The Local - June 2023

GP Access returns

GP Access After Hours Clinic at the Calvary Mater has re-opened.

The re-opening is the first stage of a rollout of restoration of the Hunter GP Access Clinics – the hours at the GP Access Clinics at Belmont Hospital, John Hunter Hospital, Maitland Hospital and Westlakes Community Health Centre in Toronto will be fully restored over coming months.

The Federal Government has provided $28.7 million to the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network to commission Hunter Primary Care to reopen the Calvary Mater Clinic and restore full after-hours services at all GP Access clinics.

The former government cut funding to GP Access services, forcing the GP Access clinic at the Calvary Mater Hospital to close permanently and four other clinics to significantly reduce their hours from Christmas Eve 2021. Continued on page 6

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 July issue close on Friday 16 June

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 In contributing news items the contributor accepts that such information may or may not be published in print and/or online using websites and social media channels at the sole discretion of the publisher.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

Walk the walk

Last month I set myself a goal of walking at least five kilometres each day. I called it ‘5k a day in May’. It’s part of a very unscientific training program (which I am making up as I go) for an international adventure I have planned for later this year. More on that in coming months.

The exercise itself wasn’t hard. You can’t publish a letterbox delivered community newspaper for nine years without putting your walking shoes on more than a few times.

What was hard was getting into the habit of building an hour of walking into each day. Dawdle over one more cup of coffee in the morning and I could miss my chance to notch up my walk before work. Agree to a few extra hours at work here and there and I found myself walking in darkness late into the evening. Nevertheless I got it done.

Early in the month I thought Lucky the dog would join me for the 5k each day. While he’s always up for a walk, I soon realised it would take much more than one hour if I wanted his company. He simply can’t pass up the opportunity to check the wee-mails along the way. And he won’t be hurried with his detailed replies left at each tree or sign post.

If I left the house sans canine I could cover 5km in about 55 mins. Ear buds firmly inserted I could catch some news via radio, delve into my playlist or return a phone call or two.

The ideal balance I found was to take Lucky on a shorter, slower walk for about two km, perhaps accompanying the kids on foot to school. Returning home I could pop Lucky back in the yard and then knock out the last 3km on my own.

I think I may have formed a new healthy habit.

Shaping Broadmeadow’s future

City of Newcastle (CN) has begun consulting with the community about ideas and feedback on the transformation of Broadmeadow over the next 20 years.

CN is leading the development of the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, in partnership with the NSW Government.

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she welcomed the opportunity to work alongside the NSW Government to deliver long-term outcomes for the community and rezone land to support 2,000 new homes.

“We know our population is growing, and Broadmeadow provides a unique opportunity to deliver housing, job opportunities and public spaces and facilities right in the heart of the Newcastle LGA,” Cr Nelmes said. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said a partnership between the NSW Government and council would deliver the best result for the community. “We will work together to develop plans to transform Broadmeadow into a vibrant and connected community, with an abundance of housing, public spaces, and job opportunities,” Mr Scully said.

“This Place Strategy will inform detailed master planning for the precinct, and I encourage everyone to be part of the planning process and help shape Broadmeadow’s future.”

Locals who live, work and play in Broadmeadow are encouraged to help guide future change.

“We want to better understand the precinct’s opportunities from the community’s perspective. Working with the community, and considering advice from the technical experts, we will plan for Broadmeadow’s future and create a new and enhanced place for people to live in and visit for years to come,” Cr Nelmes said.

Planning is in the early stages and there will be a range of opportunities for the community to provide their feedback on plans as they develop over the next 12 months.

The public is invited to provide feedback via a short survey available on City of Newcastle’s website (https:// haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/broadmeadowplace-strategy) and information drop-in sessions will be held so the community can learn more about the project. Community information drop-in sessions will be held on Saturday 3 June from 1-4pm at Hamilton Library (46 James Street) and Wednesday 7 June from 4-7pm at City of Newcastle Digital Library (12 Stewart Ave, Newcastle West).

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister Paul Scully and City of Newcastle director of planning and environment Michelle Bisson at Broadmeadow

Letter to

MP’s statement on operation of pools

I viewed City of Newcastle’s, ordinary council meeting in late May with great disappointment. The lord mayor and elected councillors tried to imply that any advocacy they receive is an instruction on how to vote. This is false and misleading. The lord mayor and councillors frequently lobby me to advocate for projects and funding and yet I do not hide from my democratic responsibilities or shirk my duties as an elected official.

It is imperative as leaders and representatives in our community that we embrace our democratic system and advocate for better outcomes in our community,

indeed, where appropriate we should listen to the advocacy of others.

I’ve always stood up for Newcastle Pools and always will. Just as I’ve always stood up for our community and always will. The privatisation of our pools is an issue that many people raise with me, and I share their concerns.

Privatisation never leads to better outcomes for the community. I have always stood against privatisation across all levels of government. I have done so at great personal sacrifice to my career, having resigned as parliamentary secretary in 2009 in protest against an ongoing privatisation agenda.

I am proud to be a member of a government that stands against privatisation and indeed has committed to ending privatisation of NSW government assets. I implore all other levels of government to make the same commitment. I was recently re-elected as the Member for Wallsend. I believe that so many people in our community put their faith in me precisely because I listen to feedback and try to advocate for better outcomes for our community.

I will not be pressured to advocate any less for my community by anyone from any level of politics.

Sonia Hornery MP -State Member for Wallsend

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.

Soldier Fit PERSONAL TRAINING

GP Access returns

Continued from from page

GP Access clinics offer face to face and telehealth primary care services outside business hours. These services are bulk billed to anyone with a Medicare card, and delivered by GPs and Registered Nurses, reducing the barrier to access care, and preventing visits to the Emergency Department.

The Calvary Mater clinic will be open weekdays from 6pm - 10pm, Saturdays from 1pm - 8pm and Sundays from 9am - 4pm. Appointments must be booked via the GP Access call centre on 1300 130 147.

Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health & Aged Care who was on hand for the reopening of the clinic in late May said “The much-needed service will again be able to provide individuals and families the care they need, when they need it – and reduce pressure on local hospitals”.

CHAIRS TO THE BEAT IS OUR BRAND NEW CLASS STARTING ON THE 21ST OF JUNE! Chairs to the Beat is low impact, low intensity, high spirited and for all abilities and ages! Class includes easy to follow chair drumming, maraca movement, dance and stretching. We have aircon, fans and wheelchair access.

Sharon Claydon MP Federal member for Newcastle said “After an incredible community campaign, more than 11,000 Novocastrians signed the petition to save this essential service. It was your strong advocacy that saw the Government’s record investment to restore GP Access to its full capacity.”

Sonia Hornery MP State Member for Wallsend

EACH CLASS THEREAFTER IS $10 PER SESSION, PAY AS YOU COME.

67 Nelson Street, Wallsend

Telephone: 4950 0955 • Fax: 4950 0977

Email: wallsend@parliament.nsw.gov.au Web: soniahornery.com.au

Authorised by Sonia Hornery MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

I will continue to stand up for the issues that are important to you.

The Local Quiz

Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Sam Brown of Broadmeadow. Sam has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy. Last month’s mystery photo was taken at Callaghan College Jesmond. 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: When is Hunter Multicultural Communities holding its annual Fiesta?

Question 2: Railway Street New Lambton was once known by what other name?

Question 3: What issue number of The Local is this?

Question 4: When is construction of Newcastle’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) expected to commence?

Question 5: Where would you find the iconic artwork pictured above right?

Hello from Hamilton Business Association (HBA). We are a progressive volunteer collaborative that promotes a precinct that is welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. HBA won the City of Newcastle’s community group of the year in 2021. Love Local Love Hamilton. WOW, WOW and WOW! What an amazing day on Saturday 20th May when six local female artists transformed six Beaumont St Doors to become Beautiful Beaumont Doors. It was a beautiful day, the weather was on our side and it was fantastic day to see these artworks being created in front of our eyes, such an enhancement to the street. This initiative was created and supported by The Wall Station, City of Newcastle and the local Hamilton Business Improvement Association. If you haven’t already seen the doors take a walk and check them out. Thank you Beaumont Beautiful Doors project. Get ready for Noodle Night in Hamilton Friday 7th- Saturday 8th July! James St Plaza. A perfect winters night for some hot yummy food… for further details keep an eye on our Facebook/ Instagram.

That’s all for now…

Love Local, Love Hamilton ª Hamilton Business Association

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

New era for recycling in region

City of Newcastle is has awarded a contract to build Newcastle’s first Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Council voted in May to accept a $56.7 million tender from Australian-owned recyclables processor iQRenew to design and construct the MRF at the Summerhill Waste Management Facility.

The Central Coast based company will also be responsible for operating and maintaining the facility, which will be capable of processing up to 85,000 tonnes of recyclables per year.

The MRF will sort recyclables from yellow-lid garbage bins into separate materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, steel and aluminium, which can then be on-sold to recyclers for use in the manufacture of new products.

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said

the MRF will deliver a regional recycling solution designed to divert waste from landfill, cut greenhouse gas emissions and create local jobs.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering responsible, environmentally sustainable, and commercially feasible waste and recycling operations to manage our current and future waste streams,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The sudden closure of the only MRF in the Hunter in 2020 meant recyclables from Newcastle had to be transported to a processing facility on the Central Coast. For other local councils their recyclables now have to be transported to Sydney at significant expense to their ratepayers.

“The establishment of a local, Council-owned facility will remove around 6,000 tonnes of transportrelated greenhouse gas emissions

over the next 25 years while ensuring almost 200,000 tonnes of recyclables from Newcastle homes are diverted from landfill.

“Beyond meeting the needs and expectations of Newcastle residents, the MRF’s scalable processing capacity and optimal location close to the Hunter Expressway and M1 will make it an essential piece of regional infrastructure capable of servicing the entire region.

A development application is currently being assessed and construction of the facility is expected to get underway in the first quarter of 2024.

The project has received $5 million from the State and Federal Governments and plays a key role in Newcastle’s Sustainable Waste Strategy, as well as addressing future government targets on waste diversion and recycling.

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 16 June 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 16 June and redeemed at your chosen retailer no later than 31 July 2023. Congratulations to the residents of 9 George St, North Lambton, 9 Glossop St, New Lambon and 9 Pearson St, Lambton who each claimed a prize last month by correctly identifying their letterboxes.

You’re invited to Fiesta

An annual showcase of diversity returns in 2023 when Hunter Multicultural Communities celebrates Fiesta this month.

Sponsored by the NSW State Government through Multicultural NSW, Fiesta brings performers from a variety of backgrounds together from 11am to 5pm. Fiesta is held at Waratah Community Reserve at 2a Platt St Waratah, the former Waratah Bowling Club.

You can join in a world of music and food experience, blending the traditional and contemporary elements in our culturally diverse communities.

The main act at Fiesta this year is SambaFrog a ‘samba school’ and dance percussion company with a passion for sharing the energy, excitement, and spectacle of Brazil’s famous carnival.

Other acts include Chinese Blue Sapphire, a world heritage classical and long fan dancers in traditional costume involving unique steps, rhythms and formations originating in China; the Jaipong, a traditional dance of West Java, Indonesia, and Aboriginal dance and digeridoo, to name just a few.

Join in a Zumba masterclass, face painting, or acquire a unique body art henna design. There will be a

Hunter Multicultural Communities’ Fiesta, on Saturday 24 June, will open up a world of diverse traditional and contemporary cultural experiences. And everyone is invited

kids jumping castle, games and a petting zoo.

The food stalls this year will include Tibetan food featuring momo dumplings, Arabic dishes, and Promila’s cooking demonstration and food tasting of samosa, fried rice and healthy eats with Viet Yum. Jimmy’s Ice Cream Van will serve slushies and soft drinks and Foss Bomb fairy floss and G-free donuts will have sweet treats for purchase.

Be sure to find the Mosaic

Multicultural Connections kids craft corner, the Hunter Valley Scots club, Ukrainian culture stall with embroidery, packaged shortbread biscuits and potted succulent plants, Carer Gateway community stall, PCYC, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue Service NSW, Carer Gateway badge making plus more. Hunter Multicultural Communities look forward to seeing you for Fiesta on 24 June. For more information on the event see facing page or go to: huntermulticultural. org.au

Agents for Pride Dry Cleanerssame day service available

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am to 5pm Saturday 7.30am to 12 noon

Closed Wednesdays for fishing!

THAT WAS THEN This is now with

Lachlan Wetherall

Sadly bungled street names

We tend to think of street names as unchanging. But curiously in New Lambton, there was a time when the streets in half the town got renamed.

After the coal mine opened in 1868, the streets of New Lambton went un-named for the next 20 years. In the south, land was owned by the colliery, more interested in digging coal than developing a town. In the north was the Commonage, government land reserved for cattle pasturage, but on which many miners settled anyway. Three factors then contributed to a rapid change in the streets. Firstly, with the passing of legislation in

1889, occupants of the Commonage began buying the land they lived on. Secondly, as coal production declined, mine owner Alexander Brown transitioned to selling land for residential development. Thirdly, New Lambton Council formed in 1889, and with the power to levy rates on landowners, began to make and improve the streets.

South of Russell Road, the streets appear to have been named by Brown’s “New Lambton Land & Coal Company.” North of Russell Road, streets were named by the new council, mostly after aldermen and employees. But in 1891 the council was dismayed to learn that the Lands Department in Sydney had drawn up a new plan with new street names. The council objected to the expense and inconvenience of having to update their records. At an 1892 council meeting, the clerk reported “having met with the Under-Secretary for Lands, on the subject of the alteration of names of Commonage streets, when it was found that the matter had been sadly bungled by the department, and could not be remedied now, and that the council must adopt the names as they appeared on the departmental plans.” Probably the only maps marked with the 1889-1892 street names were destroyed when the New Lambton council chambers burned down in 1931. However, reports from early council meetings contain enough information to match them to the department’s ‘bungled’ street names we know today.

You can view more details at lachlanwetherall.com

Above: The short-lived street names of 1889-1892 on a 1938 aerial photograph of New Lambton.

Below: The present day street names of New Lambton.

Here to HELP

with Elaine Abery of Unravelling Red Tape

Sugar free checkouts

Dear Here to Help,

Week in week out I put up with a colourful assault on my senses when I go through the supermarket checkouts. Not to mention kids screaming at parents for all that colourful, sugary badness. I can’t be the only person who hates this part of shopping. Surely, this is something the government should put a stop to!

Thank you for your query.

Sugar at the checkouts has been a topic of discussion for some years. About ten years ago, the large supermarket chains advertised “confectionery-free checkouts” and used signage to designate those checkouts. However, as you note, this seems to have fallen by the wayside.

Some people noted that the “confectionery free checkouts” often offered other sugary or calorie-dense products, such as soft drinks or muesli bars. One of the really interesting parts of government, or public policy, is where to draw the line between personal, corporate, community and government responsibility and actions. We have all seen the “power of the people” again and again in campaigns that make corporations, governments and/or the community stand up, take notice and change things.

Let’s look at some examples. One of my favourites is the community “tampon tax” campaign to have GST removed from female sanitary products. Many essential

health products, and even non-essential products like erectile dysfunction pills, have always been GST free. However, the Howard government chose to apply GST to female sanitary products. The history of the tax is fascinating and there was some interesting analysis at the time about Howard’s motives for this. Fast forward to a few years ago and the GST law was changed. Big companies have become more environmentally friendly in their messaging because the community called for them to take more environmental responsibility. Interestingly, the marketing and sales power of “green” has prompted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission to announce investigations into “greenwashing”. Are companies simply claiming to be environmentally friendly, or are they actually doing it? Does “100% recyclable” on packaging actually help the environment?

Back to public policy and what governments should and should not do. It is generally accepted that selfregulation is a better strategy than government regulation. You may have noticed that government over the past few years has increased regulation on small businesses, while still preferring self-regulation for big business. Most supermarkets are big businesses. My advice to you would be to speak to your favourite supermarkets and let them know that you want sugarfree check-out options that are well signposted. This might involve in-person communications with store managers, approaches to their national team, and/or comments on their social media pages. Get your friends and acquaintances to help. Big business does listen to consumers, if the consumer voice is loud enough. If this doesn’t work, your other option is your local government members. Generally, their first response will be to refer the matter to the relevant Minister, who will respond to you with a generic message that probably talks about self-regulation. If you feel strongly about it, keep pushing and remember that the “tampon tax” took decades to undo. In 2018, the community campaign was successful.

DO GOOD Join Vinnies

with Winston Lo Compounding Pharmacist at Visionary Health

Boosting immune health: key nutrients for strong defence

Maintaining a robust immune system is essential for overall well-being, especially in times when health concerns are prevalent. While there are no magic solutions, certain nutrients have shown promise in supporting immune function. Let’s explore the benefits of quercetin, vitamin D, zinc and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in bolstering our body’s natural defence mechanisms. Quercetin, a flavinoid found in plant-based foods like onions, apples, berries and tea, exhibits antioxidant, anit-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Research suggests that it may inhibit viral replacation

have been conducted in vitro or in animal models, and further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in humans.

Vitamin D, primarily synthesised through sunlight exposure plays a vital role in immune system homeostasis. It helps regulate immune cell differentiation, activation and cytokine production. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to increased susceptibility to infections and impaired immune function.

Zinc, an essential trace element, is involved in immune response development and activation. It aids in antibody synthesis and regulates inflammatory processes. Zinc defiency may impair immune function and raise vulnerability to infections. Zinc has demonstrated potential benefits in reducing common cold symptoms. NAC, a modified form of the amino acid cysteine, supports immune function by aiding in glutathione synthesis - an important antioxidant in the body. Glutathione protects cells from oxidative damage. NAC has been studied for its potential benefits in respiratory health, acting as a mucolytic agent to reduce mucus thickness and viscosity, facilitating its expulsion. A well-rounded approach to immune health should also include a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, stress management, and good hygiene practices.

As we strive to strengthen our immune systems, it’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals and trusted sources for personalised advice. Visionary Health Compounding Chemist is dedicated to providing immune

by Ronnie Wall of Wall Legal, New Lambton

Strata Plan reporting deadline looming

Has your strata property been registered on the ‘Strata Hub’?

The ‘Strata Hub’ is an initiative of the NSW Government to provide better transparency, accountability, better regulation and more engagement for owners, residents and potential buyers of strata schemes in NSW.

The hub consolidates core information about the 80,000 plus strata schemes in NSW in one place, giving property purchasers insights into their potential new home while allowing the regulator to monitor each building’s ongoing maintenance and defect management.

Important changes were introduced in June 2022, with all Strata Schemes to be registered on the Strata Portal by 30 September 2022. Owners Corporations are required to lodge an annual return with NSW Fair Trading within three months of each Annual General Meeting.

The Secretary or Chairperson should report on behalf of the Plan or alternately, you may delegate it to your Strata Manager. A Strata Manager may charge a fee for this service.

Whether the Strata Plan has an appointed Strata Manager or is self-managed, the reporting requirements are the same. No Strata Plan will be exempt from reporting and fines may be imposed on any Strata Plan that do not comply.

Some two-lot Schemes may be exempt from some of the rules, including selecting a strata committee, audit of accounts and financial statements, insurance of their own Lots and exemption from a Capital Works fund. The annual return rules started in July 2022, requiring all NSW Strata Schemes to submit a report for the 2022 calendar year. To meet their legal obligations, the Scheme will need to submit the 2022 report before 30 JUNE 2023, otherwise penalties may apply.

Visit www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/strata/ annual-reporting for more information

Disclaimer: This article is provided for information purposes only. The contents should not be relied on as legal or financial advice

PHYSIO Matters

with Ben Hutton of Brightside Physio

Pain in the...

I can’t say the word ‘buttock’ without thinking of Forrest Gump. In the film, Forrest goes to war, gets shot in the posterior and then says this fabulous line: ‘The only good thing about being wounded in the buttocks…is the ice cream’. Today’s soap-box/topic is the bum pain called gluteal tendinopathy. Which unfortunately cannot be helped (much) by a tub of Ben and Jerry’s.

Gluteal tendinopathy happens primarily to women over the age of 50 and is a close cousin to another nasty bum issue - bursitis. I’ll spare you the gory detail but basically the tendon gets overloaded, stressed and is connected to a weak muscle - this can then cause irritation of the

are some signs this might be you: Can’t sleep on the sore side? Bit dodgy going up and down stairs? Pain going down the outside of your leg? Sore if sitting down for a long time?

Why does it happen? 1.Inactivity - strange but true. Less mobility and exercise leads to weak muscles which leads to tendon pain. 2. Hormones - add this to the long list of Horrible Hormonal Hardships. A drop in oestrogen can lead to tendons (and tempers) getting frayed. 3. Overload - either an increase in weight (thanks Ben and Jerry’s) or you’ve decided to become a long-distance runner in an overly optimistic time-frame.

What to do for a dodgy bum: 1. Don’t cross your legs - keep them parallel, even at night (pillow between the knees helps) 2. Don’t stretch your bum muscles - it’s not a short muscle that’s the problem - it’s a weak muscle. So stretching will do little to help the problem and may even make it worse. 3. Do some gentle strength training for your gluteals - within pain, simple, best under supervision of a physio or at worst in front of your friends after four glasses of Prosecco. 4. Do see a good physio to reduce your pain and give you spectacular exercises to help.

Hopefully you don’t have a painful cheek but if you do, Brightside Physio is a fabulous place to get help. Call the great glute team on 4062 8862 or book online www. brightsidephysio.com.au

PHARMACY Matters

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

Vitamins

Our bodies need vitamins to stay healthy. Vitamins help body cells work properly. They can also help to treat some health problems. The best source of most vitamins is a healthy diet. Some people also need to take vitamin supplements. But taking more vitamins than your body needs can be harmful. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, dietitian or naturopath for advice.

Body cells need vitamins, but if you take more vitamins than your body needs, the levels in your body can build up and cause side effects. This is more of a risk with the fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins

A, D, E and K.

CAN YOU SPARE 2-3 HOURS A WEEK TO VISIT A LOCAL FAMILY?

IF YOU:

✔ are a parent or have direct parenting/ caring experience

✔ love children

✔ are non-judgemental, caring and reliable

✔ have a desire to make a difference in the lives of young children and parents

✔ can attend our free training and preparation course

We will match you to a local family with children 0-5 years needing a little extra support. Our next volunteer preparation course (1 day per week for 6 weeks) starts soon.

Healthy eating

Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) and Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDIs) are guides to the amounts of vitamins your body needs each day. Most people can get their daily vitamin needs by eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes a lot of different foods. A healthy, balanced diet means: • eating a wide variety of healthy foods every day • eating mainly vegetables, legumes and wholegrain foods (e.g. wholegrain/ wholemeal breads, cereals, pasta, rice, quinoa, couscous) • eating moderate amounts of fruit • eating moderate amounts of lean meat, fish, skinless poultry, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds • eating moderate amounts of reduced-fat dairy foods (e.g. milk, yoghurt, cheese) • eating small amounts of fat, sugar and salt (e.g. oils, butter, margarine, cakes, desserts, pastries, cream, chips, pizzas, lollies, chocolate, soft drinks, fruit juice) • drinking enough water every day to satisfy your thirst and to keep your urine ‘light-coloured’ (unless a doctor advises you not to) • having no more than two standard alcohol drinks a day. The way food is prepared and cooked can reduce its vitamin content. To keep the vitamins in food: • prepare food just before serving • cook vegetables for only a short time (e.g. steam or microwave) • wash and scrub vegetables instead of peeling them • re-use cooking water in gravies, soups and stews • leave vegetables in large pieces and do not soak them before cooking.

Vitamin supplements

You may not get enough vitamins in your diet to stay healthy if you have: • a poor diet (e.g. eat a lot of ‘junk’ food) • a diet low in certain foods for health, cultural or religious reasons (e.g. people following a vegan diet) • a need for extra vitamins (e.g. while recovering from illness or surgery, while pregnant or breastfeeding) • a lifestyle that can reduce vitamin levels (e.g. get no sun on your skin, smoke cigarettes, consume a large amount of alcohol, use illegal drugs) • a medical condition that can affect vitamin levels (e.g. coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis, gastrectomy) • medicines that can affect vitamin levels (check with your pharmacist) If you don’t get enough vitamins from your diet, you may need to take vitamin supplements. Vitamin supplements are available as tablets, capsules and liquids. Sometimes, vitamins are best given as an injection. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Vitamin doses

Go to homestartaustralia.org to register or to find out more call Kat on 4952 9488 or 0456 625 807

It is very important to take a vitamin supplement at the dose recommended on the label. Get medical advice first if you want to take more. Taking high doses of some vitamins can increase the risk of side effects.

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

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

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 specialist nurses are often available to speak with. We are supported by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Calvary Mater Hospital. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month (except January) at Wallsend Diggers, 5 Tyrell Street, Wallsend near the Lemon Grove Hotel. Our June meeting will feature Michael Hagan as guest speaker. Michael is well known for his high-profile rugby league career in the Hunter but may not be known as much as a prostate cancer warrior. Come along and hear his story and bring a healthy list of questions with you. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 13 June at 2pm. If you have concerns or issues with prostate health, including prostate cancer, please feel free to come along and find that your concerns are acknowledged with us. We are here to help ourselves and others. Please feel free to call the chairperson on 0458 960 300, come along to the meeting or visit our webpage http:// hunterprostatesupport.org

Local Community Group Notices

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.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

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 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. Find us on Facebook or send enquiries to hdbssecretary@gmail.com

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

NEWCASTLE CREATIVE EMBROIDERERS & FIBRE ARTISTS

Do you like to be creative? NCEATA’s members have a love of working creatively with textiles and fibres and are of many skill levels with varying special interests. Members gather each month to interact, share, learn and exhibit. Information about workshops and meetings and examples of our creative textiles can be found on our website www.nceata.org and also on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NCEATA We welcome visitors and have two meetings every month, except December. Meeting and Workshops depending on public holidays,1st Monday of the month, 10am-1pm, 3rd Saturday of the month, 1-4pm. Venue: Belair Church Hall, 130 Garden Grove Pde, Adamstown. We also have our annual NCEATA exhibition, which is open until 4 June at the Timeless Textiles Gallery, 90 Hunter Street, Newcastle. Work by members has been based on the theme of Ikigai. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means your ‘reason for being.’ ‘Iki’ in Japanese means ‘life,’ and ‘gai’ describes value or worth. Email enquiries to: secretary@nceata.org

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

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

SENIORS GROUPS

NEWCASTLE LADIES PROBUS

This is an invitation to join The 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. Each month we have an interesting guest speaker. For more information contact Margaret 0417 663 064 or Ruth 0439 478 431

SENIORS GROUPS

LADIES PROBUS CLUB OF NEW LAMBTON

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

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.

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.

NEWCASTLE MENS PROBUS

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 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 be warmly welcomed, enjoy some refreshments and and a great guest speaker. The meetings start at 9:30am. We would love to meet you. For further information call Brian Prior on 0415 081 610.

To have a free community notice published on these pages email the details to admin@hunterlocal.com.au or post to PO Box 130, Lambton 2299 by 15th of the month. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations.

BUDGERIGARS

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

CANARIES

Good quality young birds, yellow males, some female $30 each

Ph 4952 1300

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

LAWN MOWER

Victa Tornado 2 stroke, good condition $100 Ph 0400 483 019

LOUNGE

Tapestry lounge, two seater and two chairs. Very good condition $300 O.N.O Ph 0418 976 061

MAGAZINES

Australian Artist magazines, 14 issues $10 the lot.Ph 0478 599743

WATER TROUGHS

Cast iron bathtub and basin suitable for equine or livestock water troughs $100 Ph 0424 771 656

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

They are free and they work! Email your ad to admin@ hunterlocal.com.au by 15th of the month.

GARAGE SALE

GARAGE SALE

Lambton - New Lambton Lions Club Auxiliary is conducting a Garage Sale on Saturday, 24 June at 60 Kings Road, New Lambton from 8:30am to 2:00pm. On offer is a large collection of household items, bric-a-brac, clothing, crockery, glassware and other assorted bargains. Total proceeds will go towards supporting health programs for local men, women and children.

WANTED

EXERCISE BIKE

Wanted, exercise bike (indoor) to suit aged male. Ph 4952 8482

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

COMPANION WANTED

Mature lady (prefer 60+) to be a companion one day per week to a 60+ female. Please list hobbies. $155 /day. Contact by email to: rockorchid@gmail.com

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

NOTICES

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 0416 624 710

Local Classifieds...

POSITIONS VACANT NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Precipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

TAMWORTH HOLIDAYS

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

THEATRE TICKETS

Billy Elliott The Musical Saturday matinees 1pm 14 & 21 October, 2023 at Civic Theatre Newcastle Yours for better entertainment. For details & bookings. Ph 4952 8590

Samuel William Nies©️, of Edmondson Park, New South Wales state, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of all associated Copyright Protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis, commonly known as The Commonwealth of Australia, Public Record Number RPP 4463900 05100 23941 71609, Proclamation Date 22nd of August, 2022; severing Usufruct Subjugation ties with the Australia Corporation in its entirety. The occupying corporate government of Australia and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected Financial Instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Samuel William Nies©️ in fraudulent debased dog-latin; Glossa.

Be paid to deliver The Local to letterboxes

The Local, your free monthly letterbox-delivered newspaper, requires reliable, energetic locals who love walking to join our 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 him on 0455 210 000 for more details.

Something to sell or to tell? Try these FREE Local Community Classifieds. They work!

Name _____________________________ Address ________________________________

____________________________________________ Phone ________________________

Email______________________________________________________________________

Write the wording of your advertisement below. (Max. 25 words please)

Text: _______________________________________________________________________

Classification (eg. For Sales, Notices, Garage Sales, Wanted etc):__________________

Complete this form and post it to: ‘Local Classifieds’ PO Box 130, Lambton 2299 or email: admin@hunterlocal. com.au by 15th of the month. We reserve the right to not publish advertising considered inappropriate or not in the spirit of the free classifieds offer. Private party ads only. For business classifieds advertising please email admin@ hunterlocal.com.au

ª Whooping cough (dTpa)

ª Hepatitis B

ª Human papillomavirus

ª Japanese encephalitis

ª MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

ª Meningococcal ACWY

ª Polio

ª Shingles (Varicella zoster)

ª Typhoid

ª Influenza

ª Covid 19 Check