Hunter Post November 26

WED 26 NOV 2014

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Turn over for your entertainment guide

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Trades & Services Tra Need help at your place this weekend? p.17

They swear MELISSAH COMBER

The Eurogliders

Indie pop legends back in town

Rail truncation under microscope p.3

A-League 2014/15 Winless Jets on the improve p.21

@melcomber

R

egan Payne and Jhon Barrios are the young faces of a generation that will not tolerate violence against women.

Regan, Year 8, and Jhon, Year 12, joined fellow Rutherford Technology High School students Nathan Merrick and Lachlan Forbes at Joy Global Rutherford yesterday (Tuesday), White Ribbon Day, to hold an awareness-raising barbeque. “I think that men, from my experience, are very violent against women, and women and children should be treated equally to men,� Jhon said. “I feel very proud to be an ambassador for White Ribbon, and I’m honoured to represent my school. “I don’t take this for granted.�

The students were joined by Maitland Neighbourhood Centre’s Nicole Cooney and Anton Allen and the centre’s White Ribbon ambassador, Merv Fullford.

With the White Ribbon Foundation saying that on average one woman is killed each week by a current and former partner, Ms Cooney said that it was time to take the message to where the men are. “In all our awareness-raising events we’re trying to engage men,� she said. “This is about building our community, and men are a fundamental part of our community.�

Joy Global’s Marketing Coordinator, Maree Cavanagh said that between 60 and 70 per cent

Rutherford Technology High School’s Regan Payne and Jhon Barrios, with Maitland Neighbourhood Centre’s (MNC) Anton Allen, White Ribbon Day ambassador, Merv Fullford, MNC’s Nicole Cooney and Joy Global’s Maree Cavanagh say no to violence against women of the 150 people on site were male, making the heavy machinery equipment provider an ideal place for exposure.

More information on local White Ribbon events can be found by searching ‘Maitland White Ribbon’ on Facebook.

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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

Searching for answers out of these senseless attacks

www.thehunterpost.com.au www.facebook.com/newcastlepost Editorial: editorial@newcastlepost.com.au Advertising: enquiries@newcastlepost.com.au Printed by: Spotpress Pty Ltd Editor: Paul Monforte Journalists: Stephen Bisset (TE), Amelia Parrott, Melissah Comber Sales Manager: Rhonda Campbell Sales: Glenda Peate, Gary Scott (Trades), Dan Hawkins (TE), Alison Hislop (Hunter), Jo Jones (Hunter), Administration: Lauren Pollard

Robyn Parker Member for Maitland

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opinion

paul.monforte@newcastlepost.com.au

4933 1617

www.robynparker.com.au

facebook.com/RobynParkerMP 34 Church Street Maitland NSW 2320 WW11422

Two incidents last week really make you lose faith in humanity.

Firstly, in our local area - the attack on the bus driver at Raymond Terrace after two passengers had been asked to get off after swearing and drinking alcohol.

The driver was punched and stomped on by one of the passengers.

It took a lot of guts for the driver to stand up for the safety and comfort of other customers, given that he probably knew what sort of response he was going to get.

He was simply doing his job and cops a beating for it.

The other hero was another passenger who came to the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance as the blows were raining down on him.

That takes real courage - you just wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what was going to happen to you as you stepped in to help.

The attacker could easily have turned his attention to the Good Samaritan and badly injured him.

The assailant is actually quite fortunate to be alive after raising a carving knife to a police officer when confronted.

As weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen from other cases recently, police will fire their guns in their safety is endangered.

Thankfully, the situation ended with the driver not being too badly injured.

PAUL MONFORTE Editor

Simply doing his job and cops a beating

A bizarre postscript to the incident was the attacker masturbating in front of a female in the police station cells.

The magistrate in the attackerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subsequent court appearance said that behaviour suggested methamphetamine use.

Apparently, this â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember commit these offences because he was drunk.

He admits that he did do it - another passenger filmed the incident and it clearly identifies him.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve written before that I just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand the lack of self-control some people have when out in public.

Yes, I realise that alcohol and possibly drugs were a factor in this case, but these cannot be used as excuses when your actions affect other people.

The other incident was the disgraceful attack on the 86-year- old man in Sydney after he had withdrawn money from an ATM. Where do you start in trying to make sense of this one?

Many of you would have seen the video footage of this disgraceful attack.

The victim is lucky to be alive and the attackers are very lucky not to be facing a murder charge.

The fact that one of the females arrested is a nurse, really shocked me.

Hopefully, she is not employed in that profession much longer.

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UPPER HOUSE INQUIRY

Shoebridge on the front foot

3

Greens MP hits out at rail truncation cost-benefit analysis during planning inquiry AMELIA PARROTT

@amelia_parrott

Greens MP, David Shoebridge says 2009 report supporting truncation of the rail line into Newcastle is “fundamentally flawed”

Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

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he truncation of the heavy rail line into Newcastle once again dominated discussion as the Upper House inquiry into planning in the Hunter continued on Friday.

Greens MP and deputy chair of the committee overseeing the inquiry, David Shoebridge delivered a scathing review of the cost-benefit analysis of the project, questioning why the 2009 study commissioned by the Hunter Development Corporation found that the University of Newcastle’s city campus development was contingent upon the rail line being cut when evidence suggested this was not the case.

Raising the issue with past president of the Hunter Business Chamber, Richard Anicich, Mr Shoebridge insisted that the business case for cutting the rail line was “fundamentally flawed”.

Mr Anicich stood by the finding of the report.

“I don’t think it is wrong,” he maintained.

“Regardless of what the 2009 report said, the fact is, here in 2014 that commitment has been made [by the university], that spend is happening and it should

be taken into account in the economic analysis.”

The University of Newcastle’s city campus development itself also came under scrutiny early in the day, with some on the panel questioning the decision to provide just five on-site parking spaces.

Director of infrastructure and facility services at the university, Allan Tracey said the university was relying on carpooling and park and ride initiatives to decrease the number of students and staff driving to the new city campus.

He said there would be a total of 366 dedicated off-site car spaces for commuters as well as more than 200 bicycle spaces on-site.

University of Newcastle, chief operating officer, Nat McGregor also addressed the panel.

He said he did not believe the university’s city campus development had ever been contingent on the rail line being cut.

A final hearing was held in Sydney at Parliament House on Monday, where representatives from the Department of Planning and Environment, UrbanGrowth NSW and the Property Council of Australia gave evidence.

A final report on the findings of the inquiry will be submitted to Parliament in March.

4

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

ABC cuts hit close to home

Reports than nine 1233 Newcastle staff will lose jobs as part of funding reductions

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AMELIA PARROTT

@amelia_parrott

M

uch- loved ABC Newcastle Afternoons presenter, Carol Duncan may be one of 400 ABC employees to lose their jobs nationally, in the wake of Government budget cuts announced last week.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed last week that $254 million would be slashed from the ABC’s budget over the next five years, while SBS’s funding will be reduced by $25.2 million.

Mr Turnbull said modernising backend operations would allow the Government to save money without reducing the quantity or quality of what Australians view and listen to on the ABC and SBS. “With the right reforms and leadership the ABS and the SBS will emerge from this process much stronger organisations, capable of generating even better value from the money Australians invest in their operation,” he said.

“If the management of the ABC think they cannot find a five per cent saving through efficiencies, they are selling themselves short and letting down the people of whose resources and trust they are the custodians.”

ABC Newcastle presenter, Carol Duncan interviews Communications Minister, Malcolm Turnbull Photo: Supplied More than 100 loyal viewers, readers and listeners of the ABC and SBS gathered in Civic Park in Newcastle last Wednesday to rally against the cuts.

Speaking at the rally, ABC Newcastle presenter, Paul Bevan said with the media landscape in decline locally, public funding was needed more than ever.

“Each week we look at our colleagues

and friends in the other media in this area, particularly, these days, at the Newcastle Herald, where almost every week there is another meeting discussing layoffs and making their opportunities of telling our local stories even smaller,” he said.

“At a time like this, it’s incredibly important that public funding is used in order

to make sure that this sort of thing can continue.”

ABC’s managing director announced on Monday that the broadcaster would be reducing its workforce by 10 per cent in order to absorb the budget cuts.

State editions of 7:30 on Friday nights will be scrapped, as well as Radio National’s Bush Telegraph program.

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STATE GOVERNMENT

5

No shortcuts on public health

Government defends management of air pollution despite Opposition concerns AMELIA PARROTT

@amelia_parrott

More than 10,000 Hunter residents have called for coal wagons to be washed and covered

bottom of trains. “A simple and relatively cheap solution might be to wash down the coal wagons by running them through some sort of wash or spray machine after

they have been emptied at the port so that there is no residual coal dust on the return journey up the valley,” he said.

“If a passenger train running along the

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he State Government will take a business as usual approach to managing air pollution in the Hunter region, after a 10,000- signature petition calling for coal wagons to be washed and covered failed to gain traction in Parliament last week.

Speaking to the petition she presented to Parliament earlier this month, Wallsend MP and Shadow Minister for the Hunter, Sonia Hornery said the Government needed to take the necessary steps to protect the health of Hunter residents.

“John Mackenzie from the Hunter Community Environment Centre said, ‘this is a serious public health issue,’. “’Uncovered coal trains expose the community to elevated levels of particle pollution and cause a range of cardiovascular and respiratory health problems,’.

“Members should keep this in mind because more than 30,000 people live within 500 metres of the coal corridor between Rutherford and the Port of Newcastle and 25,000 children attend school within that space.”

Cessnock MP, Clayton Barr said he was particularly concerned about the increasing levels of coal dust falling from the

tracks stirs up coal dust, if a wheat train running along the track stirs up coal dust and if an empty train running along the tracks stirs up coal dust, then the evidence suggests that the coal dust is in the tracks.

“We probably need to do something about that.”

Minister for Resources and Energy, Anthony Roberts, said the Government would continue to invest in evidencebased air quality monitoring and control.

“We will not take shortcuts that may prove to be costly and ineffective,” he said.

“We will continue to use a process of evidence - based gathering, analysis, option development, including cost benefit analysis and consultation with all our stakeholders.”

Mr Roberts pointed to the current Upper House inquiry into the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), its funding of air quality projects in the Hunter Valley and initiatives like the Interagency Taskforce on Air Quality and the Newcastle Community Consultative Committee on the Environment as evidence of the Government’s commitment to protecting the health of communities along the freight line.

The findings of the inquiry into the performance of the NSW EPA are due to be presented in February.

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The excitement is electric Maitland’s creativity to shine in Christmas lights competition MELISSAH COMBER

@melcomber

M

aitland, it’s time to bring out your best and brightest.

Councillors Nicole and Philip Penfold have kicked off their Christmas lights competition and are asking locals to send in photos of their high-voltage displays.

The competition was born from a Facebook page chronicling the city’s displays, which now has almost 3000 followers.

“Nic and I first established the Facebook page three years ago to show parents and grandparents where to take their kids to see Maitland’s great light displays,” Cr Philip Penfold said.

“As parents of two young boys we know the joy it gives them and we want to share that with the community.”

Pictures of the houses will be posted on Facebook, with a top three selected in late December which people will then vote on.

Mortgage Choice East Maitland has donated passes to the Hunter Valley Garden’s Christmas Lights Spectacular and Reading Cinemas as prizes.

To submit a house for consideration search for ‘Maitland Christmas Lights’ on Facebook.

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A Thornton man has been fined $750 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) after failing to comply with a clean-up notice.

EPA Acting Manager Regional Waste Compliance, Cate Woods said that officers inspected his property in December, 2013 and found building and demolition waste, including bricks and concrete.

The officers also found that two locations of the waste were within a natural watercourse.

A license needs to be obtained to hold waste that could damage the environment, which the man did not possess.

A clean- up notice was issued for the pollution threat to both land and water.

The clean-up notice required the man to provide a Waste Classification Report and a volumetric survey of the waste to the EPA, which would inform the EPA about the type and volume of waste present on site.

This information then determines the risk the waste presents to the environment and human health and the physical clean-up actions that are required.

Ms Woods said that the man was given an extended time period but did not comply, resulting in the fine being issued on October 31.

He will now receive another clean- up notice, and if he stills fails to comply may be issued with a second fine or prosecuted.

Residents can report their concerns regarding unlawful waste management to the EPA’s 24-hour environmental hotline on 131 555.

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Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

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Demolition waste leads to EPA fine

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

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Extra playground in plan

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n additional playground will be constructed in Maitland Park, following the adoption of the park’s masterplan by the city’s councillors. The plan, which was developed with a Plan of Management for the park, was open for public consultation in June and July, with changes made following the response.

The original plan included 654 new car spaces, the construction of a multipurpose sporting facility and outdoor fitness spaces as part of Council’s longterm vision for the park.

Development applications for a new netball amenities building and an indoor aquatic centre have already been accepted

by Council. Along with the playground, changes to the plan include additional amenities near the proposed central picnic area and renovations to the pool kiosk to allow more direct access from the main playground area.

Councillor Ben Whiting said the changes demonstrated the effectiveness of the consultation process.

“People have spoken about the importance of Maitland Park to the community - it shows that this is a sensible place to spend our money when the whole city uses it,” he said.

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MAITLAND MATTERS

9

Athletes ready to do our city proud CR PETER BLACKMORE Maitland City Council Mayor

I was

thrilled to be given the opportunity to wish our Team Maitland athletes good luck

PUBLIC NOTICES ADOPTION OF THE MAITLAND PARK PLAN OF MANAGEMENT AND MASTERPLAN

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all council matters: maitland.nsw.gov.au

Earlier this month I was given the great pleasure of presenting our Team Maitland athletes with their uniforms during their training session at Bolwarra Sporting Complex.

14 athletes from across the local government area will represent Maitland at the International Children’s’ Games (ICG), which are being held in Lake Macquarie from the 6 - 11 December 2014.

Nathaniel Rodway will represent Maitland in BMX, Askil Mathias, Maddison Masters, Hannah Bain, Lily Cains and Henry Edwards will represent Maitland in athletics and Lachlan Yates, Regan Payne, Jarrod Schwager, Harrison Gordon, Brock Humbles, Cameron Innes, Mathew McKenzie and Oliver Mather will represent Maitland in football.

Throughout the duration of the event Team Maitland will also be assisted by head delegate Virginia Rodway and coaches Helen Masters, Ian Mather, Neil Bainm and Mary Payne.

The ICG is the largest multi-sport youth games in the world and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to wish our Team Maitland athletes good luck ahead of the games.

I also want to take this opportunity to tell you about the wonderful time I had at the International Men’s Day Breakfast, which was held at Maitland Park Bowling Club on Wednesday 19 November.

The aim of the event was to provide a forum for men to discuss health and wellbeing issues, they face in their day to day lives.

Guest speakers included local radio presenter Todd Sergeant, John Manton and Peter Rose, who spoke about support services available to men, and Ambassador for the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance Michael Hagan, who I am sure all remember as the former Newcastle Knights coach.

This event was also a great opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the contributions men make, whether it be at work, home or in our wider community.

In accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Act , notice is hereby given that at its meeting on 11 November 2014 Council resolved to adopt the Maitland Park Plan of Management (PoM) and Masterplan.

The PoM and Masterplan provide direction for the future management of Maitland Park and provide Council Staff and the community with management policies, directions and priorities, whilst identifying responsibilities for implementation.

Copies of the PoM and Masterplan are available to view at Council’s Administration Building, High Street, Maitland during normal opening office hours or on Council’s website at maitland.nsw.gov.au Further enquiries should be directed to Amanda McMahon, Acting Recreation Planning Coordinator, on 4934 9717 or via email at amandam@maitland.nsw.gov.au

NOTICE OF ADOPTION – AMENDMENT TO THE MAITLAND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN 2011 WATERFORD COUNTY NORTH PRECINCT PLAN Pursuant to clause 21(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, notice is hereby given that at its meeting of 11 November 2014, Council resolved to adopt the amendment to the Maitland Development Control Plan to include the Waterford County North Precinct Plan.

The amendment provides development guidelines and controls for future urban development of the Thornton North Urban Release Area within the Waterford County North Precinct.

The amendment comes into effect on the date of this public notice, being 26 November 2014.

The amendment may be viewed or purchased at the Customer Service Counter of Council, 285–287 High Street, Maitland. The DCP chapter can also be viewed online at maitland.nsw.gov.au/PlanningDevel/DCPs Further enquiries should be directed to Mark Roser on 4934 9848.

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RATES & RECOVERY QUARTERLY RATE INSTALMENT NOW DUE Ratepayers are reminded that the 2nd Quarterly Instalment is due on or before 30 November 2014. Payments received after this date will attract daily interest charges at the rate of 8.5% per annum. Customers who have arranged payment

by Direct Debit will have their account debited on 28 November 2014.

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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE HARD GRIME MUSIC FESTIVAL, MAITLAND GAOL The ‘Hard Grime Music Festival’ is to be held at Maitland Gaol on 21 March 2015.

Maitland City Council proposes the following temporary road closure in East Maitland for this event. The closure is detailed below for public exhibition and comment: • John Street, East Maitland from roundabout on Morpeth Road to Maitland Gaol entry gates.

11am to 11.30pm on Saturday, 21 March 2015 Comments relating to the running of the event itself (not related to road closure or traffic management) should be forwarded in writing, addressed to the General Manager, Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland 2320, endorsed ‘Hard Grime Music Festival 2015 – File 150/5’. The closing date for comments relating to the special event is 4pm on 10 December 2014.

Comments relating to the temporary road closure can also be forwarded in writing (addressed to the General Manager at the above address), endorsed ‘Hard Grime Music Festival 2015 – Temporary Road Closure – File 122/944’.

The closing date for comments relating to the road closure/traffic management is 1pm on 24 December 2014.

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David Evans General Manager 285–287 High Street, PO Box 220 Maitland NSW 2320 t 02 4934 9700 info@maitland.nsw.gov.au

Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

Interested residents are welcome to attend.

Next meeting: 9 DECEMBER – 5.30pm

Police snapshot

10

local news

Cessnock break and enter Police are appealing for information after a 70-year-old man was injured during a break and enter in Cessnock earlier this week.

About 12.30pm on Monday 17 November 2014, the victim was asleep in his home on Shedden Street. The man woke to find two men inside his house looking for money.

After confronting the men, the 70-year-old occupant has begun to fight them and after a short struggle, forced them out of his home. Police have been told the pair ran away empty-handed.

As a result of the fight, the victim suffered minor injuries to his hands and face.

Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command were called to the house at 4pm and established a crime scene.

Detectives would now like to speak with two men who may be able to assist with inquiries. One of the men is described as being of Caucasian appearance, thin build, in his mid 20s and 175cm to 180cm tall. He wore a black hooded jumper with the hood pulled tight over the face. He was unshaven with blond whiskers.

The second man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his mid 20s, 170cm to 175cm tall with a thin build, and was wearing a grey hooded jumper.

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Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

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A man has been charged over an alleged attack on a bus driver in Port Stephens last week.

About 5.45pm on Wednesday two men were passengers on a bus travelling to

Port Stephens. Police will allege during the course of the trip the bus driver spoke to the two men regarding their use of offensive language on the bus.

At Adelaide Street bus stop in Raymond Terrace one of the men got off the bus. At the next bus stop the other was asked to leave the bus, due to his behaviour, and refused to comply with this request.

The 44-year-old bus driver called for assistance on his two-way radio.

The man has allegedly destroyed the radio cord, punched the driver a number of times and hitting him over the head with a full bottle of alcohol. The driver has fallen to the floor and the man has continued to attack him. Passengers on the bus have attempted to assist the driver and the man ran from the area.

He was followed to Parkway Avenue, Raymond Terrace by a witness who called police. A fight allegedly occurred at this location between the man and others which stopped prior to police arrival.

Police attended and attempted to arrest the man who allegedly threatened police with a knife. Police drew their firearm and he dropped the knife. After a short struggle he was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

A 28-year-old Waratah man has been charged with malicious damage, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, use weapon to avoid apprehension, assault police and resist arrest.

He was refused bail and appeared at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Thursday.

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Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

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local news

Mai-Wel’s chills are multiplying

Rehearsals are in full swing for Mai-Wel’s production of Grease...

MELISSAH COMBER

@melcomber

T

here won’t be an appearance from John Travolta or Olivia Newton-John in this production of Grease…, but there’ll be the next best thing.

The production, a spectacular presented by The Mai-Wel Group’s Creative Arts Program, will feature cameos by Maitland Musical Society, Maitland High School and Weston Public School in an all-inclusive celebration of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

IDPwD, held on December 3, is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with a disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being.

Grease… will see 10 participants from the Mai- Wel program perform songs from the popular musical, tied together by a loose narrative thread, which MaiWel’s creative arts coordinator, Steve

Burchill, said makes the production accessible. “It’s all about providing an inclusive arts community in the Maitland area,” he said.

“It’s very exciting to do something that gives the guys an opportunity to be seen as artists in their own right and to be able to share the stage.”

Mai-Wel will also be holding pARTy in the Park again this year, following the success of last year’s event.

The free day, to be held on Friday, December 5, will feature activities around the theme of technology, including a pop-up recording studio and stopmotion animation, as well as stalls from local service providers. pARTy in the Park will held from 10:30 to 1:30 in Maitland Park, across from St Paul’s Church.

Grease… will be at Maitland Town Hall on Wednesday, December 3 at 7pm.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from Mai-Wel reception on 4932 8599, or email maiwel@maiwel.com.au.

Exercise for the whole family

Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

LUKE HISLOP

WW14267

For some enthusiasts its a business-like outing as they embark on their clockstopping journey, for others it’s a leisurely meander on a Saturday morning set amidst picturesque surrounds.

Having recently celebrated 12 months since its inception in the region, Maitland parkrun continues to surge in popularity, as hundreds of weekend warriors lace up the joggers for their morning fix of fitness.

Held within the scenic grounds of Walka Water Works, the five- kilometre course provides the community with an avenue to band together on an ongoing basis by embracing the great outdoors, whilst increasing the physical activity.

Event director, David Dungavell, said it was entirely up to the individual on how they approached the run. “[parkrun] its a not- for- profit organisation; first and foremost it’s a community event, it’s put on by volunteers for the community and it provides everyone in the community an opportunity to come along on a weekly basis at Walka Water Works and complete a five- kilometre course which they can complete at a speed that they are comfortable with,” he said.

“We get a lot of walkers, we get a lot of people who walk and jog, and we get quite a few people who will run the whole course.”

Dungavell said parkrun also provided parents the opportunity to engage in physical activity with their children, together with the added benefit of the event being finished by 9am.

“We get a lot of families attending, there’s a lot of strollers that get pushed around every week, so we get whole families turn up and get their exercise and move on with the day,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful location, I suspect the community was looking for something apart from organised sport or gymnasiums, and this is something where you can get out and there’s nothing to pre-qualify you, you can just turn up and walk or run, it’s open to the whole community.”

On average, 250 to 300 people take part in Parkrun each Saturday morning, with a record 495 participants setting the benchmark for attendance earlier this year.

To enter parkrun, register at www. parkrun.com.au whereby a barcode will be issued to identify as a participant. parkrun, which is free to enter, takes place at Walka Water Works every Saturday morning at 8am.

13

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Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

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COMMUNITY

So much more than just a sidekick

cessnock

LUKE HISLOP

A

s the old chestnut goes, a dog is a man’s best friend.

A mateship built on loyalty and trust. A sidekick to talk shop with whereby your viewpoint is gospel.

For Cessnock’s Neil Watt, his four-legged mate also provides him with guidance, quite literally.

But his assistant isn’t the typical breed you would expect to see navigating the streets and providing support to the visually-impaired.

His trusty offsider is a six- year- old Tenterfield Terrier named D4.

The 65- year- old, who is legally blind, enrolled D4 into a training regime similar to a guide dog, however the program wasn’t accredited.

Because the training D4 undertook wasn’t certified, it therefore restricted the places that Mr Watt and his wife could officially go.

However, that hurdle has now been overcome and D4 is free to roam wherever his owner wishes to go.

“We got him as a pup and he started showing some talents,” Mr Watt said.

“I’m ex- military and also ex- security and I asked a couple of the dog handlers

Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

Oil initiative The Healthier Oils Initiative continues to gain momentum and increased recognition with the addition of its promotional slogan, ‘Is it time for an oil change?’ on the back window of a local Rover Coaches bus.

The Cessnock LGA Healthier Oils Initiative is managed by a local working party including representatives from Cessnock City Council, the Heart Foundation NSW, Hunter New England Local Health District, Coalfields Healthy Heartbeat (Samaritans Foundation), Peden’s Hotel and KFC (Cessnock). It is also endorsed by the Cessnock Healthy Lifestyle Network.

Shayne Herring, member of the Healthier Oils Working Party, said the bus advertisements were designed to raise the profile of the healthier oils initiative locally.

“We are hoping that the bus ad will not only get the attention of local food business owners but also encourage the general community to get on board.”

The initiative encourages local businesses to permanently switch to healthier frying oils in the interest of heart health and respond to customer demand for healthier food choices. Environmental Health Officers from Cessnock City Council are working with local food businesses to make the oil change by providing information, education and incentives.

Community members are encouraged to support the campaign by requesting their favourite local take-away, café, restaurant, pub, or club use healthier frying oils.

Consumers can pick up an ‘Is it time for an oil change?’ postcard from Cessnock City Council or the Samaritans. For more information visit www.heartfoundation. org.au or contact Council’s Environmental Health Team on 4993 4100.

from those industries to have a look at him and they said encourage him and get him trained up and then get him certified and after a fairly lengthy process it got done.”

Even though he was trained, the absence of a certification certificate prevented D4 from being classified as an assistance dog.

Not only does D4 now have accreditation, he’s also got an overseas passport.

“He’s got a certificate as an internationally qualified, trains, boats and planes vision aid and as far as we’ve been able to find out, he’s the only fully qualified small breed visionary anywhere - in NSW at least,” Mr Watt said.

“I go everywhere with him, everywhere I go I must have him, I feel very insecure without him and to see him in car park he’s just magic. If a car door is open in a car park, that car is active to him [so] he stops me from going near it.”

Mr Watt’s wife, Sylvia, who has a physical impairment, is also reaping the benefits of D4’s accreditation.

“She’s a stroke victim as well, one of her side effects was aphasia, [which means] she cannot communicate,” Mr Watt said.

“Once he was qualified I could go with my wife to do the talking for her.”

When asked about the choice of names for his canine companion, Mr Watt said that “it’s a military thing”.

Cessnock’s Neil Watt and D4 preparing for an outing

EDUCATION

Calling all junior pirates Libraries conducting free themed storytime event

P

arents, carers and children are invited to help celebrate the launch this year’s summer reading program at Cessnock and Kurri Kurri libraries with a special Pirate Storytime event on Thursday night.

Cessnock Library’s children’s services officer, Sandy Ryan, said she was particularly looking forward to the event, having attended her job interview for her position at the library in a pirate suit.

“I can’t remember why I did it, but it obviously worked in my favour and I got the job,” Ms Ryan said.

“We will be telling some pirate tales and singing some pirate sea shanties, followed by a pirate feast and the chance for ye mateys to make their very own pirate captain hat,” Ms Ryan said. Pirate Storytime is a free family event aimed at children aged two to eight years, but older and younger siblings are more than welcome to join in the fun.

Pirate Storytime will be held at both Kurri Kurri and Cessnock libraries from 5.30pm to 6.30pm this Thursday, November 27. Book can be made by calling Cessnock Library on 4993 4399 or Kurri Kurri Library on 4937 1638.

Normal Storytime and Rhymetime events are held weekly. Check out the library events calendar (www.cessnock. gov.au/library) or contact the libraries for details.

Cessnock Library’s children’s services officer, Sandy Ryan gets into the pirate spirit

Sportsground given a touch-up for Japanese

LUKE HISLOP

B

efore guests arrive, there’s typically some sprucing- up of the joint that usually takes place.

With the welcome mat and red carpet on standby, further elbow grease is necessary prior to the much anticipated arrival of reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Japan to Cessnock.

In preparation, Cessnock City Council will spend $30,000 to address mandatory stadium enhancements; funding which was approved at last week’s council meeting.

In a bid to provide leverage to the region in the build- up to the Asian Cup, the council has also allocated $20,000 to marketing, which they hope will even enhance visitation post-tournament.

Collectively, the $50,000 outlay met with great support, with councillors viewing the visit from the Japanese team as the prefect opportunity to showcase the region on an international scale.

The Samurai Blue will arrive in the coalfields early in the new year, with Cessnock Sportsground chosen as the team’s training compound ahead of

their first round match in Newcastle on January 12.

In order to comply with precompetition venue requirements, the sportsground must undergo some modifications.

These include turf preparation, floodlighting, goal posts, the covering of current advertising and screen fencing for privacy.

Cessnock City Council Recreation Coordinator, Greg Chapple, is overseeing the preparation of the field at Cessnock Sportsground.

With the early onset of summer, the playing surface has been watered every second day, keeping the former greenkeeper and his team on their toes.

“We have already removed the league goalposts and the old excess grass and aerated and de- thatched both fields,” Chapple said.

“Today we are working on the top dressing. This involves showering the field with a thin layer of soil to level the lawn and build it up to its desired level.

“Both fields have also been fertilised, chemically treated and rolled.”

The modifications and finishing touches to Cessnock Sportsground will be completed by late December.

Local RSL sub-branches met with Federal Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon and Cessnock City Council representatives last Friday to discuss arrangements for the 2015 Centenary of Anzac.

The Centenary of Anzac marks a century of service and sacrifice, encompassing all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations in which Australian have been involved.

“This is such an important milestone for our country, we want to make sure we do it justice,” Cessnock Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent said.

15

“We are working with the Abermain, Branxton, Cessnock, Greta, Kurri Kurri and Weston RSL sub- branches to ensure they are given the chance to mark this important occasion within our local communities,” Cr Pynsent said.

The meeting was the second between all relevant groups with a report to be provided to Council at its meeting on Wednesday, December 10 outlining the outcome of discussions and allowing planning to mark the Centenary to progress.

Information on the Anzac Centenary can be viewed at www.anzaccentenary.gov.au

&HVVQRFN &DUROV LQ WKH 3DUN

cessnock

Cessnock City Council recreation coordinator, Greg Chapple at Cessnock Sportsground

Preparations well advanced for Anzac Day ceremonies

Proudly dl supported t d by b Newcastle N tl Permanent P t and Cessnock City Council

Cessnock TAFE grounds Thursday 4 December 2014 6.00 – 8.30pm

MC Tara Naysmith

Cessnock Mayor, Cr Bob Pynsent, invites you to a funfilled family evening of local entertainment not to be missed!

Bring your picnic blanket and seats, but please leave your alcohol and glass at home.

Santa will make a special visit!

For more information please visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au or call Council on 02 4993 4210.

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Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

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16

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE LORI HOPLEY

Dr TONY ISAAC

DAVID PERROTT

Owner/Director of Feast For Health Dietitians

MBBS RACGP Kotara Family Practice

Director of Advisers to Growing Business

Switching to decaf

Touching on tinea

No matter how many antioxidants tea and coffee may claim to have, the regular varieties of both contain caffeine which is not healthy for your body in many ways.

Tea contains around one third to one half of the caffeine of standard coffee. Many factors affect the caffeine content of tea including the variety, grade and brewing time and temperature.

So, is decaf better? Well, the answer is - it depends how it is decaffeinated.

Decaffeinated coffees vary based on the decaffeination method used. Many use chemical solvents to strip the caffeine from the coffee bean. And some leave behind more caffeine than you would expect.

The Swiss Water Process is 100% chemical free. It works by hydrating the green coffee been with pure water. Then through counter current extraction and carbon filtering the beans become 99.9% caffeine free.

The current commercially available methods for decaffeinating black tea primarily use chemicals known as ethyl acetate or methylene chloride. The European method uses only harmless carbon dioxide.

Some easily available naturally decaffeinated coffees and teas include: Global Cafe Direct® Decaffeinated Organic Coffee Ground and Fairtrade® Organic Decaffeinated Rich Earthy Coffee. Plus a huge range of herbal teas that are natural caffeine free to begin with! (eg. camomile, peppermint, lemon, etc).

Recent hot weather has inspired many of us to become more active, but unfortunately it has brought with it an increase in cases of tinea and other fungal infections.

Tinea is a common skin infection. It is contagious, spread by skin to skin contact and sometimes indirectly, like from communal showers or locker rooms.

Tinea loves warm moist environments, so naturally it is most likely to occur on the feet, in the groin, scalp and under breasts, but it can occur anywhere. It can even occur in finger nails or toe nails.

Tinea can look like a red flaky rash that can sometimes cause the skin to split or peel, especially around the feet and toes. It can be itchy and sometimes it forms little blisters. Occasionally the rash can form a circular pattern and is commonly called ringworm. But rest assured that there are no tiny worms wriggling around in your skin, only fungus causing the infection. When the nails are affected they can develop a yellow or white discolouration. When tinea develops on the head, bald spots can occur.

To avoid getting tinea make sure you dry off thoroughly after washing, especially your feet before you put socks or stockings on. Wear clothes made with natural fibres as synthetics make you sweat more. Talk to you doctor to help confirm the diagnosis as some conditions like dermatitis or psoriasis can sometimes look similar. There are many over the counter antifungal creams that are effective at treating tinea.

COMMUNITY

NOTICE BOARD

editorial@newcastlepost.com.au The Post, 19 Pearson St, Charlestown NSW 2290

Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

BERESFIELD AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CARE: Meals, domestic assistance, home maintenance, including lawn mowing, social support, centre-based daycare, shopping, transport, flexible food options, personal care to frail, aged and disabled people to assist them to remain in their own homes.

Ph: 4964 1131. www.beresfieldcommunitycare.org.au CENTRAL HUNTER COMMUNITY RADIO: Voice media for the community of the Central Hunter area. Broadcasts on 96.5FM cover Cessnock, Maitland, Pokolbin, Rothbury, Wollombi and the Quarrobolong valley.

Ph: 4990 5965.

COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION: BranxtonGreta branch - meeting 9.30am first Thursday at 2 John Rose Avenue, Branxton. Secretary: Marie Shearer 6574 7174.

Cessnock branch - meeting 1pm second Tuesday at 163 Vincent St, Cessnock. Secretary: Betty Holdcroft 4990 9880.

Cessnock evening branch - meeting 7pm first and third Monday at 163 Vincent St, Cessnock.

Secretary: Joy Potts 4990 5420.

East Maitland branch - meeting 10am first Wednesday (second and fourth Wednesday

craft and friendship) at 162 George St, East Maitland. Secretary: Sharyn Buck 0410 694 910.

Maitland branch - meeting 10am first Monday at 46 Church St, Maitland. Secretary: Christine Meyers 4933 2842.

Maitland City evening branch - meeting 7pm second Wednesday at 163 George St, East Maitland.

Paterson branch - meeting 9.30am at St Columba’s Hall, Church and Prince Sts, Paterson. Secretary: Catherine Walsh 4938 5585.

EAST MAITLAND ANGLICAN CHURCH: Play Time meets in the Ministry Centre, 47 William Street, East Maitland every Friday in term time for pre-school children and their carers from 10 am – 12 noon. Everyone welcome.

HOPE VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Playtime for children under six. Thursday mornings 9.30am to 11.30am during school terms at 9 Hall St, Cessnock.

Mums, bring your kids along each week for a fun morning of play and activities, and get to know other local mums. All welcome. Ph: 4991 1603 KURRI YOUTH CENTRE: Free youth service for those who live in the Kurri Kurri and Cessnock area and who are aged 12-18.

It offers a safe and friendly environment for young people to have fun, learn about themselves, develop a supportive network and increase their skills.

Services include: drop-in centre, case management, in-school programs, advice and referrals, general support, excursions, school holidays activities, education and training and living skills development.

251 Lang Street, Kurri Kurri. Ph: 4937 4555 LIONS CLUB MEETINGS: Cessnock Wine Coun-

Love what you do I was fortunate enough to watch the Rolling Stones in concert recently. What was fantastic to see, apart from the fact they were performing at the age they are, was the fact that they were really enjoying themselves on stage.

I started thinking how this worked in business. You really need to love what you do. You must be able to get up every morning with a smile on your face and cheerily head to the office, ready to face a fantastic new day.

How do you make this happen? Is it like a band? Are they just lucky because they play music? Firstly, it is not just luck. Music is a business and they have worked very hard to be successful at it. Hours of practice, lots of rejection, heaps of pain and lots of joy. When I look at the secrets of success in their business I see: Surround yourself with a good team. Make sure each team member is contributing to their maximum. Ensure the team is working together for a common goal. Know what you are good at. Concentrate and/or do only what you are good at. Engage others to do the “other bits”. Set clear requirements for these people in line with the common goal. Keep the others you have engaged accountable.

If you are not loving what you do each day, then take control. You are the master of your own destiny.

try - First Thursday of the month, 6.30pm at Cessnock Supporters Club, Darwin St. Contact: Sue Burns 4990 5020.

East Maitland - First and third Wednesday of the month at Easts Golf and Leisure Club, Tenambit Street, East Maitland. Contact: Pauline 4933 7085.

Kurri Kurri - First and third Monday of the month at Station Hotel, Coronation Street, Kurri Kurri. Contact: 0450 084 030.

Maitland - Second and fourth Monday of the month, 6.30pm at Maitland Park Bowling Club, 138 Elgin St. Contact: Kevin 4938 5767.

MAITLAND COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES: Not for profit community-managed business providing a range of services to support frail, aged and younger people with a disability to remain living at home within the Maitland Local Government Area. Services include: disability support, home maintenance, Meals on Wheels, domestic assistance, social support services, personal care and community transport. Office location: Units 3-6, 27 Johns Street, Telarah. Ph: 4932 5755 MAITLAND NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE: Garage sale to raise funds for the Woodberry breakfast program, Wednesday, December 3 starting at 10am in the Noel Unicomb Hall, Kookaburra Parade, Woodberry. More details can be found through the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre) or by calling 49320950.

MAITLAND YOUTH CRISIS CENTRE: Accommodation service for young people aged 12-17 years who need somewhere to stay for a short time while they look for a more permanent place to live.

The Maitland Youth Crisis Centre provides accommodation for up to eight young people at a time for up to 12 weeks. Staff available 24 hours a day. Ph: 4933 9330

MEN’S SHEDS - HUNTER CLUSTER: Branxton Greta - 47a Branxton St, Greta.

Ph: 4938 1553.

Cessnock - located via aged care facility, off Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba. Ph: 4990 1198.

Kurri Kurri - Lang St, Kurri Kurri access via Ex-Services Club car park. Ph: 4937 1566.

Maitland - Jubilee Street, East Maitland. Ph: 4934 1293.

ROTARY CLUB MEETINGS: Cessnock - Thursdays, 6.30pm at Potters Hotel, Wine Country Drive Cessnock Wine Country - Mondays, 6.30pm at Cessnock Leagues Club, 1 Darwin St. East Maitland - Tuesdays, 6.15pm at St. Peters Church Hall, Banks Street, East Maitland.

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BASKETBALL

19

Familiar face back to steer Mustangs

I

f you dig through the chronicles of the Maitland Mustangs in an attempt to reveal the coaches who are responsible for making the playoffs, you’ll only find one name.

The lone coach who can accept credit for the Mustangs reaching such heights during the club’s tenure is Luke Boyle.

So when the time came to appoint a replacement for outgoing coach Larry Davidson, it was only fitting that Boyle’s application be accepted with open arms.

The 34- year- old will captain- coach the Mustangs in 2015, in what will be his second stint in the dual role.

“I kind of felt like I had to get back into it,” Boyle said. “Its hard to find someone from the area whose got as much invested in it as what I did because I’ve been in the top team since I was 15.

“I’ve been the only coach to get to the playoffs in Maitland’s history, so I couldn’t stand going through another season to be honest where I didn’t make it, especially with such talented guys, so I thought I would jump back in.”

Boyle said the Mustangs’ 2015 assault will be spearheaded by US imports Mitch Rueter and Terrell Turner, with the duo committing to another season having taken a shining to the lifestyle in the Hunter.

Sydney recruit Goran Veg is back on deck for his second year, while former Mustangs player Matthew Dick will don the singlet again having been lured back following Boyle’s appointment.

Despite the artillery at his disposal, Boyle said one of his key objectives for the season ahead was to give up and coming players vital game time and exposure.

“The other big focus I’ve got is, I know I can’t keep playing forever and I want to develop some of these younger guys so they can be at the strength where they are competitive within the league and start stepping- up and playing a few more minutes,” he said.

Boyle captain- coached the Mustangs for four years from 2009 onwards, which encompassed the team reaching their maiden grand final appearance in the Waratah Championship League.

The Boyle name has never being too far detached from the Mustangs during the years, nor has Tim Mallon, who will be

sport

LUKE HISLOP

Maitland Mustangs captain-coach, Luke Boyle assistant coach. “Part of the decision that made it easier was Timmy putting his hand up and saying he would help me out,” Boyle said.

“From a coaching prospective, he’s been a bit of a mentor to me when I first started coaching, he helped me out a lot when I first decided to get into it.

“We think alike and we’ve both got a lot invested in the club; we’ve got an idea of

where we would like to get the standard to, all the way through from seniors to juniors, and I think together we can make it fairly successful.

“We want a championship really, we think we’ve got enough fire power to do it.”

The season, which commences in late February, has being brought forward to avoid teams playing double-headers during the weekend.

RUGBY UNION

Teaching the fundamentals Rugbytots program developing skills while keeping local kids fit and active LUKE HISLOP

W

hen canvassing the junior sports available to register his son in, Shaun Weidemann was left with little to

The Rugbytots program is available across the Hunter region sports because he was too young and Rugbytots caters for kids aged between two and seven- years- old and I thought it would be a good thing for kids to get involved in and basically get them out and running instead of sitting in front of the

TV or in front of their iPads or laptops,” he said.

“Its basically teaching kids the core fundamental motor skills in a rugby environment and also teaching them the importance of team work and how to play

Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

no options.

That problematic scenario was put to rest after his mate informed him about Rugbytots - a global franchise catering specifically for children aged from two up to seven-years-old.

Given his affinity to rugby during his tender years growing-up in South Africa, Weidemann openly welcomed the concept, so much so that he’s become a franchisee and now runs classes at various locations.

The namesake might bring to light the logic behind the program, though there’s more to Rugbytots than learning the fundamentals of the game.

Established in the UK in 2006, Rugbytots is designed to enhance children’s physical, psychological and social attributes.

Weidemann, who now calls Thornton home, said getting children outdoors also formed an integral part of the program.

“At the time my son couldn’t play any

in a team and also making new friends and just having some fun.”

Rugbytots has expanded into multiple areas such as Maitland, Thornton, Newcastle and Nelson Bay. He said he would like to broaden the reach further throughout the Hunter Valley, however lacked the manpower to oversee the additional branches.

Rugbytots caters for a variety of age groups including - two to three-and-a-half years, from three- and- a- half to five and from five to seven years.

Weidemann said one of the big drawcards for parents was the strong focus on enforcing discipline.

“That’s what a lot of parents like, they like the discipline behind it, we reiterate that once you’re on the field you always need to listen to the whistle, you don’t try and play up or anything like that, you always listen to the referee and respect the whistle,” he said.

Rugbytots runs concurrently with each school term and breaks during the holidays.

For any parents interested in enrolling their children, along with any coaches wanting to get involved, contact Weidemann on 0403 419 340.

20

CRICKET

Blazing a trail on the pitch

sport

Young Maitland leg-spinner on equal terms in local first grade competition LUKE HISLOP

E

ven before bowling a single ball, Maisy Gibson had brought cause for rewriting the history books.

Now, the 18- year- old is endeavouring to etch her name in the records for her on-field exploits.

Never before in the 120- year history of the Maitland and District Cricket Association competition has a female taken to the field in a first grade fixture - that was until Gibson entered the fold.

Having been initially selected to play in Western Suburbs’ (Plovers) lower grades, the former NSW under- 17 representative was promptly elevated to the first XI, where she debuted against defending premiers Northern Suburbs in round four.

“At the start of the week I was down for third grade, and then on Wednesday I was down for second grade, then on Thursday I got a call to ask whether I would like to play [first grade],” Gibson said.

“I’ve played all different grades at the club and everyone is really supportive and they get right behind you and it’s just a good atmosphere to be around.”

Maisy Gibson is the first female to play first grade in the Maitland cricket competition The leg- spinner was denied a wicket on debut, having had two catches dropped off her bowling to finish with 0-43 from 10 overs.

Despite the missed opportunities Gibson was far from bitter, instead direct taking aim at her own bowling.

“I had two dropped catches, but I wasn’t too upset about it because they both weren’t very good balls, they were quite short, so they probably should’ve went for four,” she said.

In what will surely be a memorable photo reserved for the pool room, Gibson was

presented with her first grade cap by her older brother Abe - a former Plovers player.

Plovers’ president and regular first grader, Andrew Trappel, said the presentation of the cap had come at the request of the debutant.

“Maisy made the comment to me if it was ever going to happen [making her first grade debut] that Abe would have to be there to present her with her cap, that’s what she wanted and that happened,” he said.

Gibson spent last week in Sydney trailing for the NSW under-18 team, with the squad set to be announced on December 22.

She did her selection chances no harm, taking a total of six wickets and also contributed nicely with the bat, notchingup scores of 35, 72 and five respectively during the three days.

Before suiting up for the Plovers, she plays for the Flamingos - an independent all-girls team that plays in the Maitland and District Cricket Association competition.

After a full day of cricket on Saturday, her focus quickly turns to Sunday’s fixture where she travels down the M1 to play first grade for a combined Sydney University and UNSW women’s side.

TRIATHLON

Community out in force for Mel LUKE HISLOP

Wednesday 26 November 2014 the hunter post

T

hey turned up in their droves to run, ride, but above all, rally behind one of their own.

Enticed by the foresight of the Maitland Triathlon Club (MTC), fitness enthusiasts converged on Maitland Park on Sunday, briefed with the knowledge that they were Moving for Mel. Held in conjunction with the club’s monthly meeting, the association instigated a fundraising initiative to support one of their foundation members, Melanie Sexton, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in late May. The former Australian junior representative has endured a turbulent time of late, having undergone a bone marrow transplant, not to mention several bouts of chemotherapy prior to the operation.

Her brother Brendan, a London Olympian, returned to the familiar surrounds of Maitland Park to take part in the fundraiser, along with fellow international triathlete and MTC junior Aaron Royle.

“The support that we’ve received, not only today but during Mel’s illness has just been overwhelming,” Brendan said.

“A week ago she had a bone marrow transplant, so she’s had a donor from the UK, she had a close match with her bone marrow so that took a bit of organising.

“After three bouts of chemotherapy she’s gone in for the transplant and a week later she’s doing pretty well, everything seems to be going okay, she just really wants to get out of the hospital room and start her recovery as soon as she can.”

Brendan said his sister was acutely aware of the continued support stemming from the area and from the whole triathlon community.

Despite Melanie’s penchant for physical activity and leading a healthy lifestyle, Brendan said nobody is immune from cancer.

“That’s the thing with cancer and leukaemia in particular, it doesn’t really discriminate - Mel has always liked to keep active and she’s never really moved away from that competitive nature that she had as a kid, so really she sees this as another challenge,” he said.

“It’s not something that you would want to wish upon someone, but Mel’s the sort of person who if she wants to beat it, she’ll give it her best shot.”

Brendan and Royle, who are both based in Wollongong, donated apparel from their

Brendan Sexton (left) and Aaron Royle with one of their donated items international duties to the list of auction items on offer.

But the revenue-raiser that sparked most rumble was the meticulously manicured crop of Brendan.

Sporting more highlights than a David Beckham showreel, the peroxide hair do bolstered by an abundance of brylcreem, was in danger of facing extinction.

“For the right price - I take great pride in my hair,” Sexton quipped.

“But after seeing what Mel’s gone through its the least I could do to raise awareness and a bit of money for the charities that have helped Mel out.”

Proceeds raised from Sunday will be donated to the Sexton family and the Leukaemia Foundation.

SPORT

Wednesday 26 November 2014

the hunter post // www.thehunterpost.com.au

Resilient Jets staying positive Stubbins praises much-improved attitude in draw with Western Sydney Wanderers PAUL MONFORTE

W

hile the Newcastle are still yet to taste victory in the 2014/15 A- League season, coach Phil Stubbins believes there is no problem with the harmony and spirit within the playing group following the 1-1 draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.

“To come back at Western Sydney Wanderers is a tough ask so credit to the boys resolve.

We’ve done some searching and the players have got their reward,” Stubbins said.

“When the first goal went in, it was disappointing but I never felt anxious about how the game would end up.

Two notable changes to the Jets’ side were goalkeeper Ben Kennedy taking over from Mark Birighitti and Marcos Flores starting the match.

The Jets found themselves behind after 12 minutes after the Wanderers’ Tomi Juric firing his volley past Kennedy following a corner from Vitor Saba.

Newcastle levelled in the 27th minute through Flores after classy lead-up work from the experienced David Carney.

Goalkeeper Ben Kennedy was promoted to the Jets' starting line-up against the Wanderers

“To score the goal the way he did was a tonic for Marcos,” Stubbins said.

“He’s not 100 percent yet coming back but he did himself credit and made everyone supporting Newcastle very proud of his performance.

“His enthusiasm is quite infectious and to have that around the group on the pitch is a bonus.”

The Jets will play their third successive home game this Sunday with the local derby against the Central Coast Mariners kicking-off at 5pm.

A- League ladder after round 7: Perth Glory 18pts (+4), Adelaide United 17pts (+7), Melbourne Victory 15pts (+9), Sydney FC 15pts (+6), Wellington Phoenix 9pts (0), Melbourne City 6pts (-3), Central Coast 5pts (-5), Brisbane Roar 3pts (-3), Newcastle Jets 3pts (-9), Western Sydney Wanderers 2pts (-6).

The Jets’ W-League team were defeated 4-0

by Melbourne Victory on Saturday afternoon.

They will take on Adelaide United on Saturday at 3pm at Jack McLaughlan Oval, Edgeworth.

Newcastle’s Youth League side went down 2-1 to Melbourne City on Sunday.

Their next match will be against the Central Coast Mariners at Rockwell Automation Park at Weston at 11am on Saturday.

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