Hunter Post 090714

TE Turn over for your •

entertainment guide

Culture and heritage NAIDOC Week celebrations and activities across Maitland and Cessnock • MELISSAH COMBER and PAUL MONFORTE

or over 20 years the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council has marched though Maitland to call for land rights recognition.

An 80-strong crowd again took to the streets on Monday for the annual NAIDOC week event, marching from Maitland Courthouse to the Visitor's Information Centre on High Street.

Although their motivation has evolved over time, Mindaribba CEO, Lea-anne Ball said that the underlying message has not changed.

"When we started it was to promote land rights and get recognition ofland rights," Ms Ball said.

"Now we're promoting a treaty. We're always here to say that we're indigenous and proud, and it's about bridging the gap - NAIDOC Week is for all the community, not just the Aboriginal community."

Meanwhile, in Cessnock, Aboriginal culture took centre stage on the weekend with Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr and Mayor, Bob Pynsent joining more than 100 people in NAIDOC Week celebrations. The Black Creek Aboriginal Corporation conducted a flag-raising ceremony in the grounds of Cessnock TAFE on Saturday before a colourful march down Vincent Street.

Wonnarua traditional land owner and Elder, Les Elvin thanked Mr Barr and Cr Pynsent for their attendance and ongoing support of Aboriginal issues.

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the hunter post

EDITOR'S DESK

19 Pearson St. Charlestown NSW 2290 PO Box 2321 Dangar. NSW 2309 P (02) 4961 0310

paul.mon'orte@newcastlepost.com.au

Life stresses are no excuse for Bailey's racist outburst

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www.thehunterpost.com.au (1 www.facebook.com/newcastlepost Editorial:

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enqulrles@newcastlepost.com.au

There has been univeIsal condenmation of the racial outburst by 55-year-old Karen Bailey on a train bound for Newcast1e Jast week and rightly so.

Printed by:

Spotpress Pty Ltd

Like many other similar incidents that outrage the public, you'd have trouble believing the sustained magnitude of the attack.

She said that personal problems had led to her disgraceful comments and that she had been returning from visiting her husband in a nursing home and was angry at an Asian nurse.

She probably should just shut up now and try to let the incident die down a bit instead of attempting to explain it further.

It was good to see that fellow passengers stood up to intervene. Perhaps the fact it was a 55-yearold woman doing the shouting made it easier for them to step in. Ms Bailey has some difficult days and weeks ahead of her as people in her community recognise here.

But she has brought it all upon herself.

I thought we, as a country, were well passed this type of ridiculous and downright criminal behaviour.

The video of the incident has already gone viral and it paints Australia in a very poor light overseas.

A similar incident in Melbourne came to light last week with a train guard sacked after confronting three passengers who were racially abusing Asian students in April.

The guard moved the troublemakers to another

Editor: Paul Monforte' Journalists: Stephen Bisset (TE).

Amelia Parrott, Melissah Comber Sales: Glenda Peate, Gary Scott (Trades), Dan Hawkins (TE), Lynne Hardy, Alison Hislop (Hunter), Patrick Fisher Administration: Lauren Pollard Accounts: Susan Ward

Robyn Parker Member for Maitland

V 49331617

-1l www.robynparker.com.au 11 facebook.com/RobynParkerMP 34 Church Street

Maitland NSW 2320

PAUL MONFORTE Editor

It paints AustraBa in a poor Ught

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carriage and was met with a stream of profanities when asked them to produce a valid ticket for travel.

When the three left the train at a station a short time later, the guard advised railway protection officers who were on the platform.

Two of the racists ran away with the guard putting his arm on the shoulder of the third to restrain him.

The antagonist threw several punches at the guard who returned serve. The guard said none of his punches had connected.

The guard was later sacked for breaching protocol by leaving the train and throwing the man up against a wall.

He denies throwing the man against the wall and claims the CCTV proves this.

He has, quite rightly I feel, lodged an unfair dismissal claim with Fair Work Australia.

I realise we can't have guards acting like vigilantes, but this is a ridiculous situation.

What was he supposed to do? Just let them escape any form ofpunishment?

He did not instigate the punching and a lot of people would have responded in exactly the same way if someone was swinging at them.

Full credit to him for intervening in the first place. That takes guts. He wasn't to know if the three racists had knives or guns in their possession.

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STATE GOVERNMENT

Decision time for rail line Transport interchange work to commence after Boxing Day • MELISSAH COMBER _ @melcomber

he heavy rail line into Newcastle will be cut on Boxing Day, December 26.

Minister for Transport and the Hunter, Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement last week, saying the line will be truncated past Wickham for work to begin on a new transport interchange.

"The closure will allow work to begin on revitalising Newcastle - with the rail line no longer forming a barrier and dividing the city from one its greatest assets - the waterfront," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Truncation also means existing railway level crossings between Wickham and the beach will effectively be permanently open from Boxing Day onwards."

Labor, The Greens and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union have all slammed the truncation date, saying it will leave commuters stranded by the end of the year. "The Christmas present is that we're closing the rail service, but we don't really know how commuters in the Hunter will be affected and how they'll be transported around the Hunter area," Shadow Minister for the Hunter, Sonia Hornery said. "I'm fearful for the Maitland folk and those people living in

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Wickham Train Station

the Upper Hunter because we don't really know how their rail line will be affected."

Labor candidate for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison echoed Ms Hornery's words.

"They're doing it just before an election, so they'll have two or three months to settle it down, but if they're going to do it then, why not wait until after the election?" Ms Aitchison asked. "I just think it's a cynical attempt the by Government to let this happen over the holiday period when the main commuter traffic out of Maitland is not coming through."

Greens Transport spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi said the Government timed the event with the holiday season to minimise public outcry.

Member for Newcastle, Tim Owen said that work simply had to be started.

"You've got to start the work sometime," Mr Owen said. "There'll be a high frequency bus service running, and Novocastrians know it will be great for the city." Ms Berejiklian said details about bus arrangements will be released in the coming months.

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The voucher, to be distributed throughout July, entitles each premises who pays the Domestic Waste Management Charge to drop off one load of domestic waste at the Mount Vincent Road Waste Management Centre for free.

The vouchers limit the weight of the load to 400 kilograms, but cannot be used for building, construction or commercial materials, or soil, tyres or mattresses.

Maitland City Council's Manager Development and Environment, David Simm said that residents need to be aware of the conditions attached.

"It is important residents check the back of their tip voucher for conditions of use as not all waste types and quantities will be accepted," he said.

"Residents, in particular those with larger loads about 400 kilograms are encouraged to separate waste and recyclables to not only avoid attracting a charge but also to maximise the amount of waste diverted away from landfill."

Recyclables including paper, cardboard and bottles, metal items, white good and car batteries are accepted free of charge and can be unloaded in the appropriate areas. Council also supports a range of programs throughout the year to assist residents to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. These include free mattress musters, chemical cleanouts and e-waste drop off.

The Mount Vincent Waste Management Facility at 109 Mount Vincent Road East Maitland is open B.15am to 4.00pm, seven days a week

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STATE GOVERNMENT

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Reform disagreements Labor MPs vocal on changes to homelessness services â&#x20AC;˘ MELISSAH COMBER

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heStateGovemmenthasdefended its 'Going Home, Staying Home' program, after a vocal Labor backlash to the homelessness reforms.

Local Labor MPs and candidates gathered last week to voice their opposition to the program, after learning that the number of service providers in the state will be cut from 336 to 149, including refuges for victims of domestic violence.

The streamline of services could also see those who are homeless and those who are seeking refuge housed under the one roof.

One refuge on the chopping block is Wallsend's Warlga Ngurra Women and Children's Refuge, which Labor candidate for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said would not only have a devastating effect on the Wallsend community if it were to close, but warned there would be a flow-on effect at Maitland's Carrie's Place.

"We're going to see Carrie's Place inundated, and there will be deaths about this," Ms Aitchison said.

"There will be women who choose to say at home with their children in situations of violence because they feel they can't get out of there.

"It's good that Carrie's Place has got

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Shadow Minister for the Hunter, Sonia Hornery, and Deputy Opposition Leader, Linda Burney lead the charge of MP's and candidates

funding, but this will be a huge challenge -women escaping from violence with their children is a very different to looking after the general homeless population and you see the same service accommodating a victim and perpetrator

who has become homeless because of that situation." A spokesperson from the Family and Community Services Minister's office stood by the program, saying that between 2006 and 2011 homelessness in NSW increased by 27 per cent. "The

Close to home Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr knows the cycle of domestic violence better than most.

"I come from a domestic violence family situation and we were stuck because of resources and finances," Mr Barr said. "The only way I was able to get out of that with Mum was my older brother had a job and he essentially funded a rental property for us, but for the four or five years prior to that we were in a terrible situation:' Mr Barr said that the decision-makers need to listen to those who have been in that situation.

"These are people who don't have the power to defend themselves, so these people aren't going to be able to get organised, to rally, to protest, because they're just trying to survive," he said.

"These people can't defend their ground because they're just trying to find ground to stand up on."

Labor Party are defending a homelessness system that was simply not delivering for the most vulnerable in the community," the spokesperson said.

"Labor are making claims which are not only deceptive and misleading, but prey on the fears of the very people they claim to be supporting.

"While service providers may change under the reform, the services they delivered will continue. There will still be specialist services including for women and children escaping domestic and family violence in the new system."

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CESSNOCK

Council money for new tourist drive route â&#x20AC;˘ PAUL MONFORTE

essnock City Council has provided funding to support the establishment of a Hunter Valley Way tourist route which will encourage tourists to visit towns and villages now by-passed by the Hunter Expressway.

Council voted last week to allocate $1000 towards the estimated $7000 needed for a website, mapping, signage and initial promotion of the route which would start at Freemans Waterhole and pass through Mulbring, Kurri Kurri, Weston, Abermain, Lovedale, Greta and Branxton before heading through Broke Fordwich, Milbrodale, Jerry's Plains, Denman and terminating in Merriwa.

Councillor Rod Doherty raised the motion but declared a conflict of interest and left the chamber due to his role as president of the Kurri Kurri Business Chamber.

Councillor Graham Smith spoke in support of the motion. "This has been discussed for several months and I can report that the Hunter Business Chamber has agreed to donate $2000 and Cartoscope will be printing the maps," he said.

"It's hoped the project will be completed by the end of the year."

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Abermaln Is one of many towns along the proposed Hunter Valley Way tourist route

Once the tourist route is established, additional support will be sought through advertising and sponsor contributions. A request has been put to Singleton Council for a $1000 contribution.

Council has also announced that road refurbishment works will begin in the coming weeks in the following locations: Northcote Street, Aberdare (from Quarrybylong to Mulbring Streets); Campbell Street, Cessnock (from Margaret St to dead end); Mount View Road, Cessnock (from Bridge to Barrett Streets); Nelson Street, Cessnock from (Mt View Rd to Lindsay St); Percy Street, Cessnock from (Alexander St to Wollombi Rd); Swansea Cr, Cessnock (from Macquarie to the end of the cuI de sac); Wyndham Street, Greta (from High to 420m north of Evans St); Northcote Street, Kurri Kurri from (Heddon St to James St).

"Council is really wanting to deliver the best services to the community, and this roads renewal is something that many people are wanting so it's imperative to cater to the needs of our local people," said Cessnock Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent.

Meanwhile, Cessnock's Spring Awakening Festival will be held in the grounds of the TAFE on Friday 12th September.

The event starts at 6.30pm when flaming sculptures, fiery street performances, and artistic light shows will set the Cessnock Local Government Area aglow.

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NAIDOCWEEK MAITLAND Wednesday, July 9: Kids' Disco - Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) -lA Chelmsford Drive, Metford. 6pm-9pm Thunday,July10: Re-Iaunch of the Museum - Mindaribba LALC. 6pm-7.30pm Friday,July": Family Fun Day - Mindaribba LALC.lOam-2pm.

Friday,July": Black and Deadly Masquerade Ball- Maitland District Leagues Club. 6.30pm -llpm. Cost is $35pp or a table of 10 for $300.

For more information about any of Mindaribba's NAIDOC Week events contact Tamika on (02) 4015 7000.

Woodberry Red Belly Blacks Inc. will also be hosting two NAIDOC Week events.

Friday, July": Woodberry NAIDOC Family Day - Fred Harvey Oval.lOam-2pm Friday 11 July: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Exhibition - Hunter Valley Gallery (239 High St, Maitland), 6.00pm - 8.00pm.

If you need more information about either of Woodberry Red Belly Blacks Inc. NAIDOC Week events email redbellyblacksinc@ gmail.com CESSNOCK

Wednesday, July 9: Combined Dreamtime, Rhymetime and Storytime - Kurri Kurri Library. lOam-11am. For children 0-6 years. Call 49371638. Free Thunday,July10: Traditional Basket Weaving Workshop Kurri Kurri Library.10am-12pm. Learn the traditional Aboriginal art of basket weaving with Michelle Earl (materials and tools provided) (ages 10+). Call 49371638. Free Thursday,July10: Traditional Basket Weaving WorkshopCessnock Library. 2pm-4pm. 4993 4399 for more information. Free Thunday,July10: Sunday, August 3: Dheo-ka Art Exhibition - Cessnock Regional Art Gallery. Official launch 2pm Saturday, July 12. Gallery opening hours (11am -4pm Tuesday to Sunday). Aboriginal art exhibition of art works by local and regional Indigenous artists at Cessnock. Call 4991 6619 for more information. Free.

Wonnarua Elder Les Elvin, Cessnock Mayor, Bob Pynsent, Cessnock MP,

"We've had more people in the march this year than we've ever had before, including the Mayor, and the local [Federal] member Joel Fitzgibbon definitely would have been here to support us if he was able to attend," Mr Elvin said.

"James Ryan (Cessnock Greens Councillor) has also been very supportive of what we are doing.

"NAIDOC Week is a time for us to honour our culture and celebrate our achievements throughout the year. In the local area, our first NAIDOC Week awards were very successful."

Mr Elvin praised the formation of Cessnock City Council's Aboriginal Advisory Committee. "It's been great. The Committee have been very active."

Mr Elvin said the Black Creek Aboriginal Corporation was working on a number of ongoing projects.

"Firstly, we need to establish a residential area of our own in the area," Mr Elvin said.

"Once we do that, we can help our people with a lot

more things like employment, housing, education and health - these are the four main things we are looking to improve for our people in the area."

Mr Barr said he had thoroughly enjoyed hearing stories about Aboriginal culture on the day. "One of the great privileges of being a politician is that you get brought in to Aboriginal communities," he said.

"There's so much to do. You've got to be listening and exchanging ideas and this week is another opportunity to do that."

Cr Pynsent said he was proud of the strong relationship between Council and the Aboriginal community.

"I acknowledge that we are on Wonarua land and to be part of NAIDOC Week celebrations is just terrific," he said.

"The relationship between the Aboriginal people and Cessnock City Council has certainly developed over the past two years since I've been Mayor.

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he staff at Maitland Neighbourhood Centre are going bananas.

The centre is one of 22 local organisations to receive a funding boost from Maitland City Council's Community Grants program, which, worth $2500, will see the centre kick off its new Fruit for Families program.

The program, to begin later this month, will see the centre purchase cartons of seasonal fruit each fortnight to make up large bags which can then be purchased by people on government benefits for less than $5. ''It's so sad that fruit has become a luxury," Maitland Neighbourhood Centre Manager, Naomi Rees said.

"I know there is a need, that people want to feed their kids fresh fruit but they just can't."

Ms Rees estimates the program will cost $80 a fortnight to run. ''We already do have people who bring in their excess fruit, but we need to work out the best way to run the program economically, and to purchase fruit that is fresh and seasonal," she said. ''We're also going to educate people on fruit, so they begin to understand how

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Maitland Neighbourhood Centre Manager, Naomi Rees

it is seasonal." Other organisations to receive funding under the program include the Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles to upgrade computer equipment,

the Riding for the Disabled Association to vaccinate horses against the Hendra Virus and Maitland City Choir to hold a choral workshop.

G Council supports Variable Message Signs

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Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) could soon be installing two Variable Message Signs in Maitland, after Council gave its support to the proposal.

The electronic signs, to be fully funded by the State Government, will provide up-to-date information on traffic conditions and incidents.

They will be installed on the New England Highway at East Maitland near Emerald Street for northbound traffic, and on Ken Tubman Drive, approximately 300 metres south of Belmore Road for southbound traffic.

RMS prepared a Heritage Impact Report for Ken Tubman Drive, which stated, in part 'The proposed works will have no impact on the heritage amenity of the Central Maitland Conservation Area.. .'

and '.. .it is considered there is no visual impact to surrounding heritage items of significance'.

RMS also concluded that the location for the Ken Tubman Drive VMS would provide a clear visual to motorists heading south on the highway, would not cause any impact on residences or businesses facing the road and would be subject to less road environment constraints in terms of installation.

Meanwhile, RMS will carry out work on the street lights at the Kurri Kurri, Allandale and Branxton interchanges of the Hunter Expressway until Friday.

The work will take place between 7am and Gpm. Traffic may be stopped briefly during the work and the speed limit will be reduced to Gokm/h.

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STATE GOVERNMENT

9

Hunter gets Water Wise • PAUL MONFORTE

he Hunter region's water use policy has fallen into line with those in Sydney and the Central Coast after the commencement of new rules on July 1.

Minister for Natural Resources, Lands and Water, Kevin Humphries launched the Water Wise Rules at Parklane Villas, Warners Bay last week in conjunction with Charlestown MP, Andrew Cornwell.

The three key Water Wise Rules state: all hand-held hoses must have a trigger nozzle, watering outdoors is permitted before loam and after 4pm and there is to be no hosing of hard surfaces such as paths and driveways except when cleaningwith water in necessary for reasons of safety, health, emergency, construction activity or surface discolouration.

"While Hunter Water isn't considering restrictions at this time, Water Wise Rules and being efficient when we use water outdoors is especially important.

Mr Humphries said that while their were potential fines of $220 for individuals and $550 for businesses who breach the rules, Hunter Water would adopt an educational approach to enforcement and focus only on repeat offenders.

"As a result of the lack of rain this year, dam levels in the Hunter have dropped from 96 per cent this time last year to 81 per cent today, while the Hunter's

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Parklane resident, Bob Dobson putting his new trigger nozzle to use watched

by Minister Kevin Humphries and Charlestown MP, Andrew Cornwell

original water storage, Chichester Dam is at 58 per cent which is the lowest level it's been 20 years," Mr Humphries said.

Mr Humphries and Mr Cornwell provided residents at Parklane Villas with trigger nozzles for use on their garden hoses. Hunter Water will hand out free trigger nozzles at the following locations: Bunnings Kotara (Saturday, July 12, 10.30am), Eatons Mitre 10 Cessnock (Saturday, July 26, 1O.30am), Bunnings Belmont (Saturday, August 2, 10.30am).

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Dripping with history • MELISSAH COMBER

W@melcomber

t's one of Newcastle's historic engineering marvels, but it's never seen the light of the day.

The Res, or Newcastle #1 Reservoir, as it is referred to Hunter Water archives, is a 132-year-old disused underground water reservoir, and by next year it will be open for tours.

In a bid to reduce water-borne diseases ravaging Novocastrians, The Res was built in 1882 and made it possible for the city to store two million litres of water and deliver it straight to people's homes for the first time. It was closed almost 50 years ago, burying a stone archway and 32 four-metre brick columns on prime real estate near Christ Church Cathedral.

State Minister for Natural Resources, Lands and Water, Kevin Humphries visited the site last week, and said the opening would unlock a part of Newcastle's history.

"The reservoir is the first underground reservoir of its age to be opened to the public," he said. "Being inside the reservoir is an extraordinary experience and I am delighted Hunter Water has decided to share it with the community."

Member for Newcastle, Tim Owen said that the tour will build on the city's existing heritage experiences such as Fort Scratchley and Nobbys Lighthouse.

"It will prove to be an absolutely

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Tim Owen MP, Kevin Humphries MP and Hunter Water Managing Director, Kim Wood inside The Res

fantastic tourist opportunity," Mr Owen said. "People will come to see the quality of this workmanship. It will display the unique heritage of this wonderful city."

The first tour is expected to take place early next year after stairs and lighting are installed, and ventilation is improved. People will be able to climb into the reservoir and the tour will include a history of the Hunter's original water supply. Due to expected popularity, the tours will operate by ballot. To register, visit www.hunterwater.com. au/theres.

NEW MOTORHOMES CARAVANS • CAMPERS CAMPERS CARAVANS MOTORHOMES NEW SOUTH WALES

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Police snapshot Petrol station held-up twice Police have released CCTV images after a service station in the South Maitland area was held-up twice in five days.

In both instances, a man entered the petrol station on Les Darcy Drive, South Maitland, armed with an axe and threatened the male attendant. The man then took cash from the till and fled the area. The attendant was not injured in either incident. The offences occurred about 3.30am on Friday 27 June and about 2.15am on Wednesday 2 July.

Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command are investigating both robberies and the man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries. is of Caucasian appearance, aged in his early 20s, with a thin build. He was wearing dark clothing and a beanie. Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page www1.police.nsw.gov.au.

Stockton cannabis set-up Police have charged a man after an extensive hydroponic cannabis set-up was located at a home in Stockton last week.

Over the last month, officers working from the Stockton Police Station have been investigating the production and supply of cannabis in and around Stockton.

At 8.30am on Thursday, a search warrant was executed at a house on Fullerton Street.

Police will allege that a hydroponic cannabis set-up was located and over 525gms of cannabis. The equipment and cannabis was seized. A 50-year-old man was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for cultivate

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prohibited plant and possess prohibited drug. He will appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 14 August 2014.

Charges over Windale break-in Police have arrested and charged teens after an alleged aggravated break-in at Windale early last Wednesday morning.

About 3am, a 60-year-old resident of a unit on South Street, awoke to see two people in his lounge room. As he approached them, he saw people flee. Police attended the location. The man informed officers that his car, a Mazda 4 and a packet of cigarettes, were stolen. A short time later, police received reports of a car allegedly doing burnouts on a cycle way on the end of Lake Street, Windale. A Mazda 4 was then reported alight on the cycle way. Investigators attended and found a Mazda 4 well alight, a search was commenced and three teens, aged 13,14 and 15 were arrested.

The 14-year-old was charged with aggravated break enter and steal, steal motor vehicle, destroy property by fire, be carried in stolen car, and unlicensed driving.

He was bail refused and appeared at a children's court last Thursday.

The 13-year-old was charged with aggravated break enter and steal, steal motor vehicle, destroy property by fire, be carried in stolen car, and unlicensed driving. He was given strict bail conditions to appear at a children's court on Monday 4 August 2014.

The 15-year-old will receive a youth caution for aggravated break enter and steal, steal motor vehicle, destroy property by fire, be carried in stolen car, and unlicensed driving.

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Nex market Saturday July 12 Speers Point Park, Speers Point from 8:00am

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• Hand-made craft artisans • Farmer elirect produce

• 100 StaJis per market

• Organic Produce

• Boutique Wineries

lake Macquarie City Farmers and Makers Market will

food is made, how to cook it and even taste-test while

jewellery makers and painters. Everything you need to

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markets of days gone by. Our gourmet food producers

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stalls selling the Hunter's best range of quality goods,

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You get to chat to the farmer, find out where your

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MAITLAND MATTERS

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Celebrate and enjoy NAIDOC Week activities CR PETER BLACKMORE Maitland City Council Mayor

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all council matters: maitland.nsw.gov.au

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Over

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the years I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in NAIDOCweek

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East Maitland: Stockland Green Hills (near Big W), 1 Molly Morgan Dr, 4933 0844. *Price complete with PENTAX standard single Avision lenses with scratch resistant coating. Multifocals and bifocals also available at an extra cost. Extra options not included. Price correct at time of print. Frames available while stocks last.

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It makes me proud as Mayor of Maitland to see so many people come together to celebrate NAIDOC Week by participating in the different events that recognise the original custodians of this land and the important role indigenous culture plays in modem Australia.

Our local celebrations include the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council's Family Fun Day and the Woodberry community's NAIDOC Family Day. These celebrations join thousands of similar events being held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2014 is Serving Country: Centenary & Beyond, which honours all Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in defence of our country.

Over the years I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in NAIDOC Week; it is an absolute joy to see the Aboriginal flag flyinghigh on the Council building as the Mindaribba tribe march by. Earlier this year I told you about the wonderful achievement of Council's administration trainee Gabriella Tamsett who was named Hunter TAFE's Trainee ofthe Year.

Council prides itself on nurturing young talent through its traineeship and apprenticeship programs and it really pleases me to bring you more good news about our young employees.

Fabrication apprentice Cameron Baxter was awarded the title of 2014 Apprentice ofthe Year for his trade and received a Certificate of Excellence from the Hunter Region Apprentice and Traineeship Advisory (HRATA) Committee.

He has also been selected to compete in the NSW State Awards program, which will be held in Sydney next month and we wish him all the best.

I am told that Cameron's achievements reflect his personal dedication to his apprenticeship, which he completed in 2013.

You can find out more information about Council's traineeship and apprenticeship program by visiting maitland.nsw.gov.au

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE BRIDGE WORKS MELVILLE FORD BRIDGE ON ABERGLASSLYN ROAD Melville Ford Bridge will undergo planned maintenance commencing Tuesday, 1 july 2014 for 2-3 months.

The bridge will be permanently closed from 7 july for 3 weeks till 28 july for replacement of girders. Once the girders are in place the bridge will be closed daily to traffic between 7.30am and 3.00pm for the following 9 weeks to allow for further maintenance work.

For enquiries please ring 49349608.

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-Brochures - Advertising Material - Newspapers & Magazines

Contact Post Newspapers today to speak to one of our experts about our competitive pricing. unrivalled quality and fast turnarounds Call4961 0310 and speak to Charles or Gary

the post

DAVID STEIN Owner & Manager of Fitec david@ fitec.com.au

Kids that can more readily identify fast food brands generally have higherBMls

HEALTH

MEDICAL

Why would an eightyear-old feel fat?

The facts on Hand, foot and mouth disease

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21St century, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The number of overweight children in Australia has doubled in recent years, with a quarter of children considered overweight or obese; and alanningly it seems like some children are stressing themselves out about it and taking matters into their own hands.

A study shows kids as young as eight are dissatisfied with their bodies. And the majority oflo- and n-year-olds are trying to control their weight. The report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies examined more than 4,000 children around the country. It found more than half of all the children they spoke to wanted a body size a bit thinner than the average.

A large number of eight to nine-year-old boys and girls were dissatisfied with their body size with many children wanting to be thinner than the average body size.

Why would an eight-year-old feel fat? It makes me wonder about the external influences our kids are subjected to from things like media ads, movies, tiny waisted Barbie dolls or the hugely muscled action figures.

Kids are sadly being guided on what is a 'normal' body type.

Interestingly another study from the University of Oregon showed the more your kids know about fast food brands the more likely they are to be overweight. The relationship between brand knowledge and body mass index (BMI) is "quite robust" says the report.

Researchers tested children aged three to five on their knowledge of various brands, including their ability to identify fast food logos and found that those who could identify them the most tended to have higher BMIs. Kids take in information constantly and can have difficulty separating fact from fiction. If you're not influencing the decisions and information your child learns and acts upon, there are plenty of companies too happy to help them make their mind up, and profit beats health on their priority list.

In the last few weeks we have seen a number of children presenting with Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

HFMD is generally a fairly mild illness but one which is highly contagious. It is commonly caused by a virus and can result in blistery sores on the child's hands, feet and inside the mouth (on the cheeks, gums and tongue).

Although the virus can affect people of any age, it is most common for symptoms to appear in children under 10 years of age.

This may be because most older children and adults have already been exposed to the virus at some point in their lives and have built up some immunity to it.

Some people, including children, can be exposed to the virus without developing symptoms.

When symptoms do occur they generally begin as small red spots on the skin around the hands, feet and inside the mouth, that later develop into blistery ulcers.

Some children may also develop a fever, headache and sore throat, become tired and irritable, and may go off their food.

Generally symptoms last for about 7-10 days. There is usually no specific treatment for HFMD, however symptomatic treatment, such as paracetamol for fever, headache and sore throat, can be useful.

Like chicken pox, the liquid inside the blisters is highly contagious, as is the child's saliva, nasal secretions and faeces.

Because of this, the virus is very easily spread from child to child, and this is why outbreaks can occur in child care settings.

To help stop the spread, it is advisable for any child with HFMD to stay away from other children until the blisters have completely dried up.

It is also advisable to let your child's school or child-care centre know that your child has HFMD so that they can advise other parents to be on the look-out for symptoms and help reduce the spread of the illness to other children.

Ifyou suspect that your child may have HFMD you should speak to your local doctor for advice, especially if fever or headache persists or if the symptoms are severe.

DR TONY ISAAC MBBS RACGP Kotara Family Practice admin@ kotarafamily practice.com.au www.kotarafamilypractice.com.au 49560888

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Inclusions: Fully-escorted from start to finish; return home transfers from Newcastle area; accommodation in Sydney the night prior to departure; return economy airfares and taxes; on-board ship gratuities; gratuities whilst touring (conds apply) - and MORE! To find out about all of our included extras, call 4972 1222 NOW! Enjoy the advantages of small group touring! Seats on this tour limited to 26 passengers. *Conditions apply - based on Redleaf on Rocky Mountaineer and obstructed Oceanview Stateroom on the Norwegian Jewel.

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Sheffield Shield cricket will return to Newcastle next year with the announcement that the NSW Blues will play host to Western Australia at No 1Sportsground from February25-28.

Council and Cricket NSW are in discussions around a longer term agreement which will see other major events and fixtures for Newcastle in future years, along with a plan to improve local cricket facilities.

Newcastle lord Mayor Cr Jeff McCloy said hosting a Sheffield Shield match is an exciting development for the city.

"This event will bring significant economic benefits to accommodation providers, restaurants, transport. and tourist attractions, as cricket fans journey to Newcastle to see this great match," said Cr Jeff McCloy.

"Hosting an NSW Blues match is a great opportunity to enhance the profile of cricket in Newcastle and to provide support to improve the infrastructure for grassroots cricket in the area. Council is pleased to partner with organizations such as NSW Cricket to bring major sporting events to Newcastle and the Hunter."

Council General Manager Ken Gouldthorp said Newcastle's ability to host major events, such as Shield Cricket, the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games last December, and the AFC Asian Cup 2015, has increased with recent and planned investment in transport and infrastructure and the development of the city as a desirable destination with restaurants, shopping, entertainment and night life.

o HUNTER FESTIVAL The nib Hunter Festival of Sport, organised by the Hunter Academy of Sport, continues until this Sunday, July 13.

The Hunter Festival of Sport has been conducted during the mid-year school vacation each year since 1991. The Festival has grown dramatically since its inception and now attracts thousands of participants both children and adults in come-and-try days and coaching clinics across 26 sports and activities.

By providing a friendly, welcoming and non-competitive environment. the Festival's objective is to encouraging people of all ages, cultures and abilities to involve themselves in sport and physical activity thus gaining the self-confidence and interest

they need to make these activities part of their ongoing lifestyle.

The success of the Festival is dependent upon the support of the sporting organisations in the Hunter region who organise and co-promote activities like "come and try" days, basic coaching clinics, general activities and programs etc.

Activities available for the remainder of the Festival include taekwondo, netball On Friday, Newcastle Knights legend Danny Buderus will be holding a coaching clinic at Newcastle No.2 Sportsground for children 6-17 years of age.

Check out www.hunteracademy.org.au for full information on the Festival including dates and times of specific events.

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the hunter post II www.ibehUDterpost.com.au

Sims times two for Knights Powerful forward Tariq released by Cowboys to join brother Korbin at club from next year â&#x20AC;˘ MATT LOGUE NEWCASTLEKNIGHTS.COM

ariq Sims will join brother Korbin at the Knights next season after the Cowboys forward was released from his contract to sign a two-year deal with Newcastle.

Sims has played more than 60 games for North Queensland, represented Country against City, played for Fiji and selected as an Emerging Blue. "We are obviously really pleased to sign Tariq, a powerful and competitive forward;' CEO Matt Gidley said.

"He comes to the club with plenty of football ahead of him but also with a lot of experience.

"Tariq will bolster our forward pack while also playing a significant role in the development of our young forwards coming through the system:' The Knights also added to their playing roster with the signing of Canberra Raiders forward Sam Mataora for the remainder of the 2014 season.

Meanwhile, Newcastle five-eighth Jarrod Mullen says he is thoroughly enjoying life in the halves with skipper Kurt Gidley, admitting the new combination has given him the inde-

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Tariq Sims (right) will join brother Korbln at the Knights next season. while the oldest of the NRIplaying brothers. Ashton (left) will depart the Cowboys for Warrington In England

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pendence to play his natural game. Mullen praised Gidley for helping him rediscover his best football in recent weeks.

"Kurt is definitely taking the pressure off me;' Mullen said. "He does a lot of talking out there and 1 can play my own natural game, so I'm loving playing alongside Gids at the moment:' On the back of victories over North Queensland and Parramatta, the Knights have moved up to 14th position on the competition table after 16 rounds.

While a finals berth remains an unlikely reality, Mullen says the playing group hasn't given up hope of playing in September. ''We're starting to build a bit of confidence around the group after those wins;' he said.

"I thought it was a real tough performance against Parramatta and our defence really held strong.

"Our attack has still got a little bit of work to go, but as long as we keep competing like that we are going to be in most games. ''We know we can score points when we need to, but it's just a matter of holding onto the ball and defending our tryline.

The Knights are in action this Sundayafternoon against the Cronulla Sharks at Remondis Stadium. Kick-off is 3pm.