Who will be lord mayor?
Whilst there are six candidates vying for the position, most people would agree that the election of a lord mayor for Newcastle on Saturday 14 September will come down to one of two candidates.
Will Labor’s Nuatali Nelmes, incumbent Lord Mayor, first elected in 2014, be returned, thus making her the longest serving lord mayor in Newcastle’s history?
Or will independent Dr Ross Kerridge, Senior Staff Specialist Anaesthetist at John Hunter Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle, prevail? See candidate profiles inside
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION
Independent Ross Kerridge
Labor’s Nuatali Nelmes
All editorial, advertising and distribution enquiries to Mark Brooker by email: mark@ hunterlocal.com.au or ph 0455 210 000
Mail: PO Box 130 Jesmond, 2299
Founder & publisher: Mark Brooker
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...
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 In contributing news items the contributor accepts that such information may or may not be published in print and/or online using websites and social media channels at the sole discretion of the publisher.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 and is 100% recyclable. Please recycle it, but only after you’ve read it! ABN 48 260 331 896
LOCAL Matters
with Mark Brooker Publisher of The Local
Voting is good for you
I wasn’t sure which way I wanted to go with this column this month. Should I go into Mark B for Ward 3 campaign mode or write something general about this month’s election?
I’ve gone with the latter and will spare you the election spiel here. (If however that’s what you came here for please immediately turn to the centrespread, pages 20 & 21, where you will find my preference advice for both the lord mayoral and the Ward 3 councillor ballots).
Now to the more general observations.
At the last Local Government elections, in December 2021, around 83% of enrolled voters showed up. In other words 17% of those enrolled failed to do so.
That percentage is fairly constant whether you look at the figures from a NSW wide, a Newcastle wide or a Ward 3 focus.
With the NSW Electoral Commission issuing a $55 apparent failure to vote notice to each and every person on the electoral roll who didn’t show up, that’s more than $280,000 in fines in Ward 3 alone. Across the Newcastle LGA it’s more like $1.16 million. And statewide it’s a staggering $43 million!
Most of these people would, I think, plead ignorance. “Nobody told me there was an election on.” Unfortunately that generally won’t wash with the Electoral Commission, and the fine stands. Spread the word folks. Tell your neighbours, friends and family that there’s an election on Saturday 14 September. Prepoll voting is available from Saturday 7 to Friday 13 September. Full details at: elections.nsw.gov.au/
Where’s Ward 3?
Newcastle Local Goverment area is broken into four areas known as wards. Readers of The Local, those who receive it in their letterbox at least, are residents of Ward 3.
The suburbs in Ward 3 include Birmingham Gardens, Broadmeadow (part), Callaghan,
Above: a map showing the outline of Ward 3, Newcastle, map data: 2019 Redistribution of Local Government Areas for LG2001, D2019-12-09 © Google
Elermore Vale (part), Georgetown, Jesmond, Hamilton North, Kotara (part), Lambton, New Lambton, New Lambton Heights, North Lambton, Rankin Park (part), Wallsend (part), Waratah and Waratah West.
If you live near the boundaries shown above it might pay to
check which Ward your address falls into. Go to https://newcastle. nsw.gov.au/council/aboutcouncil/ward-maps to check your address.
See following pages for prepoll and polling day booth information and candidate profiles.
What does a lord mayor do anyway?
It’s common for voters to ask this question. Below is an extract from section 226 of the Local Government Act NSW which details the role of mayor
(a) to be the leader of the council and a leader in the local community,
(b) to advance community cohesion and promote civic awareness,
(c) to be the principal member and spokesperson of the governing body, including representing the views of the council as to its local priorities,
(d) to exercise, in cases of necessity, the policy-making functions of the governing body of the council between meetings of the council,
(e) to preside at meetings of the council,
(f) to ensure that meetings of the council are conducted efficiently, effectively and in accordance with this Act,
(g) to ensure the timely development and adoption of the strategic plans, programs and policies of the council,
(h) to promote the effective and consistent implementation of the strategic plans, programs and policies of the council,
(i) to promote partnerships between the council and key stakeholders,
(j) to advise, consult with and provide strategic direction to the general manager in relation to the implementation of the strategic plans and policies of the council,
(k) in conjunction with the general manager, to ensure
adequate opportunities and mechanisms for engagement between the council and the local community,
(l) to carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the mayoral office,
(m) to represent the council on regional organisations and at inter-governmental forums at regional, State and Commonwealth level,
(n) in consultation with the councillors, to lead performance appraisals of the general manager,
(o) to exercise any other functions of the council that the council determines.
The role of a councillor is as follows:
(a) to be an active and contributing member of the governing body,
(b) to make considered and well informed decisions as a member of the governing body,
(c) to participate in the development of the integrated planning and reporting framework,
(d) to represent the collective interests of residents, ratepayers and the local community,
(e) to facilitate communication between the local community and the governing body,
(f) to uphold and represent accurately the policies and decisions of the governing body,
(g) to make all reasonable efforts to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to perform the role of a councillor.
A councillor is accountable to the local community for the performance of the council.
Who’s who in Ward 3 election?
ELECTION OF THREE WARD 3 COUNCILLORS
Four groups of candidates have nominated for the election of three councillors to represent Newcastle’s Ward 3.
The Local invited the lead candidate from each group to tell readers something about themselves and their vision for the local community and the City of Newcastle if elected. Their photos and responses appear in alphabetical order at right and on the pages that follow.
Polling Day is from 8am to 6pm on Saturday 14 September. Prepoll voting is available from Saturday 7 September.
See www.elections.nsw.gov. au for further information.
Failure to vote in the 2024 Local Government election may result in a fine being issued by the NSW Electoral Commission.
Brooker is an independent
for
Nuatali Nelmes is the Labor Party candidate for councillor in ward 3. Nuatali lives in Merewether.
Sinead
Katrina Wark is an independent candidate for councillor in ward 3. Katrina lives in Elermore Vale.
PRE-POLL INFORMATION
Pre-poll voting will be available on Saturday 7 September then daily from Monday 9 to Friday 13 September.
There are 8 pre-poll venues for this election.
• New Lambton Uniting Church at 48 Regent Street
New Lambton
• Adamstown Senior Citizen Centre, 153A Brunker Road Adamstown
• Wallsend Library 30 Bunn Street Wallsend
• Mayfield Presbyterian Church Hall 33A Hanbury Street Mayfield
• Newcastle City Hall 290
King Street Newcastle
• St Augustine’s Anglican Church 37 Winsor Street Merewether
• Fletcher Community Centre 55 Kurraka Drive Fletcher
• Newcastle Returning Officer’s Office 1/21 Railway Street Wickham.
Mark
candidate
councillor in ward 3. Mark lives in Lambton.
Francis-Coan is The Greens candidate for councillor in ward 3. Sinead lives in Mayfield.
Ward 3 candidates profiles...
Mark Brooker
Independent
You may know me as the founder and publisher of The Local, which you’re reading right now. I have lived in Newcastle and the Hunter for close to 40 years, and in Ward 3, Lambton in particular, for the last 17 years.
When I’m not getting The Local to the printers and into your letterbox I am a disability support worker with a local not-for-profit community services provider.
I love my two jobs. They are very different roles but they have both grown within me a strong sense of identity and community.
Before starting The Local in 2014 I had worked for more than 20 years in sales and general management for some of Australia’s largest newspaper publishing companies.
I firmly believe that our community’s interests are served best by local people representing local people, without the big political parties.
That’s why I’ve joined Dr Ross Kerridge and the Our Newcastle team to stand for election.
Our city, led by Dr Kerridge as lord mayor, will have a council it can be proud of. A council that listens to its residents and puts the community at the forefront of all that it does.
To find out more about me, Ross Kerridge and the Our Newcastle team see www.ournewcastle.info where our policies are outlined.
As your Ward 3 councillor I will play my part in returning respect and integrity to our council. We’ve had enough of the mud slinging, the name calling, the sham investigations and the cover ups.
I do not view the position of councillor as a stepping stone into state or federal politics. To serve my local community of Ward 3 is a worthy end in itself. Can other candidates say the same?
Sinead Francis-Coan
The Greens
Sinead is a proud Novocastrian, a post-graduate in leisure and tourism studies and a lover of performing and creative arts. She believes both are powerful and transformative elements of our society.
Sinead works as a union organiser, is a branch
secretary for the United Service Union and a member of the Hunter Workers Women’s Committee. Sinead campaigns for the environment, workers, women, refugees, First Nations rights, housing, live performance, youth, community and justice.
Sinead’s personal experience of rental stress in 2021 has resulted in an increased concern and awareness of the current housing crisis.
Sinead spearheaded a number of high profile local public campaigns including the campaign to save the Tower Cinemas.
Sinead is a published freelance writer and currently training to become an accredited mediator. Having grown up in Jesmond, Sinead knows that Newcastle is far more than just what our CBD has to offer.
Sinead would like to see better community consultation, greater transparency on council and address local issues like an extended season at Lambton Pool. Sinead’s academic research examined conflict over land use in the Upper Hunter Valley which required her to engage with a range of stakeholders to understand their perspectives
Sinead has represented Newcastle Greens as candidate for Wallsend in 2019 and candidate for Ward 3 in 2021.
Nuatali Nelmes
Labor Party
I served as a Ward 3 councillor prior to becoming lord mayor and remain deeply connected to the area. I work closely with the current ward 3 Councillors Peta Winney-Baartz and Margaret Wood.
Peta Winney-Baartz is a proud mum of four, and is well known in the New Lambton community, working as an educator. Peta is chair of council’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, helping support investment in local sporting grounds.
Margaret Wood is a retired solicitor from New Lambton and a strong advocate for people with disabilities. Margaret is co-chair of council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, helping found the Count Us In inclusion festival.
The Newcastle Labor team has delivered significant upgrades to local infrastructure like
our roads, footpaths, and drainage, including the Blackbutt Village upgrade and the soon to start Georgetown local centre upgrade.
Together we have delivered new playgrounds in Waratah, Georgetown, Hamilton North, New Lambton and at Blackbutt Reserve, as well as the North Lambton Dog Park.
Working with local sporting clubs, we have secured significant upgrades to our sporting facilities, including the current Smith Park Hamilton North drainage improvements, and improvements at Lambton Pool. Protecting and securing Novocastrian Park and Lewis Oval from ongoing vandalism has been a proud achievement, with Peta leading the advocacy at Council for this to occur.
Katrina Wark Independent
Cr Katrina Wark is Newcastle’s incumbent Liberal Councillor for Ward 3. She is standing again for a second term as an unaffiliated candidate on a platform of fighting for our community during this cost-of-living crisis through advocating for lower rates and a back-to-basics and caring approach for the city.
Born and raised in Newcastle, and having proudly raised her family in our community, Katrina believes in giving back. Having cared for Novocastrians as a registered nurse in our local hospitals as well as being involved in numerous charitable causes for decades, she’s been a strong voice in standing up for our forgotten western suburbs and their residents.
During the last term of Council, Katrina has been the only Ward 3 councillor to actively support our communities’ efforts to rebuild Lambton Pool as well as being the sole Ward 3 councillor to continuously oppose any development on Wallarah and Blackley Ovals at New Lambton. Katrina’s additional priorities for the next term of council are the fast-tracking of town centre upgrades at Waratah and Georgetown. Coupled with this is prioritising footpath upgrades to give our kids and parents a safe environment to walk to the adjacent schools: Waratah and Waratah West Public, St Philips College, Callaghan College, Newcastle Senior School, Corpus Christi Primary and Birmingham Gardens.
For a more respectful, transparent and community focused council: Vote 1, Katrina Wark on September 14.
ELECTION DAY
POLLING PLACES
SATURDAY 14
SEPTEMBER
There are 22 locations where a Ward 3 voter can cast their vote.
Polling place locations within Ward 3 are:
• All Saints Parish House New Lambton Cromwell Street, New Lambton
• Callaghan College Senior Campus Janet Street, Jesmond
• Hamilton North Public School Jackson Street, Hamilton North
• Hunter Multicultural Communities 2a Platt Street, Waratah
• Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, 44 Mordue Parade, Jesmond
• Lambton High School, Young Road, Lambton
• Lambton Public School, 20 Croudace Street, Lambton
• New Lambton South Public School 45 St James Road, New Lambton
• St Therese’s Primary School, Royal Street, New Lambton
• Waratah Public School Lambton Road, Waratah
• Waratah West Public School, Leonora Parade, Waratah West
Other polling places outside the local area where you can cast your Ward 3 vote include Adamstown, Cardiff Heights, Elermore Vale, Hamilton, Islington, Mayfield, Shortland, Wallsend and Wickham.
For full details about polling places including polling hours, addresses and accessibility see elections.nsw.gov.au/ elections/find-my-electorate/councils/ newcastle/ward-3
Your lord mayoral candidates
Milton Caine is an independent candidate for lord mayor
Charlotte McCabe is The Greens candidate for lord mayor
Steve O’Brien is the Socialist Alliance candidate for lord mayor
Ross Kerridge is an independent candidate for lord mayor
Nuatali Nelmes is the Labor Party candidate for lord mayor
Callum Pull is Liberal Party candidate for lord mayor
MAYORAL ELECTION
Six candidates have nominated to become Newcastle’s next lord mayor at the Local Government elections.
The Local invited each candidate to tell The Local’s readers something about themselves and their vision for the City of Newcastle if elected lord mayor. Their photos are at right, and their responses appear on in alphabetical order on the pages following.
To cast a valid vote you simply place the number 1 in the box corresponding to your selection. If you choose to you can continue numbering the boxes from 2 through to 6 in your order of preference.
Election Day is Saturday 14 September.
Prepoll voting is available at a number of locations from Saturday 7 September until Friday 13 September (daily except Sunday 8).
See www.elections.nsw. gov.au/voters for further information.
Registered voters who do not vote in the 2024 Local Government election may receive an apparent failure to vote notice issued the NSW Electoral Commission.
This fine for not voting is $55.
Milton Caine
Independent
I am a wheelchair assessable taxi driver, married with four adult children with their developing families, most in the Newcastle/ Hunter Valley area.
The lord mayor should be a servant leader and not selfserving as we have so often seen. Western Australian born and raised in difficult financial circumstances saw me work for 20 cents per hour picking stones and sticks from ploughed paddocks to assist the family budget. After school I qualified as a panel-beater/mechanic and then theology in Sydney before working overseas for about 10 years.
I came to Newcastle in 1980. Political policy development is in my blood with a strong Christian moral and compassionate care for the vulnerable who are not on most agendas today. Pious platitudes cannot deliver affordable housing only real action can. I will seek a rent target of $265 PW: See https:// christiansforcommunity.com.au/ elections-2024-ncc/
The playgrounds and ovals for sport and not for developers.
Council responsibility is roads, footpaths, gardens, grass verges, pools and garbage; I will put this front and centre where it should be!
We need more carparking on and off street for the safety of our walker and wheelchair bound people to set down from their transport.
Adequate roads for new development like Minmi Road. The flooding problems at Wallsend and beach erosion at Stockton need urgent resolution. I will deliver honesty and integrity not forgetting vulnerable.
Ross Kerridge Independent
Dr Ross Kerridge is born and bred Newcastle.
He grew up here, he has worked as a doctor in the public health system here, he helps train young medical students at the University of Newcastle and now he wants to give back to the city he loves.
As a Senior Staff Specialist Anaesthetist at John Hunter Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle, Ross has dedicated his life to public health and community care. Now, he’s decided to stand for Lord Mayor of Newcastle to bring much needed change and integrity back to our city. Ross has dedicated his career to serving the community and treating everyone equally and with respect. He intends to bring these values to the council chambers and the community. He has recently resigned as a member of the Labor party to run as an independent. His commitment to Newcastle is unwavering.
We need more integrity in our council, we cannot tolerate any more scandals under the current leadership. Together, let’s build a brighter future for Newcastle.
Dr Kerridge’s 5 point vision for Newcastle is:
1. Effective leadership based on respect and unity
2. back to basics - infrastructure and essential services
3. Financial accountability and transparency
4. Effective planning, not planning for development
5. Bringing people together through community
For more policy detail see www. ournewcastle.info
Charlotte McCabe
The Greens
I’m running for Lord Mayor because I believe that local government has enormous potential to impact everyone’s lives in Newcastle. I’m committed to working with and for the community in order to address the big challenges we face with housing, climate change and the cost of living crisis.
As a Ward 2 Councillor since 2022, I’ve worked hard to represent my community as a strong local voice, and to ensure transparent, evidence based, decision making. I’ve been outspoken on moving Supercars out of the East End, for transitioning our region into a prosperous low carbon future, and against Newcastle Council profiting from weapons manufacturers through their ownership of the Newcastle Airport.
I’m a mother, an educator, a community organiser and a lifelong community campaigner, seeking to restore environmental and social justice for all.
As mayor, I will work to build trust in local government through ensuring an open, transparent, council. I will ensure the Broadmeadow redevelopment is handled with close community partnership to deliver affordable homes with the services and infrastructure required. I will prioritise supporting all residents and businesses in a pathway to electrification, in order to reduce our city wide emissions by 2040, and I will oversee a council that supports our most vulnerable community members, because we only succeed when we succeed together.
Nuatali Nelmes
Labor Party
Nuatali Nelmes has served our city as lord mayor since 2014.
Nuatali is only the second female lord mayor of Newcastle after Lord Mayor Joy Cummings AM, and she is the youngest lord mayor of Newcastle. Nuatali was raised and educated in Newcastle, is married with three children, and a pup named Ginger.
As lord mayor, Nuatali has delivered progressive financial sustainability while protecting local jobs and services, creating momentum for positive change through consistent hard work, stability and collaboration.
Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes has ensured that the City of Newcastle has: -Become the first council in NSW to use 100% renewable energy
-Delivered a 15,000 panel, 5MW city-owned solar farm, saving ratepayers money.
-Secured our city’s financial sustainability without cutting local jobs and services.
-Committed Newcastle as a Refugee Welcome City,
-Saved Blackbutt Reserve from attempted closure, and invested in new playgrounds and kiosk
-Created more apprenticeships and invested in fit for purpose facilities for our staff.
-Planted thousands of new street trees
-Secured funding for the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery -Refurbished historic library in Lambton.
-Delivered new footpaths in Jesmond, New Lambton, Waratah, and Waratah West.
But there’s more to do. As Lord Mayor, Nuatali will continue her work to ensure Newcastle remains a sustainable city.
Steve O’Brien
Socialist Alliance
Council should act on getting people into the 3,000 private dwellings which the census shows are vacant in our Council’s areas.
As Lord Mayor I would act to have these properties tenanted or paying higher rates.
Genuine consultation can ensure that the Council puts the community and not corporate interests first, and doesn’t pour concrete over the New Lambton ovals.
Communities that are heard can help reign in the vanity spending which blow budgets and lead to rate rises.
I will never vote for a rate rise on occupied homes and apartments.
I support offshore wind power generation to help ensure that good, unionised jobs are part of the transition from coal. Council’s support for a weapons factory at Williamtown Airport, however, is wasteful, links our community to the weaponry that fuels human rights abuses and genocide in places such as Gaza and contradicts the shift to renewables.
Council needs to accelerate planning for climate emergency, keep parklands and public spaces green and make entry to the swimming pools free.
I am a unionist and work at TAFE. I hold a PhD in health sociology and as an experienced middle level manager I understand governance and financial literacy.
Callum Pull
Liberal Party
Callum has served as a Liberal councillor for Ward Four since he was elected in 2021.
Callum understands the challenges and opportunities facing our city in the years ahead. Callum and the Newcastle Liberals have outlined a plan for lower rates, better roads, fresh leadership so we can build a better Newcastle.
Some of his key objectives are to: -Bring back Australia Day citizenship ceremonies and celebrations.
-Address parking issues, cut housing red tape and axe Labor’s gas ban through DCP reform.
-Deliver sporting facilities’ and town centre upgrades.
-Remove the 30 km/h zones in Darby Street and Honeysuckle.
-Axe Labor’s big new housing tax which will drive up house prices across the LGA.
-Halt the rollout of additional paid parking across the city and on our beaches.
Callum wants to ensure that our community is getting its fair share, and that ratepayers are seeing value for money. Callum Pull and the Newcastle Liberals will invest in critical infrastructure and roads to help tackle congestion, and ensure we are preparing for our city’s future growth.
The Newcastle Liberals will deliver lower rates in the next council. With soaring cost of living pressures, council can take an active role in the battle against inflation and deliver real cost of living relief.
The Newcastle Liberals offer fresh leadership. After a decade under Labor, the Newcastle Liberals offer the passion, experience and energy needed to steer our city in the years ahead.
Letters to September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know? 1 in 5 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men. It typically develops slowly and may not cause significant symptoms for many years.
The good news is, if we detect prostate cancer early, the five year survival rate is almost 100%. A simple PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test is first line defence in the early detection of pros-tate cancer. Without PSA testing for prostate cancer, you risk a late diagnosis.
Your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age. Around 70% of men diagnosed are aged over 65, but it is not just an “old man’s” disease. More than 7,000 men under the age of 65 are diagnosed with the disease in Australia every year. Whilst there is no population based screening for prostate cancer, it is recommended that once men reach 50 years of age they talk to their GP about getting a simple blood test to check their PSA level. A higher than normal reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, but it can indicate
that further investigation is required. Those with a family history should have this con-versation when they reach 40 years old. Knowing your family history is important because if it includes prostate cancer, your risk of diagnosis doubles.
As with many other diseases positive lifestyle choices can make a huge difference. Most of us know that a healthy diet which includes fruits and vegetables and daily physical activity is good for us. We also know that smoking can cause significant health issues. However, we often forget the im-portance of good sleep habits, good friends and social support, and starting something new. In fact, it’s OK to enjoy all or most things in moderation.
If you want to know more, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) website pcfa.org. au. provides reliable evidence based information. Additionally, whether you’re a patient, a family member, or would simply like more information about prostate cancer, the Prostate Cancer Specialist Telenursing Service is available on 1800 22 00 99. Ringing this number you will be put in contact with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse who will provide you with information and resources about all aspects of prostate cancer.
Locally, the second Tuesday of every month, the Hunter Prostate Cancer Support and Awareness Group meet at 2pm at the Diggers, Wallsend. The contact for this group is Rob Jansen 0458 960 300. Finally, Newcastle offers the support and expertise of two Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses at Calvary Mater Newcastle (Nancy: 4014 4652 or Janine: 4014 4656). Please call them if you wish to talk to someone local about prostate cancer. Please make September the month you think about your health and chat to your GP if anything here raises concerns.
Nancy Consoli - Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse, Calvary Mater Newcastle
Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital Auxiliary ‘Cancer Carers’
fashion parade
Friday 27 September 2024 11:00 start
St Columban’s Church Hall, Church Street, Mayfield
Clothes by Donna-Lou
$15 admission includes light lunch
rsvp by Thursday 19 September 2024
Evelyn 4950 9440 or Suzanne 4950 8235
Wetlands celebrates 40
The Hunter Wetlands Centre will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a Spring Festival on Sunday 15 September, from 10am to 2pm.
This special event is a celebration of four decades of community driven conservation, education, and engagement.
The community is invited to join in the festivities and explore the wonders of the Wetlands as the doors are opened to offer free admission to all visitors.
The festival will kick off with a traditional Indigenous smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country, honouring the cultural significance of the Wetlands and setting the tone for a day full of celebration.
Families can enjoy a range of fun
activities, including a jumping castle, face painting, and interactive workshops.
A variety of market and community stalls will be set up, offering local goods and information.
Guided tours will provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the unique environment of the Wetlands.
“We are incredibly proud of what this community has achieved over the past 40 years,” said James Wilson, General Manager of the Hunter Wetlands Centre.
“This festival is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. We’re opening our doors and inviting the community to come and celebrate with us, enjoy
the beautiful wetlands, and take part in the activities we’ve planned.”
The event is proudly sponsored by Orica, BHP, Hunter Water, and Markey Insurance Group, whose generous support has helped make this celebration possible.
Please note that only limited on site parking is available, so early arrival is encouraged. On street parking is available.
Come celebrate 40 years of the Hunter Wetlands Centre – where community and nature connect. The Hunter Wetlands Centre is situated at 1 Wetland Place, Shortland.
For more detail see wetlands. org.au
SWIMART NEW LAMBTON REGULAR POOL MAINTENANCE & SERVICING
Operating since 2004
Hassle-free pool ownership! Let us worry about your pool so you can be doing more fun things!
Our Quality Service
What is included:
• Water testing and chemical balancing*
• Empty all skimmer baskets and pump baskets
• Check equipment for proper operation and leaks
• Scoop and clean surface for all debris
Our service can be scheduled fortnightly, monthly or bi-monthly!
• Backwash and rinse filter
• Check and clean salt cell
• Brush and vacuum pool surface and tile line
• Cartridge filter cleaning and maintenance
Terms and conditions apply. *Chemicals at an additional cost, if required. Green pools or equipment repairs will be quoted before work commences.
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 Mark at The Local on 0455 210 000 by 13 September 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 13 September and redeemed at your chosen retailer no later than 31 October 2024.
Congratulations to the residents of 6 Noela Ave New Lambton and 26 Percy St North Lambton who each claimed a prize by correctly identifying their letterbox last month.
Tantalize your taste buds with Spice Affairs Indian Restaurant bringing the rich and diverse flavours of India to Lambton.
Celebrating the vibrant culinary heritage of India, the restaurant promises an immersive dining experience that captures the essence of Indian cuisine.Nestled in the heart of Lambton in Elder Street, Spice Affairs takes pride in presenting a menu curated by expert chefs who have meticulously crafted each dish to showcase the diverse array of flavours that Indian cuisine is renowned for. From fragrant Mughlai delicacies to sizzling Tandoori creations, and from traditional
Indian breads to delectable handmade desserts, every dish on the menu is a culinary treasure that promises to transport diners on a gastronomic journey through the streets of India.
What sets Spice Affairs apart is its commitment to authenticity, with each dish prepared using age-old recipes, authentic herbs, and spices sourced directly from the heartland of India. Spice Affairs isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about experience. The restaurant’s staff create a warm and inviting ambience that makes for a memorable dining experience with family and friends.
The Local Quiz
Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Margaret Jones of Jesmond. Margaret has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy.
Last month’s mystery photo was taken at the Pilkington Street Reserve in North 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 - Who founded the ‘Lambton Community’ Facebook page?
Question 2 - How many candidates are on the lord mayoral ballot at the upcoming election?
Question 3 - How many hotels did Adamstown have at its peak?
Question 4 - What anniversary is the Wetlands Centre celebrating this month?
Question 5 - In which local park would you find the rock formation pictured above right?
City living for nature lovers
Send your quiz answers to admin@hunterlocal. com.au with ‘The Local Quiz’ in the subject line or post them to PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299 by Friday 13 September for a chance to win a $25 gift voucher* to spend at any Piggott’s Pharmacy store in Newcastle and the Hunter.
At Jenny MacLeod, our independent living villas and serviced apartment units are the perfect solution to your downsizing needs supporting you to maintain your independence.
Set on seven acres of cottage gardens, the village is perfect for garden lovers looking for a friendly, relaxed, like-minded community.
Book a tour of our village today.
Jenny MacLeod Retirement Village 48 Victory Parade, Wallsend 2287 Phone 02
Hey neighbour!
by Georgia Osland
Jasmin Carman
‘It’s only a matter of time,’ thought Jasmin Carman when she and her husband Dan bought their North Lambton home in 2015.
Surely, there’d soon be a Facebook group dedicated to the vibrant Lambton community and surrounds.
Jasmin waited and waited –until March 2020, when she took matters into her own hands and created the ‘Lambton Community Australia’ group (an important distinction to make from the South African township of the same name, as it turned out).
It quickly filled a gap the community didn’t know existed.
“Being at the height of COVID, it started out as a way to share
which businesses and services were open, and it grew from there,” Jasmin told The Local Eventually, Jasmin shared the load of moderating content with two more volunteer admins, as the group amassed about 8,000 followers without any promotion. They field daily requests to join the group.
“I think it’s testament to the fact that the community does need something like this, even in a digital world; Lambton is quite a vast area and it’s nice to have that sense of community,” Jasmin added.
“It’s become a useful tool for people to find ways to connect. That was always my goal, to help people engage with one another.”
Today, locals use the forum to share safety updates, advertise garage sales and sell secondhand goods, offer recommendations,
‘Lambton Community’ Facebook group founder, Jasmin Carman, in her dining room adorned by her son’s colourful artworks.
and discuss upcoming events.
Jasmin added that some people had even used the group to start a swimming club or find a tennis partner, which, as an active mum of two young children who loves the great outdoors, was particularly meaningful to her.
“While it is an online platform, it’s beautiful that it brings people together in person,” she said.
Jasmin recently completed a Diploma of Counselling and is passionate about supporting people, particularly women, through personal growth and mental health, which clearly shines through in this community.
Search ‘Lambton Community Australia’ on Facebook to join the group.
Do you know a local resident whose story you would like to read here? Let us know by email: mark@hunterlocal.com.au
Newcastle Theatre Co. tickets
The next production in Newcastle Theatre Company’s 2024 Season is Travelling North.
Love, sunshine and the open road. Frank and Frances have found
new love later in life. They decide to load up the van and drive to far north Queensland to start a new life together far away from their adult children and the bleak Melbourne weather.
Now is their time. But Frances is torn between her responsibilities to her family and her relationship with Frank, which her daughters disapprove of. Frank was not a good
husband in his previous relationship and is determined to make this one work. But old habits die hard.
The play is set in the period 1969 - 1972. In it, playwright David Williamson explores the complex relationships between characters which remain very relatable to today’s audiences.
This local production is directed by Cheryl Sovechles.
Travelling North opens at Newcastle Theatre Company on Saturday 21 September at 7.30pm.
Evening performances are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights until 5 October.
Matinees performances are at 2pm on Sunday 22 and Saturday 28.
The Local has a double pass to the winner’s choice of performance of Travelling North
To be in the running for the double pass just text the words ‘Travelling North’, your first and last name, and your preferred performance day/time to 0455 210 000 by Friday 13 September.
The winner will be advised by phone and their name published in next month’s issue of The Local
Adamstown Hotel
THAT WAS THEN This is now
with Lachlan Wetherall
In 1869 Thomas Adam purchased from the government 54 acres of land south of the road running between New Lambton and Merewether. He soon resold the land to Thomas and Henry Bryant, who in 1870 submitted a plan for a 190lot subdivision named “Adamstown”, including streets named “Thomas”, “Henry” and “Bryant”. Matching the usual pattern of emerging mining communities, one of the first blocks of land sold was for a hotel. In June 1874 Edward Reay
Physiotherapist led clinical pilates
n Small group and/or private sessions
n Falls prevention and balance retraining
n Neurological rehabilitation
n Disability specific rehabilitation
n Orthopaedic rehabilitation
n Post-surgical rehabilitation 0412 634 966
2/226 Brunker Road, Adamstown perkinsphysiotherapypilates@gmail.com perkinsphysiotherapypilates.com.au
purchased the north-west corner of Union Street (Brunker Road today) and Victoria Street.
In September 1874, 150 years ago this month, Reay obtained a publican’s licence and opened the “Adamstown Hotel”. Just two months later Adamstown’s second hotel opened across the road, and in 1902 the town reached its peak of four hotels, a notably abstemious total compared to neighbouring suburbs.
In 1905 when John Court was the licensee, Tooheys Limited bought the hotel. They demolished the original building and erected in its place a modern brick structure at a cost of £2200. After the hotel re-opened in November 1906, the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate noted that “the design of the hotel is entirely different to the usual run of these buildings, there being no colonnade or balcony over the footpath, but in place of them there are large verandah and balcony arcades in the central part of the main front.” Ralph Snowball photographed the crisp new building one week after its formal reopening.
However, this second incarnation of the hotel did not last long. In 1927 increased motor traffic necessitated widening of the main road. All the properties on the west side of Union Street including the Adamstown Hotel, had eighteen feet shaved off their front, and required major renovations and rebuilding. Two more alterations were to affect the hotel. In 1947 its address ‘changed’ when Union Street was renamed Brunker Road, and then in the 1980s the pub’s name changed to the “Nags Head Hotel”.
You can view these photos and more details at lachlanwetherall.com
Below: The Nags Head Hotel in Adamstown marks 150 years of operation in September
Above: Court’s Adamstown Hotel, 26 November 1906. Photo by Ralph Snowball. University of Newcastle, Living Histories.
2024.
Here to HELP
with Elaine Abery of Unravelling Red Tape
Solving one problem, creating another
Have you ever experienced a situation where you tried to do something good, but it didn’t turn out as you expected?
Sometimes this happens with governments too.
You have probably noticed raised bumps or lines on the ground in public places. This is also called tactile paving. Its purpose is to alert visionimpaired people of a change in the area, like the top or bottom of escalators. It gives clues about the environment on an unfamiliar route and helps vision-impaired people navigate cities
and transport, by knowing when to be aware of potential hazards.
That is a laudable aim and outcome.
A couple of years ago, I had foot surgery. When I was able to start moving around again, I hobbled with crutches or other walking aids.
Escalators made me break into a sweat. I remember standing at the top of an escalator, too scared to move forward, until a kindly cleaner took pity on me and walked me onto and off the escalator.
One of the issues was that the gaps between the raised dots for vision-impaired people are the exact size and shape to catch the bottom of my crutches or walking aids.
The space between the dots gripped my crutches and sent me off balance, every time I came into contact with them.
Tactile pavement is a great idea. But it interacts with the size of the bottom of walking aids.
Tactile pavement was created to solve one issue and it created another problem. Two separate systems came into contact with one another in a way that wasn’t expected. This is known as an “unintended consequence.” The designer of the dots wasn’t thinking about walking aids, understandably. This is a case of imperfect information.
Government works with imperfect information. That means, as I have explained in previous columns, that government needs our input to improve its decisions. You can find more information at https://www.unravellingredtape. com.au/2022/05/03/regulatory-failure/.
It’s our role to tell government when their wellmeaning actions might accidentally trip us up. After all, that’s how government becomes aware of the issues and gives it the opportunity to resolve the issues.
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
LAW Matters
by Ronnie Wall of Wall Legal, New Lambton
Foreign resident capital gains withholding
Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding (FRCGW) applies to vendors who are selling their Australian real property. It also applies to some other assets. Currently, if the sale price of the property is $750,000 or more, a vendor must apply to the Australian Taxation Office for a Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding Clearance Certificate. This Clearance Certificate is then provided to the purchaser to confirm that the withholding tax is not applicable to the transaction. The current tax rate is 12.5%.
If the vendor is unable to provide the Clearance
Certificate to the purchaser, then the purchaser is obligated to submit 12.5% of the sale value to the ATO on settlement. The vendor would then be required to lodge a tax return for the applicable year that the Contract was signed and claim a FRCGW credit for the amount withheld at settlement.
When issued, the Clearance Certificate is valid for a period of twelve months and can be used for multiple sale transactions during that period.
Foreign resident vendors may apply for a variation of the withholding rate in certain circumstances, for example if they expect to make a capital loss on the sale of the property.
The Federal Government has announced a proposal to amend the FRCGW regime. The proposal would see the current tax rate increase from 12.5% to 15% and the current threshold of $750,000 reduced to zero, effectively requiring the vendor in every sale of Australian property to obtain a Clearance Certificate. These changes, if enacted, would affect transactions from 1 January 2025.
If you are considering the sale of an Australian real property asset, you may wish to seek financial or taxation advice.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information purposes only. The contents should not be relied on as legal or financial advice
VET Chat
with Dr Darren Gibbins of Elder St Vets
Pet insurance can be a life saver
I often stress the importance of pet insurance to our clients. Pet insurance can be vital when things don’t go to plan.
Not all of us have a pile of spare cash floating around for emergency vet care. If this is the case I strongly recommend pet insurance.
Veterinary care has advanced tremendously over the years, enabling us to offer treatments that can significantly extend and improve the quality of our pets’ lives.
However, these advancements come with costs that can be substantial, particularly in emergencies or chronic conditions.
On average, a comprehensive pet insurance plan might cost around $75 per month. This might seem like an added expense, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. Most pet insurance policies cover about 80% of veterinary costs after the deductible, which can be a lifesaver when facing high expenses. Whether it’s for disease investigation and testing, medications or surgeries, having insurance can prevent the stress of choosing between your pet’s health and your financial stability.
Without insurance, the costs of veterinary care can add up quickly, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars for surgeries or long-term treatments.
Pet insurance allows you to focus on what matters most—your pet’s well-being—without the constant worry about how you’ll afford necessary care.
At Elder Street Vets, we see how much our clients love their pets and how dedicated they are to providing the best care.
Pet insurance is an essential tool in ensuring that your furry family members get the treatment they need, when they need it, without financial barriers.
PHARMACY Matters
by Anthony Piggott of Piggott’s Pharmacies: Blackbutt, Branxton, Huntlee, Lambton and Merewether
Red and dry eyes
Redness and dryness are symptoms of many eye conditions. Some of these conditions are not serious, but others are serious and may affect eyesight. Doctors, pharmacists and optometrists can help find the cause of red eyes or dry eyes and advise on treatment.
Red eyes
A red eye can be a sign of eye inflammation. The most common cause of red eye(s) is conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergy, irritation or infection. One or both eyes may be affected.
Dry eyes
Tears clean, protect and moisten our eyes. Each blink covers the eyes with a thin film of tears. Factors that can cause or worsen dry eyes include:
• not producing enough tears
• poor quality tears
• tears do not stay in the eyes long enough
• a low blinking rate (e.g. when reading or using a computer) Usually both eyes are affected.
Treatment
Always ask a doctor, pharmacist or optometrist for advice about eye care and eye problems. They can recommend the best treatment for your eyes. Some eye drops and ointments can be obtained from a pharmacy without a prescription.
Red eyes
The treatment of eye redness depends on its cause.
• Decongestant eye drops can reduce redness. Decongestant eye drops should not be used for some eye conditions, and they should not be used for more than 5 days in a row.
• Antihistamine eye drops may relieve eye symptoms (e.g. redness, itching) caused by allergy.
• Antibiotic eye drops can treat bacterial conjunctivitis. They will not help viral conjunctivitis. Non prescription antibiotic eye drops can be recommended by a pharmacist.
• Lubricating eye drops, gels and ointments can relieve the discomfort of conjunctivitis and other eye conditions. Eye redness and discomfort may also be relieved by resting the eyes, avoiding bright light, an eye bath or a warm or cool compress. To make a compress, soak a cloth in warm or cool water, wring it out and apply it to closed eyes
Dry and irritated eyes
Eye dryness and irritation may be relieved with lubricating eye drops, gels and ointments. These products moisturise and protect the eye. Preservative-free products are available for people who wear contact lenses or are sensitive to preservatives.
Self care
To prevent red eyes and dry eyes:
• wear wrap-around sunglasses when outside in bright light, windy, dry or allergy conditions
• wear eye protection when swimming or working with machines and chemicals
• try to find and avoid allergy triggers
• do not rub your eyes
• avoid blowing air in your eyes (e.g. hair dryers, fans, car heaters)
• blink more often to relieve dryness
• take regular breaks when reading or using a computer
• use good lighting
• do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection
• limit alcohol
• avoid smoke (e.g. cigarette smoke)
• do not use an eye product that was used by or prescribed for someone else
• throw away multidose eye drops and ointments 28 days after opening the container
• have a yearly eye check with an optometrist. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious. To stop the infection spreading, wash your hands often and do not share eye drops, tissues, towels, face cloths, pillowcases or eye makeup. Avoid touching your eyes and close contact with others until the discharge stops.
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
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 11 September at 5.30pm. For more information email: lambtonresidents@gmail. com or call Angela on 0422 633 737.
LAMBTON-NEW LAMBTON RSL SUB-BRANCH
Lambton-New Lambton RSL Sub-Branch is organising a service to honour the men and women who served during the Vietnam War. The service is scheduled for Sunday, August 18th, at Club Lambton, 51 Karoola Road, Lambton, starting at 10:30am. This will be followed by a light lunch. The community is warmly invited to attend and join RSL Sub-Branch members in commemorating this important occasion. For more information please email: lambton-newlambtonsb@rslnsw.org.au
To have a free community notice published on these pages email the details to admin@hunterlocal.com.au or post to PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299 by 15th of the month. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
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.
BOOK AND COFFEE GROUP
Meeting fortnightly in Lambton. This discussion group will look at different books in the bible and discuss their relevance to today’s world. Contact Faye on 0411 166 500
NEWCASTLE 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.
SOCIETY OF ARTISTS NEWCASTLE INC.
Society of Artists Newcastle Inc. is situated in Lambton Park. We have social art groups, workshops and members’ exhibitions. With more than 300 members we cater for many artists in the local area and provide a practicing art community for over a hundred members each week at our rooms. Call Ann-Maree Kelly (president) on 0417 261 891 or go to www.societyofartistsnewcastle. com for further information.
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 0404 496 262
Local Community Group Notices
HOBBIES
& INTERESTS
SMOCKING ARTS GUILD OF NSW INC NEWCASTLE GROUP
We are an enthusiastic and friendly group of people who meet each month to share our love of smocking and other crafts. We aim to preserve and foster the art of smocking and related needlework for future generations. Our group does this by organising group projects, encouraging individual efforts, supporting members to learn new skills, and demonstrating at community events. We meet on the 4th Saturday of the month at Church of the Good Shepherd, Joslin St, Kotara South, at 10am. We welcome new members and visitors. Find us on Facebook.
NEWCASTLE CREATIVE EMBROIDERERS AND TEXTILE ARTISTS (NCEATA)
Do you enjoy working creatively with textiles and fibres? If so, you might be interested in joining NCEATA, a group of individuals with varying skill levels and interests who come together to interact, learn, share and exhibit their creative works. You can find more information about our workshops and meetings, as well as examples of our textiles, on our website www.nceata.org and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ NCEATA. We have two meetings every month, except for December, which are subject to change depending on public holidays. Our meetings are held on the 1st Monday of the month from 10am to 1pm and on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 1pm to 4pm at Belair Church Hall located at 130 Garden Grove Parade, Adamstown. We welcome visitors who are interested in joining our group. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at secretary@nceata.org.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD NSW NEWCASTLE BRANCH
The Newcastle Branch is a group of embroiderers who meet every Monday AM and PM at the Church of the Good Shepherd Hall, 101 Joslin Street Kotara. Parking is available on site and in Joslin Street. Our members work on diverse projects and conduct classes. Members have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which they are willing to share. If you are interested in joining a friendly group of ladies who enjoy various stitching projects, we would love to see you. If you have any enquiries, please contact us on our email NewcastleEmbroiderersGuild@gmail.com Website: https://www.embroiderersguildnsw. org.au/Groups/Newcastle-Branch
SENIORS GROUPS
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
To have a free community notice published on these pages email the details to admin@hunterlocal.com.au or post to PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299 by 15th of the month. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations.
Local Community Group Notices
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 1.30 pm at Club Lambton (the bowling club next to Lambton Pool. 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 0421 552 372 or Des 0419 694 096.
NEW LAMBTON FRIENDSHIP GROUP
New Lambton Friendship Group welcomes anyone looking for company, a chat and a cup of tea. Join us on Tuesdays, from 9.30 am to 2pm at the Uniting Church Regent Street, New Lambton. For more information contact Sandra Thompson on 0407 528 079.
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 and other outings. Each month we have an interesting guest speaker. For more information contact Margaret 0417 663 064 or Ruth 0439 478 431
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 Wallsend Diggers Club, Tyrrell Street Wallsend. 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.
SENIORS GROUPS
NEWCASTLE MEN’S PROBUS CLUB
Newcastle Men’s Probus Club provides great social outings, regular monthly meetings, for friendship, fellowship and fun in retirement. We love to welcome visitors at our meetings. Why not drop into our regular 4th Tuesday of the month meetings at Souths Leagues Club Merewether. You will be warmly welcomed, enjoy some refreshments and a guest speaker. The meetings start at 9:30am. Please arrive by 9:15 so we can meet and greet you. We would love to meet you at our next meeting. https://www.newcastleprobus. org/ Contact Brian Prior 0415 081 610.
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.
NEW LAMBTON LADIES BOWLING CLUB
We are seeking ladies to join our bowling club on our all weather greens. We play Tuesday morinigs from 10am, Saturdays from 1pm and Thursday mixed from 10am. Free coaching is available to Wests members. Come along and meet our friendly ladies and look over our beautiful club. We’re sure you will want to join for the social aspects and exercise. For more information ph Bev 4955 0080 or Marion 0408 433 893.
To have a free community notice published on these pages email the details to admin@hunterlocal.com.au or post to PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299 by 15th of the month. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations.
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am to 4.45pm Saturday 7.30am to 11.45am
Closed Wednesdays for fishing!
Local Classifieds...
BUDGERIGARS
Bush and modern budgies for sale, starting from $15
Ph 0456 919 046
CARPET CLEANER
Carpet cleaner, used twice, very good condition $60 Ph 0477 103 976
HONEY
Local 100% pure and natural, no heating or sugar syrup, from our hives. Pick up New Lambton. $15 per kg Ph 0423 050 778
WHEELCHAIRS
Breezy Basix2 wheelchair adjustable 130kg, was $800 now $350. Fuson F20 AIRGO was $600 now $350 Takes 130 kg. Negotiable Phone Narelle, pick up Wallsend. Ph 0408 292 084
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS
Send your Local Classifieds ad to us by 15th of the month by email: admin@hunterlocal. com.au or PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299. They’re free for private party advertising.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION FROM PAGE 36
NOTICES
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 as-new, 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
CONGRATULATIONS
Sam Browning who won two tickets to see ’The Effect’ at Newcastle Theatre Company.
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
DOG WALKER
Friendly and reliable person to walk your dog 7 days p/w. Rates from $30 p/h 10 klms of Lambton Ph 0468 567 667
HANDYMAN
All painting and gyprock repairs, plus most services in small renovation works. 30 years experience. Insured. Phone Jason Ph 0423 233 727
HANDYMAN
Available for rubbish removal, shed clearing and yard work. Good rates. Contact Ian Ph 0432 201 121
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS
Send us yours by 15th of the month by email: admin@ hunterlocal.com.au
IELTS TUITION
Experienced university lecturer. IELTS/IDP Certified. Lessons via Zoom & Google Docs. Suitable for foreign nationals applying for Permanent Residency/Sponsor visas & university applications. Offering instruction for all academic levels. Testimonials available. From $40 per hour. Contact Chris by email: chrisausspeak@gmail.com or SMS Ph 0416 624 710
SANTA’S HELPER AVAILABLE
Santa’s helper looking for street parties etc. 56 year old with police and working with children check. Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. $37.50 per hour Ph 0405 507 283
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS
Send us yours by 15th of the month by email: admin@ hunterlocal.com.au or PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299.
Local Classifieds...
NOTICES
SISTER ACT - THE MUSICAL
At Capitol Theatre Sydney on Wednesday 11 September at 1pm. Coach will leave Wests New Lambton at 8am. Cost $105 pp show & coach. For bookings and details Ph 4952 8590
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS
Send us yours by 15th of the month by email: admin@ hunterlocal.com.au
GENTLE FLOW YOGA
Spring into new beginnings! Connect & Strengthen
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. Keep moving through the cooler months and enjoy 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)
TICKETS FOR NEWCASTLE THEATRE CO. IN 2024
• Travelling North -Saturday 28 September at 2pm
• The Game’s AfootSaturday 9 November at 2pm
• The Dog Logs - Saturday 30 November at 2pm
Tickets $30pp, saving $5pp. For bookings Ph 4952 8590
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, Jesmond 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 advertising please email mark@ hunterlocal.com.au
