The Local - November 2022

We Lambton Pool

If the community’s reaction to a recently created Facebook group of the same name is any indication, we do indeed love Lambton Pool. More than 200 people joined the ‘We Love Lambton Pool’ group in the first day. Membership now stands at well over 400.

“I’m a regular swimmer here. I love Lambton Pool and I want it to thrive into the future. But I am worried that it may not.” Anna Glasby, creator of the Facebook group, told The Local.

concerns stem from the apparent lack of a plan for how the pool

its facilities will be maintained and upgraded in coming years.

Anna Glasby (foreground), founder of the ‘We Love Lambton Pool’ group, outside the swimming centre with Lambton Residents Group members (L to R) Angela Smith, Laurel Leddy, Tammy Russell and Robert Watson

LOCAL Matters

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My mother in law and I don’t contact each other directly very often. Not that there’s anything wrong with our relationship; it’s just that we know we will each hear of the others comings and goings indirectly through my wife, a.k.a her daughter.

The one thing we do communicate directly about is our Wordle triumphs and failures. My phone has been known to ‘ping’ at 2am if the MIL has solved the new day’s Wordle in three or fewer attempts.

I don’t consider myself an early adopter of Wordle. If anything I’ve arrived late to the party.

For those few who are yet to get caught in its clutches, Wordle is an elegantly simple daily word puzzle in which you have six chances to work out that day’s five letter word.

After each guess you get feedback on which, if any, of your chosen letters the Wordle of the day contains and whether or not they are in the correct position.

If you haven’t discovered Wordle yet go to: www. nytimes.com/games/wordle/ But be warned. It’s addictive.

They are mostly common words like: squad and brown and gripe. At times they are less common words like: nymph and agora and jowly.

Some days you’ll solve the puzzle quite quickly. In which case it might take up just a few minutes of your day. At other times you’ll become stumped. That’s when I’d suggest you put it aside and come back to it later or risk handing your whole day over to it.

All I can say is that it’s a good thing that only one new Wordle puzzle is released each day. I’d be flat out getting anything else done if they were released on demand!

with Mark Brooker Publisher of The Local

....and here’s some fine print

Advertising bookings for December issue close on Friday 18 November

Doris a true servant to all

You could never accuse Doris Dumbrill of not stepping forward to support and serve her community.

In a lifetime of service Doris has held a multitude of postions in sporting clubs, service clubs and the church. At Waratahs Rugby Club, Doris was secretary for the junior club, as well as manager for one of the junior teams. She also co-edited and produced the senior club’s weekly newsletter for many years.

For the Lions Club of Jesmond Doris twice held the position of president. At other times she was treasurer, chaired the Youth of the Year committee and was membership chair. She was also the first woman to become a member of the Jesmond Club, Lions being originally set up as male only clubs.

Doris has received several Lions Clubs Awards over the years, including being made a Melvin Jones fellow, the highest honour available to Lions members.

In the higher echelons of Lions International Doris held positions of cabinet secretary for district 201N3 and zone chairperson.

For St John the Baptist Anglican Church Lambton Doris has been treasurer, parish councillor, synod representative, presentation board member and coleader of Lollypops Playgroup.

Doris’ family have of course always been proud of her. But for her son Keith and grandson Peter it was very special and proud moment recently to see her rewarded for her lifetime of service with an Order of Australia Medal by Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley. Asked why has she spent her life involved with her community and her church, Doris replied simply “ As a Christian, I believe we are put on this earth to serve”. Doris said. Congratulations and thank you from a grateful community Doris.

Steve Sue Scott

Macquarie

Doris Dumbrill OAM received her award from Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley at Government House Sydney in October

House celebrates 30 years

No one driving past on Broadmeadow Road can mistake the intention of the House of Hospitality. ‘Refugees are welcome’ proclaims one handpainted poster; other posters have appeared over time to bear witness when social or community crises rear their heads.

A ministry of the Sisters of St Joseph at Lochinvar, the House of Hospitality has a philosophy of empowerment - encouraging residents to further their studies, seek employment or engage in volunteer work.

The House began in 1991 in response to the motto of the Sisters, attributed to J.T. Woods, “Never see a need without responding to it.”

Sister Carmel Hanson, who along with her faith community, founded the house, lives on-site. During the 1990s, Sr Carmel worked with the

At left: Sr Carmel Hanson outside the House of Hospitality at Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow

St

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of St Laurence

Broadmeadow in October 2011.

2-4pm,

more

women

attend

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welcome

10 November at chansonrsj@gmail.com

Home-Start on the road with grant

Connecting with vulnerable families just got easier for HomeStart Family Services, who recently received a grant to purchase a dedicated vehicle.

A $20,000 Community Building Partnership grant from State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp helped the New Lambton-based charity buy a Toyota Corolla for their home visiting service.

The vehicle will be used by HomeStart staff and volunteers to drive to clients’ homes, and transport

parents and small children to essential appointments and family activities.

Home-Start works with parents and guardians who need assistance during the early years of their children’s lives.

Workers and volunteers have had to rely on using their own vehicles to provide the in-home service, which was becoming an increasing burden to them.

Mr Crakanthorp said that he was pleased he could support HomeStart.

“Home-Start makes a big difference in the lives of their clients, and this is the least I can do to assist them.”

Home-Start expressed its gratitude for the financial support.

“This vehicle will not only provide families with transport appointments it will also provide added contact to socially isolated families, those with no support and families experiencing a multitude of difficulties.” Michelle McDonell, CEO of Home-Start Australia, told The Local.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp presents CEO of Home-Start Australia Michelle McDonell with the $20,000 Community Building Partnership grant that provided a new vehicle for the volunteer program

We Lambton Pool

Continued from front page

Anna has lodged three written enquiries to City of Newcastle regarding the state of Lambton Pool in recent months, and to date, has had no response.

She is far from alone in voicing concerns about the swimming centre’s future. At a recent Lambton Residents Group meeting a number of maintenance and repair issues were raised.

“Yes, there was a like for like replacement of the waterslide a few months back. But at the same time the grandstand is fenced off, apparently due to concrete cancer. It seems unlikely that it will be useable at any time this season. How can the many school swimming carnivals that would normally happen each summer go

ahead? Is that business now lost to Lambton Pool and its operators?

What is Council’s plan for our pool?” Angela Smith, chairperson of Lambton Residents Group, asked.

The pool complex is owned and maintained by City of Newcastle. Since 2014 it has been managed, along with Mayfield, Wallsend and Stockton pools, by a private firm, BlueFit Aquatics.

As the 60th anniversary of the opening of Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre, to give its full name, approaches in January, the community has called on City of Newcastle to urgently answer their concerns about its future.

“Whether you’re a regular swimmer, a member of a club

that uses the pool or someone that hasn’t been there for years but has fond memories of days in the sun, please join our Facebook group and share your memories of summers past and your ideas for how to improve the facilities.” Anna said. The diving, swimming, water polo and other clubs and groups that use Lambton Pool regularly have been approached to support ‘We Love Lambton Pool’.

“I look forward to an alliance of pool users, working in co-operation with City of Newcastle, to ensure Lambton Pool has a strong future” Anna said.

To add your support to this community-wide initiative search ‘We Love Lambton Pool’ on Facebook.

Henry Royce

Art Bazaar at Lambton Park

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

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.

SUN 27 NOVEMBER

Lambton Park has hosted Art Bazaar annually since 2015

Win tickets to NTC production

The next production from Newcastle Theatre Company is The Watsons

Kathryn Attwood’s 2017 play is based on Jane Austen’s unfinished 1803 novel of the same name. The play offers surprises and delights both for those new to Jane Austen and those familiar with her work. There’s some unexpectedly modern twists in this story of a Regency girl looking for love.

The Watsons opens on Friday 11 November with performances each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm. There will also be Sunday matinees at 2pm on 13 and 20 November.

The Local has a double pass to The Watsons to giveaway. To be in the running for the double pass text the word ‘Watsons’, your name, suburb and preferred performance date to 0455 210 000 by Wednesday 9 November.

Winner will be advised by phone and their name published in the December issue of The Local.

Luke Aspinall

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 14 October to confirm your address and choose 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 18 November and redeemed at your chosen retailer no later than 31 December.

Congratulations to the residents of 27 March St New Lambton and 48 Seventh St North Lambton who each claimed a prize last month by correctly identifying their letterboxes.

The Local Quiz

Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Geoffrey Hodgson of New Lambton. Geoffrey has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy.

Last month’s mystery photo was taken on the shared pathway at Lambton Park near Howe Street. (We think it’s some sort of foot/cycle traffic counter). 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:

How old will Lambton Pool be in January?

Question 2: What office does Margaret Beazley hold?

Question 3:

Whose unfinished novel of the same name is the play The Watsons based on?

Question 4: What strret address is Piggott’s Pharmacy Lambton?

Question 5: Where would you find the little library picture 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 Monday 14 November 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

Environmental works underway at former Shortland landfill site

City of Newcastle (CN) has kicked off significant environmental works at a former landfill site that took waste from across the Hunter for more than 20 years.

of the Astra Street site at Shortland, which operated from 1974 to 1995, will cost CN $18.6 million.

will protect the Hunter Wetlands by remediating and improving environmental management.

project will include capping and reprofiling, drainage improvements to manage surface water and sediment runoff and revegetation and landscaping, with the works expected to be completed by mid-2024.

Newcastle councillors recently visited the 37-hectare site to inspect the early works and discuss the project’s long-term benefits, including the protection and maintenance of the local environment, safeguarding the water quality of surrounding wetlands and aquatic ecosystems, and increasing biodiversity values to promote long-term native vegetation growth.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Joanne Rigby said CN is committed to ensuring sites like Astra Street, are managed with the environment front-of-mind.

“We’ve been working alongside

the Environment Protection Authority on a landfill closure plan for the Astra Street site to ensure it adheres to environmental standards,” Ms Rigby said.

“This project is an important priority for protecting the longterm health of the nearby Ramsarlisted Hunter Wetlands and surrounding waterways and shows our commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our current and former waste management operations.”

The existing 20-year-old capping and drainage will be improved through the delivery of new clay capping in accordance with environmental requirements.

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.

Christmas is coming! The HBA is embracing Christmas this year being the first postCOVID Christmas for some time. We have lots of wonderful things planned including a Santa’s Cave, Santa Photos,

days of giveaways, James St Plaza kids activities, carols, twilight markets, free coffee vouchers and more. All this will be happening between Tuesday November 29 and Saturday December 10. Follow our Facebook and Instagram to enter for the giveaways and to keep up to date on what is happening. Our Christmas Schedule will be published in the December issue of The Local ! That’s all for now… Love Local Love Hamilton

PAWS CAVE

9th

10th

Piggott’s Pharmacy Lambton has moved a short way, only 30 metres to the east, but we are still in Elder Street. This will give us more space and also the ability to provide Lambton with the excellence of health care that we strive for in our profession.

The new shop has medicine and dispensing as its prime focus. We have the space for individual consulting and vaccination that have become a marked change in our profession of Community Pharmacy.

You will also notice on the left hand side as you enter that we have a separate Compounding room where individual medicines are crafted much

like the old Chemists

Lambton in yesteryear. However, the equipment to make individual

like Capsules, Trochees, Creams, Ointments and Suppositories are high-tech and yet still requiring the pharmacist to formulate and ensure your safety.

The history of Chemists, Druggists and Pharmacists

has a wonderful history that many of you will remember.

Street has records going back to 1875 with Thomas Hammond Smith, then 1880 Mrs Pizer as well as George Adamson’s Patent Medical Depot in Dickson St., as well as Mrs Lewis in Lambton.

PHARMACY HAS MOVED…

In the 1960’s Eric Dalgleish practised in 117 Elder St., for 23 years and was followed on by Howard Musgrove until 1998 and then Ian Gillard commenced as one of the newer Bachelor of Pharmacy graduates from Sydney University. Ian sold to Daniel Kebreti who then sold to the Piggotts (Father & son, Chris and Anthony) and including two of Newcastle University’s first Masters of Pharmacy being, Brett and Courtney Plumb.

If we look at the corner of Morehead & Elder Sts we may remember that there was a prominent Pharmacy there from 1926-29 it was David Ambrose Flannery and then quite a well-known James McKay Borthwick from 1929 to 1968.

Jim established Vaness Laboritories and manufactured many medicines from Borthwick’s Corn Cure to Borthwick’s Blackcurrant Balsam. Jim sold to William ‘Bill’ Hill (1968-80) and then Monty M. McLachlan (1980-83) and John Turnbull (198395) and finally to Cecilia Bjorksten when the shop finally closed in 2000.

Entrepreneurial Jim Borthwick also opened Chemist Shops in Adamstown and Blackbutt, New Lambton. Jim sold to young Chris & Shirley Piggott in 1970 at Blackbutt, who have now returned to Elder St., Lambton. You may be interested to know that Chris & Shirley came back to Newcastle with Bachelor Degrees from Sydney University and that Chris was an instigator with others to bring teaching of Pharmacy to Newcastle Uni.

With all the wonderful mining history that belongs to Lambton it is interesting to see the other vocations that worked to make Lambton such a core of the growth of the City of Newcastle. Our history depends and develops through the people

HUNTLEE

Shop 1, Huntlee

and their involvement. I wonder how many of those Chemists do you remember?

Well, we offer a warm welcome to everyone to enter the new Pharmacy at 105 Elder Street and look around. Ask the friendly staff to show you some of the new and unique parts of the business because this is YOUR CHEMIST SHOP and we are proud to be part of this wonderful old but unique part of ‘OUR TOWN’.

We would be happy to encourage all young people to consider studying Pharmacy. It is a rewarding profession that carries so much respect in the community. Equally rewarding for men and women and they can work in so many branches of science and they can work part-time or full-time. Talk to your pharmacist about a career in Pharmacy.

Bottling Borthwick’s

Lambton

Currant Balsam

THAT WAS THEN This is now with Lachlan Wetherall

Adamstown Fire and Police Station

The building featured in this month’s article was constructed in 1922 as Adamstown’s upgraded fire station. Although 100 years old now, it was used as a fire station for less than a quarter of that time.

In 1891 Adamstown’s first fire station was erected at 67 Narara Rd near the public school. A simple wood and corrugated iron shed, with a tall lookout and bell tower alongside, it served the needs of the local firefighters for the next 30 years. But when NSW fire brigades began introducing motorised fire engines a larger station was needed. Adamstown Council considered several alternate locations for a new station but found none better than the current site.

So, in 1922 the existing wooden building was picked up and moved to the adjacent block of land to allow for the erection of a larger brick fire station in its place. The new building was officially opened on 17 November 1922. In October 1925 Adamstown brigade received their first motorised fire engine, a Garford-Hale type 15 pumper, assembled at the Fire Brigade workshops in Sydney.

The station closed in July 1946, as part of the fire service’s transition to having fewer and bigger stations. Within months of the closure the Education Department stated their intention to use the site to extend the playground of the nearby public school. The land was officially gazetted for education use in April 1950, but if it was ever used by the school is unclear. We do know that in 1951 Newcastle Council was leasing the building, to store crates of library books as they waited for the construction of the public library in Laman Street, Newcastle.

In 1970 the use of the site changed yet again, when the land was reserved for police purposes. Adamstown Police Station operated there until the mid-1990s when the station closed, and the property sold off. The building is now a private residence, albeit one with a very unusual past.

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

Above: Adamstown Fire Station and the Garford-Hale motor fire engine acquired in 1925. Photo courtesy of Museum of Fire (museumoffire.net)

At left: Adamstown Police Station 1974. Newcastle Library, Hunter Photobank.

Qs backs Movember

Qs Books on Beaumont Street at Hamilton have been supporting Movember in aid of men’s mental and physical health for 10 years now. And 2022 will be no different.

“Over the years we’ve raised more than $10,100 for Movember. It’s good fun and our customers are so generous in their support of this great cause.” Sandra Maloy, owner of Qs Books told The Local

“This year we are selling some beautiful handmade material bookmarks with a donation of $5 or more.” Sandra said.

Qs Books are taking cash donations for Movember in-store or you can support the team’s fundraising online by searching Qs Books Hamilton at au.movember.com/

Sandra Maloy, owner of Qs Books, hopes to raise $1500 for Movember this year

Out of step

I am often asked about outdated laws or government decisions. Sometimes, laws or government decisions just seem so out of step with modern life, that you might wonder what is going on.

Why and how does this happen?

Well, the answer is that there are so many government decisions and laws made every year that it would be a lot of work to go back and review every single one of them. Government relies on us – individuals, businesses, associations, charities, interest groups –to tell it when something doesn’t work and work with it to change things for the better.

Government does, from time to time, review its own laws to update them. I have been involved in two major Federal government projects to review and update old laws.

The first was the Tax Law Improvement Project (TLIP), affectionately called “tulip”. The goal was to rewrite and modernise the 1936 tax law. However, part-way through the project, new government initiatives, including the GST and business tax review, took precedence and the project was never completed. As a result, Australia now has two main income tax laws – the 1936 Act and the 1997 Act.

The second was identifying inoperative provisions of the tax acts. Essentially, we looked for tax law that was no longer current. This review repealed more than 4,100 pages of Australia’s tax laws.

Poring over tax legislation might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but you may notice things that don’t work in law that impacts you.

Usually, government relies on us to tell it when something doesn’t work and help it improve those

laws or decisions. That is your invitation to go to government with your ideas. When approaching government, always remember to write in easy-tounderstand English and include three key things:

1. what doesn’t work;

2. why it doesn’t work and how that is detrimental to the community; and

3. how it should be changed, to benefit the community. There are many examples of laws and government decisions that have not been updated and were created in different times and no longer suit our modern world. For example, I worked with companies that were required to send paper letters to clients. In today’s world, most clients don’t want paper letters – they think they are getting a bill or a fine! So, we had the law changed to permit electronic communications. Sometimes, government requirements can make environmentally friendly initiatives difficult to implement or make innovative projects unnecessarily complex. It is in everyone’s interest to update these government requirements, so let’s work with government in collaboration to help ensure that laws encourage innovative solutions to modern issues.

LAW Matters

by Karina Hanson Senior Lawyer at Newcastle Legal & Conveyancing

Considering separation?

What is your share?

If you are considering separating from your partner or spouse you will be wondering what the property settlement might look like. Having that information is vital to planning your future.

Newcastle Legal & Conveyancing has a new electronic tool available on its website that provides you with a personally tailored roadmap of what your property settlement might look like by answering a few easy questions.

Experienced family lawyers are generally able to estimate within about 5% of what a Court would likely find to be a “just and equitable” settlement if the matter proceeded to a trial. It is critical to have this information because if a settlement can be agreed between the parties, the legal costs of separation will be minimised.

A Court will take into account four primary factors in making its determination. First, it will require full disclosure of all assets and liabilities to establish what the asset pool actually is.

Second, it will consider the financial contributions of the parties to the asset pool. The length of the relationship matters. For example, if a relationship has been shorter than five years and there are no children or other special considerations, a Court will lean towards the parties being placed in the position they were in when they entered into the relationship. If it is a long-term relationship of more than 12 years and there are children, a Court will discount the importance of contributions of the parties at the time the relationship commenced.

Third, a Court will consider non-financial contributions of each party. Fourth, any special circumstances (such as health issues and anticipated future earnings) will be considered along with whether the proposed split is “fair and equitable” overall.

Use our online roadmap tool to determine what you can expect.

PHYSIO Matters

with Ben Hutton of Brightside Physio

Thank you

To be honest, I was a bit emotional. I’d managed to wedge my thumb in the small gap between the front door and its frame ten minutes earlier and discovered that my high school French was still fluent. My wife had also helpfully pointed out that yesterday, another car had added a lovely white stripe down the side of our dark grey car and added to this - I’d just watched one of those videos where a serviceman comes back from a tour of duty and hugs his kids. I had lots of feelings.

Then, I realised that today was also the day we, Brightside Physio, had achieved 12 months at ournew location of 90 Elder Street, Lambton.

It hit me all at once. The throbbing thumb, the panel beater, the tears of joy from those serviceman kids and how much it’s been a joy and a pleasure to be part of the Lambton community. So, this is a short message to say ‘Thank you Lambton!’. We are very grateful for how warmly we’ve been accepted and supported. We are thankful for your many referrals and spreading the word. And we feel very lucky to be in the gaggle of businesses centered around Elder Street.

Some numbers to celebrate:

- We’ve just ticked over 3000 appointments for this calendar year

- We are now a team of six including three physios, one remedial massage and two patient services)

- 450 new patients helped

- five million laps of Lambton Park with my dog, Jasper

- one happy business Dad (me)

Please come in and say ‘Hi’, even if you’re not needing physio or massage - we’d love to meet you! Bring a funny cat video or a photo of a car, especially if the description matches the one that ‘painted’ ours. Just so we can thank them.

Ben & the team, Jess, Kristen, Emma, Helen & Jodie www.brightsidephysio.com.au

PHARMACY Matters

• a family history of gout

• drinking too much alcohol, particularly beer

• being overweight or overeating

• joint injury or surgery

• some medical conditions (e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease)

• some medicines (e.g. fluid tablets, cancer chemotherapy)

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

Gout

Gout is a common and very painful type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid crystals form in and around a joint. It mainly affects men over 40 years of age. Gout can usually be well controlled with medicines and changes to diet.

Uric acid (urate) is one of the body’s waste products. If uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, it can settle in and around joints as crystals. Uric acid crystals can irritate the joint, causing inflammation (swelling) and pain.

People who get gout usually have a high level of uric acid in their blood. Gout usually begins in one joint, most often the big toe joint, but it may spread to more joints. It can affect foot, ankle, knee, hand, wrist and elbow joints.

Signs and symptoms

A gout attack usually comes on suddenly, often overnight. Common symptoms are:

• joint inflammation, with swelling, redness and heat

• a very tender and painful joint, which is sensitive to touch. Sometimes even the weight of a bed sheet can cause severe pain.

If a fever is also present, it is important to get medical advice as soon as possible.

Without treatment, a gout attack usually lasts about one week. After the first gout attack, more attacks are likely to occur.

The time between gout attacks can be days, weeks, months or years. If gout is not managed correctly, the time between attacks may get shorter, attacks may last longer and more joints may be affected. Repeated gout attacks can permanently damage joints, and may also lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Risk factors

Some people are more likely to get gout than others. Factors that may play a role in causing gout include:

• crash dieting or fasting

• not drinking enough fluids

• eating foods that increase uric acid in the blood.

Foods linked to gout

Foods high in purines may increase uric acid levels in blood. Some of these foods have been linked to gout attacks. They include:

• meat, especially red meat and offal (e.g. liver, kidneys, heart)

• seafood, especially shellfish, scallops, mussels, sardines, herrings, mackerel, anchovies

•foods containing yeast (e.g. beer, Vegemite).

Medicines

There are two types of gout medicine – ‘gout reliever’ medicines to relieve attacks and ‘gout preventer’ medicines to prevent attacks.

Self care

A gout attack can often be self-managed. To help reduce pain caused by an attack:

• start a ‘gout reliever’ medicine at the first sign of a gout attack. Ask a doctor or your Piggott’s Pharmacist for advice.

• hold an ice pack against the inflamed joint to ease pain until medicines start to work. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes, then remove and allow the joint to return to normal temperature before applying again.

• protect and rest the inflamed joint. Keep the joint raised whenever possible, to reduce swelling. It is possible to prevent or reduce attacks through changes to diet and lifestyle. Here are some tips:

• Limit alcohol to no more than two standard drinks per day.

• Drink enough water every day to satisfy your thirst and to keep your urine ‘light-coloured’ (unless a doctor advises you not to).

• Have a healthy diet. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, wholegrain/ wholemeal foods, protein-rich foods (e.g. nuts, lean meats, fish, eggs, beans) and low-fat dairy foods every day. Limit foods high in fat, sugar or salt.

• Limit or avoid foods that trigger your gout.

• Keep to a healthy weight.

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

COMMUNITY GROUPS

HUNTER ANIMAL WATCH

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

NEWCASTLE MEN’S SHED

Newcastle Men’s Shed is now open at 99 Beaumont Street Hamilton, next door to Westpac. The shop front is open weekdays 9am to 2pm. New members are welcome. For more information phone 0498 365 207 or email newcastleshed@gmail.com

LAMBTON RESIDENTS GROUP

All residents of Lambton area are welcome to come along to our monthly meeting. You too can be a part of some exciting and worthwhile initiatives and projects for the local area. The group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Club Lambton, Karoola Rd. No RSVP needed. For more information email: lambtonresidents@ gmail.com or call Angela on 0422 633 737.

HUNTER PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS AND SUPPORT GROUP

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

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

HUNTER WOMEN OF NOTE CHORUS

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

HUNTER DISTRICT BROMELIAD SOCIETY

Are you interested in bromeliads or tillandsias (air plants)? Do you want the opportunity to buy your plants cheap, directly from the growers? Then come along to the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens at Heatherbrae 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. Sale of plants commences at 12.30 and meetings commence at 1.30. Come & get tips and advice direct from the experts in your local area. Find us on Facebook and send enquiries to hdbssecretary@gmail.com

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 Community Group Notices

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

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

SENIORS GROUPS

PILATES FOR SENIORS

Improve your balance, your core strength and your mobility with pilates. A weekly chair-based Pilates class for Seniors is held at the Jesmond Park Uniting Church Hall at 15 Robert Street Jesmond at 11am on Thursdays. The class is approved by NSW Health as a Falls Prevention Program. Cost per class $12. For more information contact Jen Shaddock at STABLE Pilates on 0432 655 013 or visit www.chairpilates.com.au

LAMBTON SENIORS GROUP

Interested in playing cards? Canasta is a great social game and is played every Thursday from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm at 18 Morehead St, Lambton. 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 5052.

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.

WARATAH COMBINED PROBUS CLUB

This is an invitation to join Waratah Combined Probus Club, where fun, friendship and fellowship are important. For further information please phone Robert Budden president on 4967 2290

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

BEL AIR VIEW CLUB

Bel Air View Club meets on the third Monday of each month at South Leagues Club 46 Llewellyn St Merewether at 10.30 am. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to join us for friendship and interesting guest speakers and to help support The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program which assists young Australians experiencing disadvantage to create a better future for themselves through education. For further information please phone Gillian on 49635655 or email gillian.cranston@bigpond.com

NEWCASTLE LADIES PROBUS

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

GOLF CLUBS

Ladies golf clubs, 4 woods, 9 irons, putter, bag, extras, near new, hardly used $120. Second set of ladies clubs $50 Ph 4952 8042

MOTORBIKE

Yamaha Virgo XV250cc in excellent condition, new Pirelli tyre, carby rectifier battery, civic carryall, leather saddles qualifies as learner bike, historic bike. Rego YDL84 $4600 ono. Call or text Ph 0408 441 837

RADIO SPEAKER

Sound Barrow, VR-X 300 mil - 5 inches Ph 0418 459 293

NOTICES

ENCYCLOPAEDIA

Two sets of encyclopaedias ‘Our Wonderful World’- 20 volumes. Encyclopaedia International - 20 volumes. Free Ph 4952 5262

CURTAIN Cream, pinch-pleated, blockout curtain, 230cm (w) x 210cm (h), complete with rod and fittings, needs dry cleaning. Plus matching Roman Blind 90cm (w) x 200cm (h) Ph 4956 3579

GARAGE SALE

SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER

New and old, everything to go, gifts for Christmas, name your price, 9am to 3pm at 10 Mirage Close, Raymond Terrace.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

NOTICES

DECLUTTERING

Do you need help with decluttering, cleaning, organising, getting your house ready for sale, or just feeling fresh for Spring?

Call Jennifer $30 per hour. Ph 0415 389 811

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TRIP

Sunday 4 December, Flemington Markets and Sydney warehouses. Tickets $35 per person. Ph 4952 8590

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

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

tonia.weaver@optusnet. com.au or text to 0434 073 033

VAN FOR HIRE

Cheap rates from $25 including driver. Furniture removal/ delivery. Cleanups or any other purpose. Available 7 days a week. Free quotes Turtle Couriers Ph 0473 425 472