge The Musical, January 2023 any date, show only. Tickets for Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat from 8 February. Also 22/2 - 8 & 22/3 19/4 all Wednesdays & Saturday 11/3 Capitol Theatre Sydney. Ph 4952 8590

TUESDAY OUTINGS

17/1/23 trip on Lady Kendall Gosford; 14/2/23 trip from Nelson Bay to Tea Gardens; 14/3/22 Wine tasting trip to Pokolbin. Please phone for bookings and cost Ph 4952 8590

WANTED TECH DRAWING/ DRAFTING EQUIPMENT

Old drawing and drafting equipment wanted, also hand tools, power tools. Will be looked after and used. For details contact Braith Ph 4952 2352

POSITION VACANT

Be paid to deliver The Local in your neighbourhood

The Local, your free monthly letterbox delivered newspaper, requires reliable, energetic locals who love walking to join the team that ensure our community news gets into more than 11,000 letterboxes each month. You must be available to do the deliveries around the end of each month. Two to four hours of walking per delivery area each month. Good rates paid per 100 letterboxes. All ages are welcome to apply.

If you would like to join our team of deliverers email: mark@hunterlocal.com.au or text 0455 210 000 for more details.

the spirit of the free classifieds offer. Private party ads only. For business classifieds advertising please email admin@ hunterlocal.com.au