The Local - March 2023

State your vote

The NSW State election is on Saturday, 25 March 2023. Ahead of the poll, some electorate boundaries, including those for Wallsend, Charlestown and Newcastle electorates have been changed.

Each of the three electorates which The Local’s readership straddles have been redrawn.

To vote in person on election day you can visit a voting centre between 8am and 6pm on 25 March.

If unable to vote in person on the day, you can vote at an early voting centre from Saturday 18 to Friday 24 March.

You can also vote by post, if eligible. If you are blind or have low vision,

you can vote by telephone. At the time of printing nominations had not closed for candidates. One thing is certain and that is that the three ALP incumbents, who enjoyed healthy double digit

margins at the last poll in 2019, will each be re-contesting their seat. To find out more about how and where and who to vote for go to elections.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 135 736.

Sitting Members within The Local’s distribution area, (L to R) Sonia Hornery (Wallsend), Jodie Harrison (Charlestown) and Tim Crakanthorp (Newcastle) will each be seeking re-election at the NSW State election on Saturday 25 March.

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 April issue close on Friday 17 March

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 In contributing news items the contributor accepts that such information may or may not be published in print and/or online using websites and social media channels at the sole discretion of the publisher.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

Show up or pay up

With a three year term for Federal parliament and four year terms for both State and Local government we are called upon once each year or so to vote. It’s not a huge commitment. You show up at your local school, church or community hall on a particular Saturday. You exercise, if you wish, the option to buy a sausage sandwich or tray of cakes in support of the abovementioned organisations. You get your name marked off. You make your mark on the ballot paper. Then you go home.

Of course in recent years, in recognition of busier lives and 24/7 rosters, pre-poll voting has become more common. Come election day many of us have already ticked it off our to-do lists. Is that because A: we want to participate in democracy as soon as possible or B: we want it over and done with it and can thereafter shut out the incessant political advertising? I suspect it’s a little from column A and a whole lot from column B.

I have shared similar statistics with readers before, but it bears repeating. Even with the enhanced prepoll voting options of recent years, at the Federal election in May last year, just over 90% of enrolled voters actually voted. At the last NSW election in 2019 the figure was 89%. At the 2021 Local Government election turnout was a mere 83%.

An apparent failure to vote notice of $55 is issued to anyone whose name is not marked off the roll by election day. Not knowing that an election was being held is not sufficient reason to escape this fine. The NSW State election is on Saturday 25 March.

Memoir with warmth and honesty

think of then were the uncertainties – especially whether she’d become wheelchair-bound.

But Ruth continued her full, active life and it wasn’t until her retirement in Newcastle that multiple sclerosis exacted its greatest toll – slowly taking her balance and mobility.

When Ruth Cotton came to live in Newcastle in 2012, she quickly immersed herself in discovering the history and heritage of Hamilton, the suburb she had made her home. A blog, Hidden Hamilton, was followed by two popular books and a heritage walk. Ruth continued writing for print and social media, as well as collaborating with others to

bring Hamilton’s stories to light through street art and distinctive blue-and-white heritage plaques. What is less well known is that during this time, Ruth has been struggling with a chronic, disabling disease. She had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1997, at the peak of her career and with three children still at home. All she could

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic confined Ruth indoors, news came that her husband’s cancer – melanoma, diagnosed years before – was accelerating. Overwhelmed by a sense of life’s fragility, Ruth turned to writing to continued on page 5

Ruth Cotton’s new book, A fragile hold: Living with multiple sclerosis and other uncertainties will be published this month

Time for a chemical clean out?

Did you know you can use the Household Chemical CleanOut service to safely dispose of household chemicals—such as cleaning products, motor oil and pesticides—that could harm human health and the environment if placed in your bins or poured down the drain.

CleanOut events are held twice each year in Newcastle, and at other locations across NSW on specified dates. NSW residents can make use of any event, free of charge.

The next Household Chemical CleanOut will be 9am to 3.30pm on Saturday 1 April at Newcastle (Tighes Hill) TAFE Student Car Park, 266 Maitland Road, Tighes Hill (opposite Henry Street).

The events are supported by the Environmental Trust as part of the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the Waste Levy.

You can take household quantities of the following household chemicals and items (up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kilograms of a single item) solvents and household cleaners, floor care products, ammonia-based cleaners, pesticides and herbicides,

poisons, pool chemicals, hobby chemicals, motor fuels, fluorescent globes and tubes, acids and alkalis, smoke detectors, paint and paint-related products, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, car and household batteries, motor oils and cooking oils. Businessrelated and commercial quantities of chemicals are not accepted.

For more information see newcastle.nsw.gov. au/living/waste-and-recycling/problem-wastes/ chemicals/household-chemical-cleanout/

Ruth Cotton’s memoir

make sense of it all. The result is her fifth book A fragile hold: Living with multiple sclerosis and other uncertainties.

This is the first time Ruth has written about the impact of chronic disease on her life, and her memoir reveals with warmth and unflinching honesty the daily, intimate scenes of a life with multiple sclerosis.

Carol Duncan, City of Newcastle Councillor and founder of Lost Newcastle has said of Ruth “If we’re lucky, some of us will meet someone like Ruth Cotton. If we’re really lucky, we’ll pause our own busy lives long enough to listen.”

A fragile hold: Living with multiple sclerosis and other uncertainties is published by Lightleaf Press. It is available in paperback and digital formats at all good bookstores. It can also be ordered from Amazon, Apple Books and other online shops.

The Local has two copies of A fragile hold: Living with multiple sclerosis and other uncertainties to give away to lucky readers. To enter the draw text the words ‘Fragile Hold’ and your name to 0455 210 000 by 17 March. The winners will be advised by telephone, their names published in next month’s issue of The Local.

Disc golf for Armstrong Park

Thanks to a City of Newcastle Community Grant the semicircular parkland area behind Lambton Public School at Armstrong Street is now home to Newcastle’s newest disc golf course.

Disc golf is played much like traditional golf but instead of a ball and clubs players use a flying disc, or Frisbee. The sport was formalised in the 1970s, and shares with “ball golf” the object of completing each hole in the fewest number of strokes, or in the case of disc golf, fewest number of throws.

Stalwarts of Newcastle Disc Golf, Jonathan Jonas and Chris Hill, better known as Chilly, were on hand at Armstrong Park recently to show The Local how disc golf is played. The Armstrong Park course includes six holes over a total of 343m with a par score of 18. Unlike ball golf, disc golf is free to play and everyone is always welcome.

To learn more about disk golf and maybe get involved check out NewcastleDiscGolf on Facebook.

At right: Chilly and Jonathan from Newcastle Disc Golf

At left: the layout of the new disc golf course at Armstrong Park, behind Lambton Public School

Soldier Fit PERSONAL TRAINING

Better broadband

Households and businesses in many local suburbs will be able to upgrade to a full-fibre broadband connection as part of the Federal Government’s plan for a better National Broadband Network (NBN).

The suburbs earmarked for this improvement include Wallsend, Stockton, Shortland, North Lambton, New Lambton, Merewether, Maryland, Lambton, Kotara, Islington, Hamilton, Glendale, Elermore Vale, Cooks Hill, Cardiff, Broadmeadow, Adamstown Heights and Adamstown.

MIDDAY MOVERS

Midday Movers is unique and full of variety with low impact classes for everyone!

Class includes chair drumming like a rockstar!

Chair aerobics, floor aerobics, balance, strength and stretching exercises, plus easy to follow dance routines to your favourite songs.

We have fans, air conditioning and wheelchair access.

Classes are $10 per session, pay as you come with cash or card. Bookings essential.

The upgrades are part of the NBN’s fibre upgrade program which has been boosted by the Government’s $2.4 billion investment to expand fullfibre access to 1.5 million additional premises by the end of 2025. This includes over 660,000 premises in regional Australia.

The copper broadband network is slower, less reliable and more likely to experience prolonged faults.

TUESDAYS • 12PM TO 12.45PM

In contrast, fibre broadband means faster upload and download speeds, and a more reliable connection for local residents. The benefits are even more pronounced for larger households if many devices are used, as higher speeds means the whole family can be online at the same time.

An upgrade will be available on-demand where an eligible household orders a higher speed plan than would currently be available to them over copper.

NBN Co expects eligible premises announced today will be able to access a full-fibre upgrade from 2024.

“Affordable, reliable and high-speed broadband is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It is an economic and social necessity that will drive productivity improvements and global competitiveness.” Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland MP said. For a full list of eligible suburbs or to register for updates, visit: www.nbnco.com.au/residential/ upgrades/fttp-upgrade-with-higher-speed-tiers.

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.

A big event for Hamilton this month is the Fringe Festival! HBA is excited to be a partner and lucky for Hamilton, the festival is coming to us this year. What is Fringe Festival you may ask?

Well the festival is an amazing platform for emerging artists to perform where the marketing, ticketing, venues and even some equipment is provided for them. There are Fringe Festivals held all over Australia and the rest of the world. They are a not-for-profit organization run by passionate volunteers.

This year Newcastle Fringe features a colourful program and talented line-up of 55 acts, 398 artists and 135 shows over nine days, 9th-19th March 2023. The line-up includes comedians, musical artists, adults only cabaret and burlesque shows, theatre acts, community choirs, a flamenco dancer and four shows especially designed for kids of all ages. These performances will be held primarily in Hamilton at The Gallipoli Club, Sydney Junction Hotel and Hamilton Wesley Church.

There will be FREE roving performances

Saturdays 11th and 18th March 6-8pm and Saturday 18th 12-1:30pm. We’ve heard a rumour there may even be some kind of fire show! You can see the full program and purchase tickets at newcastlefringe.com.au, There will also be an information/ticket booth in James St Plaza during the festival. So get in and enjoy this fantastic event.

Love Local Love Hamilton

Hamilton Business Association For more information and keep up to date on all our current and upcoming projects join us on Facebook

and Instagram

The Local Quiz

Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Anthea George of Broadmeadow. Anthea has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy.

Last month’s mystery photo was taken at the intersection of Elder St and Young Rd at 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:

Which well-known author wrote the fantasy novel Fairy Tale?

Question 2:

When is the NSW state election being held?

Question 3:

Where is Newcastle’s newest disc golf course?

Question 4:

What is the title of Newcastle Theatre Company’s next production opening in March ?

Question 5: In what suburb would you find the park 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 17 March for a chance to win a $25 gift voucher* to spend at any Piggott’s Pharmacy store in Newcastle and the Hunter. *Not redeemable on prescription medicines

Is your letterbox feeling lucky?

If one of the letterboxes pictured above is yours, you’ve won a $25 shopping voucher from one of three great local retailers. Phone us at The Local on 0455 210 000 by Friday 17 March 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.

Sonia Hornery MP State Member for Wallsend

First in best dressed with the choice of vouchers. The vouchers must be claimed by 17 March and redeemed at your chosen retailer no later than 30 April 2023.

Congratulations to the residents of 134 Young Rd Lambton who claimed a prize last month by correctly identifying their letterbox.

Body Sculpt and Smile

67 Nelson Street, Wallsend

Telephone: 4950 0955

Email: wallsend@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Web: soniahornery.com.au

Authorised by Justin Davis, 18 Durham Rd, Lambton, 2299

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

Art Bazaar at Lambton Park

Art Bazaar returns to Lambton Park from 9am to 3pm on Sunday 26 March.

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

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

There’s plenty to capture your

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

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

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

Lambton Park will host Art Bazaar once again on Sunday 26 March

Does Council fear accountability or not care enough about Lambton Pool?

The recently formed We Love Lambton Pool Alliance, wrote to all 12 Councillors, the Lord Mayor and the Chief Executive Officer of City of Newcastle as well as the State MPs for Wallsend and Newcastle on 14 December 2022. The letter raised a range of issues regarding the financing, management and future planning for Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre (Lambton Pool).

Readers will have seen the letter when it was subsequently published in January issue of The Local. It is now over three months since this formal letter was sent and we have received no response or acknowledgement to this correspondence from the Lord Mayor, the CEO or ten of the 12 Councillors. This has been extremely disappointing. No Ward 3 Councillor has responded at all, and the Deputy Lord Mayor responded only after being specifically named in a social media post 66 days after the original letter was sent.

It is basic professional conduct and courtesy to acknowledge and respond to formal business correspondence. For them to not acknowledge or respond to our formal letter is at best disrespectful.

The We Love Lambton Pool Alliance consists of four long-established, well-respected community organisations, and the Facebook group with over 800 members. Together these groups represent thousands of constituents that expect and deserve a formal response to the correspondence.

I can only speculate as to why they are so reluctant to provide a response to the letter. Is it that they fear being held accountable, or do they not care enough about the future of the Lambton Pool and the people that use it to formulate a considered response?

Anna Glasby - convenor

We Love Lambton Pool Alliance

We Love Lambton

We Love Lambton Pool Alliance conducted the survey from 23 November to 24 December. People could do the survey online or by sending in an email or hard copy. Everyone was welcome to do the survey and it was promoted in The Local and via various Newcastle Facebook groups. The pool is used and loved by people from across the Lower Hunter. 584 people from 33 postcode areas in NSW responded, and 86% had visited the pool in the last 12 months.. Here is a summary of the findings…

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT LAMBTON POOL SURVIVES AND THRIVES INTO THE FUTURE?

n Extremely important

n Important

n Neutral

n Somewhat important

n Not at all important

WHO SHOULD MANAGE THE POOL?

n Don’t care as long as they do a good job

n City of Newcastle

n Company ornon-government organisation

n Other

SHOULD THE POOL BECOME AN

WHY DIDN’T YOU

Only 14% of the 584 respondents been to the pool in the last

n Just haven’t got around

n Bad weather

n Feel too old or uncomfortable

n Too expensive

n Poor condition or quality

n Water is cold

n Other (The most common personal reasons, swim

The results of the survey will be used to inform the advocacy priorities

Pool 2022 Survey outcomes summary

TOP 5 THINGS TO BE IMPROVED

Frequently mentioned issues included the need for more general maintenance, replacement or fixing of broken tiles, replacement of the grandstand, and the general need to updating facilities, and the need for more shaded seating and more privacy in the change rooms.

THINGS YOU MOST LIKE ABOUT THE POOL

People selected a number of different things they like about the pool. The top five things people most liked were

YOU GO TO THE POOL?

respondents had not last 12 months.

around to it uncomfortable quality of facilities common “other” reasons included swim elsewhere and COVID.)

n Change room, toilets & showers

n Kiosk & café

n Shade

n Four different heated pools

n Park setting & grass, picnic & BBQ area

SATISFACTION WITH CURRENT SITUATION

An average score out of 5 was calculated to measure the overall level of satisfaction with the current conditions of the infrastructure, service and activities. People were mostly satisfied with the current services and activities, however they were dissatisfied with the current condition of the pool’s condition and infrastructure.

TOP 5 REASONS FOR VISITING THE POOL

People visit the pool for a wide range of reasons. The majority of people selected multiple reasons for visiting the pool.

n Fun, play & relax

n Personal exercise, lap swimming

n Cool off on hot day

n Social gatherings

n School activities and carnivals

priorities of We Love Lambton Pool. A copy of the survey questions and the full set of results are available on request to welovelambtonpool@gmail.com.

Need to plan the perfect murder? Come along to NTC to learn how...

The next production for Newcastle Theatre Company (NTC) on the Season 2023 calendar is Dial M for Murder.

This gripping crime thriller is set in the London home of a stylish and wealthy married couple. It features love, money, deceit and blackmail.

Former professional tennis player

Tony Wendice learns that his wife Margot has had an affair with American crime writer, Max Halliday.

Bent on revenge and determined to inherit her fortune, he arranges her murder through blackmailing an old acquaintance.

But there is no such thing as the perfect crime. Despite Tony’s

meticulous planning, things do not go to plan.

Full of plot twists and hitches, and offering laughs as well as thrills along the way, this play inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1954 film of the same name.

This production of Dial M for Murder is directed by Julie Black and opens on Saturday 18 March at 8pm.

There are performances each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening until 1 April.

2pm matinee performances will be held on Sunday 19, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March.

Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for concessions.

To book the performance of your choice go to newcastletheatrecompany.com. au or call the Box Office on 4952 4958 between 3pm and 6pm Monday to Friday.

The Local has a double pass to the winner’s choice of performance of Dial M for Murder.

To be in the running for the double pass just text the words ‘Dial M for Murder’, your first and last name, and your preferred performance day/time to 0455 210 000 by 15 March.

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

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

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL: all tickets $30

• 90 De Vitre Street

• Lambton •

The winner of the double pass to NTC’s most recent production, Merrily We Roll Along, was Paula Woodman. Congratulations Paula.

Just Retired? Come walking with us

“I’ve retired! My time is my own. Freedom means walking the dog, shopping, grandparenting, household chores, gardening, reading, coffee with hubby and making family photobooks. After a career of teaching, it never dawned on me that retirement would be so hectic!”

“I enjoy retirement, but I miss the social network I had at work” says Coralie Watson, walking coordinator for a local Probus Club. “I love walking and exploring, but not doing it solo. Sharing life experiences with interesting people is what fun and friendship is about.”

“I’m glad I overcame my hesitation and joined a Probus Club full of retired ladies.”

The Club has lots happening every month. Fortnightly Coralie takes the active ladies for a 60-minute walk. Bathers Way, Warners Bay, Fernleigh Track are examples of

easy walks. Going from Queens Wharf uphill to the Cathedral is more strenuous. Further afield Mt Sugarloaf, the murals at Kurri Kurri, Heatherbrae Botanical Gardens and the bush tracks around Murrays

Beach are annual favourites. “My walking ladies certainly get variety!”

Email

further details.

Here to HELP

with Elaine Abery of Unravelling Red Tape

Give it a go

Dear Here to Help,

I am part of a small industry association. We are having some issues with the law, that seems to treat smaller businesses more harshly than large businesses in our sector.

We feel like we should ask government to improve the way the law operates. However, the industry is split. Some people feel that it is our right to ask government to improve the law. Other people feel that it is risky to engage with government, as we might end up worse off in this, or other areas.

What do you advise?

St Patrick’s Day Lunch

Friday 17 March 2023

11.30am arrival for a 12noon start Shortland Waters Golf Club, 90 Vale Street, Shortland 2307

$55.00 per person

Please RSVP to: Evelyn 4954 0535 or Suzanne 4950 8235

RSVP must be by Thursday 9 March.

All cancellations after the RSVP date must be paid in full, sorry.

Thanks for your query.

The short response is “give it a go!” If you approach government respectfully, using well-argued information, you will generally come out of it with good results. In fact, in my experience, we have always obtained positive results for the industry.

Government creates its decisions (called “public policy”) using a process. This process includes public consultation. Most Australian governments have a website that lists their consultations. What makes this harder is that each government department has its own website with its own consultations. So, you need to know which department is relevant for your area of interest, or somebody needs to have told you about the consultation (and given you the link). Consultations also only run for a specific time.

Government knows that this system is imperfect. In particular, small businesses, smaller industries or professions and individuals often do not find out about these consultations in time. If they do find out about the consultation, it is often because they are adversely affected once the change had been implemented. It can be difficult to find out who in government is responsible for the decision afterwards.

For example, I had a client come to me when government made a decision to change funding for the industry. Government had consulted the big players in the industry, who suggested changes. In fact, those changes meant that this small sub-sector of the industry would be paid one third less than everyone else. We went to government and they confirmed this had not been their intention and the decision was reversed.

Do you sometimes end up worse off through this process? Not that I have seen overall. That said, compromise is an important part of any negotiation –so be prepared to lose battles to win the war.

Be assured that government wants public policy to work well for small businesses and government wants to hear from you. It is simply a matter of finding the right person to talk to and framing your conversation in a respectful, helpful way. This means focusing on solutions and clearly identifying the problems they solve.

Be prepared to compromise and remember that government people are just like you and I – they have families to go home to and deserve to be treated respectfully and kindly.

Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary ‘Cancer Carers’

Fairy Tale

by Stephen King

17-year old Charlie Reade is a responsible high-achiever who is always caring for others. This includes his elderly neighbour Mr Bowditch and his dog Radar. After finding Mr Bowditch injured, he helps to care for his home and dog. This is a bigger responsibility than he expected as he unexpectedly inherits it the old run down home, and on it, a portal to a different world.

Fairy Tale has very imaginative world building with relatable characters. It’s a great fantasy read that even non-fantasy readers can enjoy. It starts out as a sweet coming of age story, but turns into a much darker tale about the cost of power. It slows down in the middle, but picks up pace again towards the end, so stick it out.

As always, Stephen King excels at writing characters (including the dog), that you truly care about. No matter how extraordinary the story gets, you really feel for all the characters and want a good outcome, which really helped get through this beast of a book, all 700 pages of it. This was a very unique and enjoyable read!

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

HEALTH Matters

So what is compounding?

Compounding is the act of customising medications, supplements, or herbal products to suit a particular patient’s needs. Yes, it is tailor made just for you!

Ancient Egyptians used the leaves from the willow tree to reduce inflammation of wounds. Today, compounding is a lot more complex, safe, and accurate. As a specialised compounding chemist,

we have dedicated lab equipment that assists in the processes of compounding. For example, the weight is checked by computer, the liquid mixture and powder are processed in machines to ensure mixing consistency. The lab is separated from the main pharmacy area, and filter and fume hoods are installed to improve safety and reduce contamination. Compounded medicines can be tailored for every member of the family from adults to infants, even your pets. No-one is out of bounds.

Have you ever tried cutting a small tablet into quarters? By compounding your medicine into a smaller dose, you can be sure that your dose is accurate every time.

Pet prescriptions can be made as individual as your furry friend, even giving their medicines a unique flavour such as salmon, chicken, or tuna. We’ve made medicines for cats, dogs, horses and even a turtle! Talk to us about your pet’s prescription needs and how we can tailor it to them.

How to get your health products compounded?

Ring Visionary Health at 4969 5081 or email us on compounding@visionaryhealth.com.au

with Winston Lo Compounding Pharmacist at Visionary Health

PHYSIO Matters

with Ben Hutton of Brightside Physio

Cornflake knees

“My knees sound like crunchy nut cornflakes” Reg said. Reg was a 1950 model footy tragic with a heart of gold and knees that could wake the dead. Reg was convinced that the sound made whilst walking up his front steps indicated his knees were disintegrating into a cloud of cartilage and bone dust. But his mate Keith had a knee replacement two years ago and still couldn’t sit on the loo without holding on. So he wasn’t too keen on seeing the bone doctor either.

Not only were his cornflake knees loud but they were sore. Really sore. He’d stopped walking with his wife (whose sympathy levels were minimal), stopped his

steadily getting smaller. Here are some quick tips I gave Reg:

1. Noise is not necessarily bad. Most of the time its just some dodgy soft tissue or gas bubbles around your knee cap. Occasionally it means your cartilage is a bit worn. It might make you a terrible burglar, but it’s not concerning.

2. Having a knee replacement is sometimes necessary but if you think you’d like to ‘go bionic’ answer these Qs: Have I done 3-6 months of good quality physio + strengthening? Is the pain waking me at night? Is the pain stopping me doing things I want to? Is my x-ray a bit rubbish?

3. Get strong. Mainly thigh and bum muscles. Ride a bike, get 3 exercises from a good physio, join a gym, take some steroids (thats a joke). You don’t have to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger - you just need your muscles to wake up.

Reg is a legend. His knees are still louder than ten teenagers at a Taylor Swift concert but he can walk now. And potter. He shook my hard firmly last time I saw him and said ‘You look a bit like a hippy and your jokes are terrible, but I’m out of the knee pain hole - thankyou’. To start getting out of your painful hole call the fine Brightside folks on 4062 8862 or go on the line to book an appointment www.brightsidephysio.com.au.

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

PHARMACY Matters

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

All about fibre

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

What is fibre?

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

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

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

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

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

Fibre and health

Some health benefits of a high fibre diet are:

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

• High fibre foods can help control body weight. They are often slow to eat (they need more chewing), they are filling, and they often contain less kilojoules (calories) per gram than low fibre foods.

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

• Soluble fibre can help lower your blood cholesterol level.

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

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

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

Effects of low fibre

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

Self-care

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

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

• Eat regular meals to help your bowel activity.

• Never ignore the urge to empty your bowels.

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

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

Fibre supplements

The best way to get fibre is to eat high fibre foods. Some people also need to use fibre supplement products. The fibre in these products may produce less gas in the bowel than high fibre foods.

When using fibre supplements always follow the instructions carefully. The best way to get fibre is to eat high fibre foods. Some people also need to use fibre supplement products. The fibre in these products may produce less gas in the bowel than high fibre foods. When using fibre supplements always follow the instructions carefully. Fibre supplements must be taken with plenty of fluid, may reduce absorption of medicines and are best taken two hours apart from other medicines.

For further information ask a Piggott’s Pharmacist or doctor for advice.

LAW Matters

by Ronnie Wall of Wall Legal, New Lambton

First home buyers options

If you are a first home buyer in NSW, you may be eligible for an exemption from transfer duty under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme for properties valued up to $650,000, or a concession for properties valued between $650,001.00 and $800,000.

Under the First Home Buyer Choice Scheme, from 16 January 2023 eligible purchasers of properties valued over $800,000 and less than $1.5million, may choose to pay an annual property tax instead of transfer duty. The property tax will only be payable by first home buyers who choose this option and will not apply to subsequent

purchasers of the property. Different thresholds apply to the purchase of vacant land under both Schemes.

Once you have made your choice to opt into the property tax, you cannot change your mind once settlement has taken place. If you choose to opt-in to this Scheme, you have until settlement of your purchase to change your mind and seek a reassessment to pay the transfer duty. You may purchase a property with someone else who is not eligible, referred to as an equity partner, and partially opt-in. You must own at least 50% or more of the property to be eligible. The equity partner cannot be your spouse. Transfer duty is payable on your equity partner’s share of the property.

The property tax will be calculated based on the land value of the property with assessments being issued annually.

If you purchased a property between 11 November 2022 and 15 January 2023, you may apply for a retrospective reassessment and refund of the transfer duty that you have paid. Retrospective applications must be lodged by 30 June 2023.

Existing first home buyer eligibility criteria still applies to all Schemes. More information can be found at www. revenue.nsw.gov.au

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

Local Community Group Notices

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

HOME-START FAMILY SERVICES

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

COMMUNITY GROUPS

ROTARY CLUB OF WARATAH

Our members are a small local group committed to “Service Above Self” in our local community. We have many interests from our youth to our elderly, and a variety of areas of focus. Rotary service can be local, national and international. All visitors are welcome. We meet on Mondays (summer) 5:30pm-6:30pm at Wallsend Diggers followed by dinner. Winter meetings are alternate lunch meetings. More information contact Secretary Madeleine 0447 523 221 or email madeleineatkins@bigpond.com www. clubrunner/waratah

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

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, 10am1pm, 3rd Saturday of the month, 1-4pm. Venue: The Hive, 150-152 Beaumont St Hamilton, NSW –2303 for February and March/ Belair Church Hall, 130 Garden Grove Pde, Adamstown from April to November this year. Email enquiries to: secretary@ nceata.org

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.

HUNTER DISTRICT BROMELIAD SOCIETY

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

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

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 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.

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 4952 3685 or Des 4955 5032.

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

BEL AIR VIEW CLUB

With a New Year comes the opportunity to make new friends by joining Bel Air View Club. We welcome visitors to our meetings which are held at 10.30am on the third Monday of each month at South Leagues Club 46 Llewellyn St Merewether. Come and join us for interesting guest speakers, friendship and activities and to help support the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.For further information please phone Gillian on 49635655.

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.

Local Classifieds...

BICYCLE

Cannondale R600 CAD3 road bike

$550 o.n.o. Ph 4952 9219

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

NOTICES

BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNER

Congratulations to Karen Burgess who was the winner of our ‘A Girls Guide to Starting High School’ - by Chloe Blake book giveaway in February issue of The Local. Thanks to everyone who entered the draw.

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

DECLUTTERING

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

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

Get your message into 11,000+ local letterboxes next month...

Solution to crossword on page 28

NOTICES

JAZZ YOUR GARDEN GARDEN CARE & WEEDING

We specialise in garden, path and driveway weeding, garden mulching and plantings, general garden tidying. Hedging to 6 feet. General liability insurance to $10M. Call or text Nathan for a quick quote Ph 0448 173 084

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

SEEKING ACCOMMODATION

Retired single female looking for self contained granny flat. Contact Helen by email: hannon123@hotmail.com

SPIRITUALIST

Clairvoyant/Angel card party readings and I’ll come to you! 19 years experience. 25 minutes for $25. Up to 10 people. Phone Celeste Ph 0431 561 433

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

Tickets for Joseph &His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat 8 March and 19 April at 1pm at Capitol Theatre Sydney. Also Mamma Mia Sunday 4 June at 1pm Capitol Theatre Sydney. Phone for details and bookings. Ph 4952 8590

VIDEO GAMES & CONSOLES

Looking for old video game consoles and games, working or not. Atari, Nintendo, Sega, Xbox, Playstation. If they are cluttering your space message me on Ph 0422 701 491

Gentle Flow Yoga

New class commencing soon. 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)

WINE TASTING

Tuesday 14 March 2023. Visit Pokolbin wineries with lunch provided. Phone for details and bookings. Ph 4952 8590

WEDDING & FUNCTIONS ENTERTAINMENT

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

Local Classifieds...

POSITIONS VACANT

Be paid to deliver your local newspaper around the neighbourhood and stay fit too!

The Local, your monthly free homedelivered community newspaper, requires reliable, energetic locals who love walking to join the team that gets it into more than 11,000 letterboxes each month.

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

You must be available to do the deliveries at the end/beginning of each month (usually around 28th-2nd). Depending on the area, two to four hours of walking is involved each month. Good rates paid per 100 letterboxes. Suits families, retirees and school age, but locals of all ages are welcome to apply. We are currently taking expressions of interest to add to our short waiting list. If you think you are who we’re looking for please email: mark@hunterlocal.com.au or text 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