Hunter Post 19-12

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LIFE & STYLE Page 16

INSIDE TE Page 14

MAGIC IN THE AIR

2012 FASHION IN REVIEW

QUENCH YOUR THIRST

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 19 2012 WWW.NEWCASTLEPOST.COM.AU

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Railroaded over trains Hunter residents say they’ll fight to save the CBD rail line

HARD LESSONS Two classrooms that were ransacked by vandals at Rutherford Public School recently will be operational by the time school goes back in the new year, according to a spokesman from the Department of Education and Communities. The assurance follows the incident that occurred on Sunday, December 9, which saw two Year 2 classrooms and the canteen vandalised.

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SHOW AND TELL Student takes Paralympian to school PAGE 5

Save Our Rail’s Joan Dawson with Opposition Leader, John Robertson, condemning the State Government’s decision to cut the inner city rail line in Newcastle on Friday

TRICIA MOROSIN

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any disappointed Hunter residents have vowed to fight the State Government’s decision to rip up Newcastle’s inner city rail line. After months of speculation that a decision was imminent, the Minister for Planning, Brad

Hazzard, announced on Friday that the rail line will be cut at Wickham as part of the State Government’s new Urban Renewal Strategy for Newcastle. Speaking from Newcastle’s Town Hall, Mr Hazzard said the plan would be the “rebirth of Newcastle” and blamed the rail line for holding the city back. “There has been a division down the spine of Newcastle,” Mr Hazzard said.

“What we’re saying is let’s move that transport option to Wickham.” The Government’s plan proposes a new “21st century interchange” be built at Wickham, with increased bus services to get people around town. However, the Minister could not confidently confi rm how long it would take for people travelling from Maitland to Newcastle proper in the new transport arrangement. Continues on page 3.

SWINGING INTO IT Maitland’s best young cricketers given a hand PAGE 24

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From The Editor’s Desk

news

12-13 around your community

14-15 that’s entertainment

16-17 life & style

18-19 real estate

by Louise Bourke

20-22

Thank you for your support this year

trades & classifieds

24 sport

louise.bourke@newcastlepost.com.au

AUDIT FIGURES (CIRCULATION)

The Post Group of Newspapers 854 Hunter Street Newcastle West NSW 2302 (PO Box 2321 Dangar NSW 2309) Phone: (02) 49 610 310

NEWCASTLE POST 114,978 HUNTER POST 24,991 COMBINED 139,969

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riting this, my last column of the year, is the fi rst time I’ve properly stopped to reflect on all that has happened in 2012. Every way you come at it, this year has been a big one. And just when you might have thought the business of the year was done and dusted, on Friday came the long-awaited announcement by the State Government that Newcastle’s inner-city rail line will be cut at Wickham station. While many in Newcastle are celebrating the decision, there’s plenty of people this side of the city who are left wondering why. It’s been a big year in the life of this newspaper, too. August saw the roll-out of the new look paper, with a fresh team and a renewed focus on bringing our readers informed and wideranging local news. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading the Post. We’ve certainly enjoyed bringing it to you each and every week, and meeting many of you along the way. Thank you for your support. Speaking on behalf of the Hunter Post team, we’d like to wish you and your family a joyous, relaxing and safe Christmas and New Year. We’ll be back in January, with our fi rst edition of 2013 out on the 16th. In the meantime, email us with what you’re up to, newstips for stories or let us know about any issues that have concerned you over the break. See you back here in 2013!

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oey is a gorgeous young man who is approximately 12-months-old. All Joey would love for Christmas is a purr-ever home! Joey is fi ne with dogs and another cat. He is quite happy to lounge around all day or jump on your lap for a snuggle, and he is not fussy about his food, either. Joey would be a lovely companion for an older person/ couple looking for an easy maintenance cat to keep them company. Cat Rescue Newcastle is a notfor-profit, volunteer organisation.

Joey’s $50 adoption fee covers de-sexing, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and microchipping. Joey is currently awaiting his forever home in Tanilba Bay, NSW. For more information or to meet Joey, contact his foster carer, Mel, on 0405 595 075. Joey is just one of the many cats available for adoption at Cat Rescue Newcastle. For more information about the group or to view other cats available for adoption, visit www. catrescuenewcastle.com.au or fi nd them on Facebook.

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Hunter residents are being encouraged to lobby their local members Continues from page 1. Noticeably absent from Friday’s event was Maitland MP, Robyn Parker, which raised questions regarding division in the Government over the issue. She later told the Post that she was attending multiple school events. “I am a member of cabinet and I will abide by cabinet,” Ms Parker said. “I have strongly articulated the views of Maitland residents and my views have been well articulated publicly for some time. “I realise this wouldn’t be the preferred option [for my constituents], however I have assurances of better transport options, not less transport options.” Opposition Leader, John Robertson, Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr, and Save Our Rail President, Joan Dawson, joined forces on Friday afternoon to condemn the plan and also put pressure on Ms Parker. “Frankly, Robyn Parker ought to hide at home between now and when Parliament goes back because she has failed the people of Maitland,” Mr Robertson said. Ms Dawson said the community group would fight alongside the Opposition to overturn the decision and encouraged Hunter residents to lobby their local Liberal MPs. The Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy is on public exhibition at www.planning. nsw.gov.au and submissions must be lodged by March 17, 2013.

Local News

Is it the end of the line?

An artist’s impression of Steel Street after the rail line is removed and [inset] Tim Owen, Brad Hazzard and Andrew Cornwell at last week’s announcement THE PLAN IN A NUTSHELL • The rail line will end at a new transport interchange at Wickham, with bus services replacing rail services. • The former rail line will be converted into a passenger corridor and is promised to remain in public ownership. • Light rail is not included in the plans, with the Planning Minister saying it is another 10 to 20 years away.

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accommodated by 2036. • The plan is estimated to generate up to 10,000 new jobs. • The State Government will invest $120 million of funding and ask for $120 million of Federal funding. • Construction work is expected to commence in the next 12-18 months. • It will be 3-5 years until the rail line work is complete.

The Hunter Post

Season’s Greetings

• Three key hubs will come into effect: the East End as a retail and residential precinct; Civic as an educational and cultural area; and the West End as a new high rise commercial precinct. • Eight new pedestrian and cycle connections will be in place between Honeysuckle and Hunter Street. • Up to 12,600 additional residents and 6,000 additional dwellings to be

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Hitting the road Fans farewell the original Wiggles at packed show TRICIA MOROSIN

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Raymond Tce 4983 1178 Nelson Bay 4984 9993 Cessnock 4990 4444 4 Kurri Kurri 4937 4244

housands of Hunter Wiggles fans – large and small – came out to farewell three of the original group members at their fi nal celebration tour in Newcastle last Wednesday. The Entertainment Centre was packed with wiggling little ones, proudly waving their Dorothy the Dinosaur roses and singing along to Wiggles’ classics. Anthony, Murray, Greg and Jeff also gave a shout out to their numerous teenage fans in the crowd who grew up with The Wiggles and obviously weren’t too cool to come out to send off the guys. They also catered to teenyboppers with a special cover of One Direction’s ‘What Makes You Beautiful’. Earlier this year, The Wiggles announced this would be their fi nal year of touring together and unveiled plans for their last world tour. Having already ticked off Asia, USA, Canada, Ireland, the UK and New Zealand, The Wiggles are now on the home stretch of that celebration tour. At the end of 2012, Jeff, Murray and Greg will hand over the purple, red and yellow skivvies to a new generation of performers, moving into backstage creative roles, while Anthony continues on stage with the new lineup.

The four original Wiggles ride in the ‘big red car’ during Wednesday’s concert. Photo: Amelia Parrott.

“We’ve been entertaining children around the world for 21 years and it’s important that we plan for the future so that The Wiggles can keep wiggling in the years to come,” Murray explained.

If you missed out on the Newcastle shows, you can still see the guys in Sydney on either Saturday 22 or Sunday 23 December at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Next market - December 22

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The Hunter Post

Speers Point Park, Speers Point from 8:00am

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Market Dates: January 12 and 26, 2013

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Six-year-old fan brings Paralympic star to school for show-and-tell TRICIA MOROSIN

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aitland Paralympic gold medalist, Maddi Elliott, was the special guest at Swansea Public School’s morning assembly last week when six-year-old fan, Isabella Petersen, brought the swimmer in for show-and-tell. In October, the Post reported on the kindy student who is living with cerebral palsy and raising money for the cause, after being inspired by her hero, Miss Elliott, who also has cerebral palsy. “Isabella would just sit there and watch her and say, ‘She’s like me and she’s amazing’,” her mother, Darlene Petersen, said at the time. Little did we know that our story would help bring the two girls together, when a mutual friend, Shirley Mclean, read the story and made the connection. “Darlene’s a patient at the surgery where I work and she happened to come in one day and showed me the newspaper article that Isabella had appeared in,” Ms Mclean said. “As I read through it, I realised the person she was talking about was my friend’s daughter, who I used to work with a few years ago, Nikki [Elliott]. “So I offered for Darlene to contact Nikki and try and set up [a] meeting.” A few weeks later, the group organised a meeting at a local pool, with Miss Elliott

Local News

Presenting my hero...

Friends Isabella Petersen and Maddi Elliott at Swansea Public School last week

surprising a shocked and excited Isabella. The two chatted for a couple of hours and have remained in contact. On Wednesday, Isabella presented Miss

Elliott to her peers and the Paralympian patiently answered the students’ questions, while also allowing them to hold her medals.

“I think she’s great in swimming and she’s like good at everything almost,” Isabella said of meeting her hero. “I think she’s an angel to me.”

The Hunter Post Wednesday, December 19, 2012

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012 The Hunter Post

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Senior Constable Kel Boak, Crime Prevention Officer, Central Hunter Police

SUMMER HEAT

Lock up your bikes

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recently met a University student who had his bicycle stolen from outside a local store. It became clear after speaking to this victim, that the loss of his bike had a real impact upon his life as it was his only means of transport. It is not uncommon for bikes to be stolen in the Central Hunter Police area and on most occasions, the bikes that disappear are left unlocked or with poor security. With this in mind, here are some tips to keep your bike safe. • Never leave your bike unattended and unlocked – be sure to use a good quality lock. A good quality U-lock is much harder to break or cut than cheaper chains or cables. • Lock as much of your bike as you can. Lock your back wheel and frame to a rack if possible. You can remove the front wheel and lock it as well or use a second lock to connect the front wheel to the frame (a lighter cable lock should provide sufficient security for this). If space is tight and you can only lock one thing, lock the frame – it is the most valuable part of your bike. • Lock your bike where it can be seen. Placing your bike near

BEAT THE

passing traffic or where it can be watched from windows helps to deter thieves. Th is will also improve your personal security while locking and unlocking your bike. • Secure your bike to a solid object. • Remove accessories such as lights, cycle computer, pump and panniers or bags. • Make your bike less attractive to thieves. A bike that is not obviously brand new, or one that is highly personalised, might be less appealing to steal. If you have an expensive frame, it might be worth removing the sticker that identifies the frame type. • Keep your bike secure when at home. Store it in a locked shed or store it inside your house. • Always record the serial number of your bike and keep it in a safe place. In addition, it is good practice to engrave a driver’s licence number on the bike to make identification easier. Numerous bikes will be given as presents this Christmas. By following these tips, you will greatly reduce the risk of losing your bicycle by theft.

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Youth of the Year: Students go head-to-head for title TRICIA MOROSIN

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urri Kurri High School Year 10 student, Amber Harvey, has taken out the Lions Youth of the Year Club title, and will now prepare for the Zone competition, to be held early next year. Miss Harvey and her classmate, Laura Bain, went head-to-head for the title and the chance to eventually progress to the national level. The competition required the girls to apply themselves in three sections – a general knowledge and current affairs test, a personal interview and a public speaking component. Both girls received commendations from the judges, however, Miss Harvey took out the overall competition. It is the second year that Miss Harvey has been successful at Club level, having been knocked out at Zone level last year. “I was told I wasn’t experienced enough, because I was going up against year 11 and 12 students. “Hopefully, coming Kurri Kurri High students Laura Bain (left) and Amber Harvey (right)

The Hunter Post

back this year, I’ll be able to [better compete].� Miss Harvey’s favourite part of the competition is the prepared speech and this year she chose to discuss the deterioration of society, in particular its standards and morals. “I chose that topic because I can see it happening around me,� Miss Harvey said. “You see shoot ‘em up games and we don’t see an issue with it, but hang on, someone’s dead, or you’ve encouraged violence, and we think that’s OK.�

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Hard lessons to learn Vandalised classrooms to be repaired in time for the new school year AMELIA PARROTT

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wo classrooms that were ransacked by vandals at Rutherford Public School last weekend will be operational by the time school goes back in the New Year, according to a spokesperson from the Department of Education and Communities. The assurance follows an incident that occurred on Sunday, December 9, which saw two Year 2 classrooms and the canteen vandalised. The Department of Education and Communities spokesperson said both classrooms and their resources were completely vandalised with breakages and paint thrown across the rooms. The classrooms will require a complete internal refurbishment due to the extent of the damage but will be ready for students returning next year. The pie oven, ice cream freezer and till in the canteen were also damaged in the break-in. In the meantime, Year 2 students from the damaged classrooms are continuing their learning in the school’s library and have not lost any class time. Maitland detectives are investigating the incident and scene of crime officers have conducted a forensic examination of the points of entry to search for fi nger prints.

Rutherford Public School, where two classrooms and the canteen were vandalised

Central Hunter Local Area Command duty officer, Chief Inspector Dave Robinson, said the incident was more likely an act of vandalism than an

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attempted theft. “There doesn’t appear to be any evidence of anything being taken so it appears as though it was more about

vandalising property,� he said. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Maitland detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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LOUISE BOURKE

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he woes continue for mining giant Nathan Tinkler with confi rmation over the weekend that his Patinack Farm horse stud has sold three-year-old thoroughbred and half-brother to Black Caviar, All Too Hard. “While it is disappointing to sell All Too Hard, we have retained an opportunity for him to service some of our mares and naturally, the more success he enjoys on the track and in breeding the further he will enhance the reputation of his sire, Patinack’s Casino Prince,” said Patinack Farm spokesperson, Troy Palmer. It follows a horror few days for the businessman, after the Australian Tax Office (ATO) fi led documents last week to wind up a number of Tinkler-owned companies, including Hunter Sports Group (HSG), the parent company of the Newcastle Knights and the Newcastle Jets, over unpaid debts. HSG issued a statement following news of the move, in which it said that it heard about the action via the media. “We are surprised by the move by the ATO, as we have not received notification of this move,” an HSG spokesperson said. “We advise that any outstanding sum will be paid as soon as possible – well before the reported hearing date on the

matter next February.” When contacted by the Post, both the NRL and Football Federation Australia (FFA) said

they had received “a number of assurances” about HSG’s fi nancial situation. The NRL spokesperson

also confi rmed that they are “continuing to monitor the club.” A hearing into the matter is scheduled for February 20, 2013.

Local News

All Too Hard: Woes continue for cash-strapped Tinkler

Tinkler’s woes continue after the sale of prized three-year-old, All Too Hard

Go sport: Activities aplenty this summer LOUISE BOURKE

The Hunter Post Wednesday, December 19, 2012

An array of sporty activities will keep children across the Hunter region active and entertained during the coming summer holidays. Aimed at kids aged from 5 to 14 years, Sport and Recreation is working with a range of groups to stage a variety of sport and recreation activities. Peter Britt from Sport and Recreation’s Hunter Office said it’s a great opportunity for kids to try new sports and fi nd out how to join local sport clubs. “From gymnastics in Muswellbrook to fun beach activities at the iconic Nobby’s Beach in Newcastle, there is something for everyone,” Mr Britt explained. “Working with qualified coaches, instructors and development staff from a range of sports, children will be able to learn or improve their skills in a fun environment. “Sport and Recreation is happy to be able to offer activities across the region which cover a range of interests and pursuits. “All the event partners have been terrific in planning for the program of summer sport and we are really looking forward to big numbers across all the clinics. “With several of the sports involved about to start new seasons in term one of 2013, these clinics are a terrific opportunity for local kids to fi nd out about their nearby clubs whilst also having fun during the holidays,” Mr Britt said. Some of the activities planned for the Hunter include: Lawn Bowls at East Cessnock Bowls Club in Cessnock on Monday, January 14; dance lessons at Callaghan College, Waratah Campus, Waratah on Monday, January 21; Baseball skills coaching at Empire Park, Bar Beach in Newcastle on Tuesday, January 22; Cricket at Highbrook Park in Muswellbrook on Wednesday, January 23; Gynamstics at the Muswellbrook Sports Centre on Thursday, January 24 and surfi ng lessons at Nobby’s Beach in Newcastle on Friday, January 25. For further details, contact the Sport and Recreation Hunter office on (02) 4926 1633 or visit the website: www.dsr.nsw.gov. au/active/whatson.asp. Parents on the go can also download the ‘Go Play’ App for iPhone in the App store to keep up to date with a range of activities throughout the year.

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MAITLAND MATTERS by Maitland City Council Mayor, Cr Peter Blackmore

There’s magic in the air at Christmas time

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f course, to me, Maitland is a wonderful place to be all year round but I must say at Christmas there is truly magic in the air. As a city that has kept many of its traditional values, the generosity of spirit and love that can be seen at this time of year really warms the heart. As with every year I have recently attended both the Volunteer Christmas Party and Senior Citizens Christmas function. It’s a great feeling to see so many familiar faces and be reminded of those residents who have lived in Maitland for so long, many of whom spend hour upon hour each year working to make our city a better place. Christmas is a time to let people know how much you appreciate them, tell our family we love them and just relax and enjoy the summer weather. If you can get out and about of an evening there are many suburbs with spectacular Christmas light displays

at Gillieston Heights, Aberglassyn, East Maitland, Green Hills, Metford, Ashtonfield and Thornton. It is not just the children who take joy in seeing these displays. Adults are often equally as delighted in the magical world created by the decorations and colourful lights. The Christmas cheer that exists in Maitland makes me proud to be Mayor of this great city. I am particularly proud of the many residents in this city willing to go to great lengths to embrace and share this special time of year through their wonderful displays. In saying this, I would like to remind everyone to stay safe on the roads, I know Christmas can be a busy and stressful time but it’s just not worth becoming distracted while driving between all our festive engagements. Finally, on behalf of my wife Robyn and I, I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

all council matters: maitland.nsw.gov.au

Donkey voters: 62 per cent of people wasted their vote AMELIA PARROTT

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Hunter Post

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compulsory or they just didn’t know enough about the process.” Cr Garnham said voters should be more aware of local government processes but was wary of spending money to better educate people. “It’s a catch-22 situation because if we spend the taxpayer’s money educating people, the people who know about Council already know how to vote properly and the people who aren’t interested won’t want to learn.” In a statement, Executive Manager Corporate Services Graeme Tolhurst, the officer responsible for the report, said the number of intentionally informal votes was similar to previous elections and that Council would be working to educate people on the election process in the future.

report conducted by Maitland City Council that reviewed ballot papers from the Local Government elections held in September has revealed that an alarmingly high percentage of Maitland voters cast intentionally informal votes, where the ballot paper was either left blank or marked with obscenities or slogans. The report, which was tabled to councillors at last week’s council meeting, found 62.5 per cent of votes cast across the Maitland Local Government area were intentionally informal. Less than 1 per cent of voters made a genuine attempt to vote and simply got it wrong. East Ward had the highest instance of intentionally informal votes, with nearly one third of voters (66.2 per cent) casting “donkey votes”. East Ward councillor, Peter Garnham, found the number of intentionally informal votes “alarming” but said the result could have been predicted on election day. “I was out and about at polling booths a lot on election day and there were defi nitely a lot of apathy and confusion amongst voters,” he said. “Either people didn’t want to vote because it’s Voters turn out on this

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Interest is there: Search for hospital site continues

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unter New England Health has received nearly 20 enquiries since the Expression of Interest (EOI) process opened late last month to identify potential sites for a proposed new hospital in the Maitland region. Acting Hunter New England Health Chief Executive, Karen Kelly, said a sizeable parcel of land is needed to meet the existing needs and allow for future opportunities and expansion. “Ideally, the land needs to be between 10 and 20 hectares and not prone to flooding,” Ms Kelly said. Ms Kelly said evaluation of the nominated sites will begin in February, after the EOI has closed.

Local News

The preferred location zone for the new hospital

“Selecting a site for the proposed new hospital is a major undertaking and we will be going through a rigorous process to identify, review and analyse the identified properties to fi nd the most suitable site available. “The preferred site will not be announced until after the completion of the extensive evaluation process, which is expected to be in mid-2013.” The project team is also investigating available government and councilowned land that may be suitable, with government agencies and councils being asked to lodge any submissions via the same EOI process. The EOI remains open until Friday, January 25.

The Hunter Post Wednesday, December 19, 2012

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The Hunter Post

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$179

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C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

37 BLUEGUM RD, JESMOND, PH: 4965 6899 www.npsonline.com.au Sale ends 31/12/12. Pictures and descriptions used for illustrative purposes only. Prices are inclusive of GST.

TY

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Spreading joy: Give yourself to others this Christmas CATHOLIC BISHOP OF MAITLAND-NEWCASTLE BILL WRIGHT

D

ear friends, We fi nd ourselves once again preparing for the great feast of Christmas. I’m amazed, and

you probably are too, at how quickly the season has come around. Our lives are so full and lived at such a hectic pace these days, that the time just seems to slip away. It’s not one of the least of the blessings of Christmas, that when we do get to it, most of us manage to get a bit of a break; a time to just sit around with family and friends and enjoy some peaceful time. I hope it will be so for you. For us Christians, though, Christmas is much more than just a break in our

Christmas a story of love ANGLICAN BISHOP PETER STUART

O

ver the last year or so my family has been sorting out and scanning our family photos into the computer. Our favourites are now coming up on the screensaver. It has been a real delight to see them because we get to remember our family story – holidays, parties and celebrations. The Christmas memories in the bible are a bit like this. The bible writers, looking back decades later, painted a word picture from the information passed on to them. We see that from the beginning Jesus was different – the man

who revealed God. Th rough these pictures we are introduced to angels and shepherds, wise travellers and evil tyrants, and Mary and Joseph. Like family photos help us remember who we are and perhaps what we might be, so does the bible. Jesus, child in a manger, grew to be a wise teacher and leader who told people what God wanted. Christians believe that the world changed 2,000 years ago. We believe that in Jesus God was in the world showing us how to love and changing the world by love. We believe that love comes from God. It is a gift. Our family photos are fi lled with love and echo God’s love. The Christmas memories in the bible are about amazing, world-changing love. My prayer is that you will be part of the story of love this Christmas.

routine. We are remembering the birth of Christ – that central moment in all of human history, when God plainly showed his love for the whole human race. Not willing to let us remain separated from him, God became one of us. He came into our world; came into the human family, and that changed everything, and that is something to celebrate. Also, we should share our celebration. “Joy to the world�, the angels said. So, can we spread a little joy in our corner of the world? Many of you will be buying presents for ‘wishing trees’ and making hampers for St Vincent de Paul and all that is good, but there is nothing like sharing a bit of ourselves. Christmas shows us that we are all one big human family, and so we need to look after each other. Will the old lady down the street be all by herself this Christmas? Or does the Buddhist family from work know that our “goodwill to all� includes them too? At the very least, we can be saying “Happy Christmas� to all and sundry, smiling and acting like friends. Th is is a celebration of God coming on Earth for all of us. May I then wish you all – my own Catholic family, the other Christians celebrating

KURRI KURRI CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CHRISTMAS SERVICES

the feast with us, and anyone who stumbles upon this message – may I wish you all the blessings of Christmas. May it be a peaceful and happy time in your families and homes; a time of deep, quiet, strong joy. A joy to be shared; if not with all the world; at least in our little part of it. Happy Christmas.

Life & Style

Christmas Messages

Anglican Parish of Mount Vincent and Weston

SUNDAY 23rd DECEMBER Kurri Kurri 11.30am – Merry Messy Christmas, for all the family – carols, craft for the kids, sausage sizzle and worship MONDAY 24th DECEMBER Kurri Kurri 5.00pm – Family Service with Carols and Eucharist Kurri Kurri 11.00pm – Midnight Mass TUESDAY 25th DECEMBER Weston 8.30am – Holy Eucharist Mount Vincent 10.00am – Holy Communion For further information: Contact Rev’d Dr Keith Joseph 4937 1061

Sunday 23 December - 8pm - Carols by Torchlight Christmas Day - 9am - Christmas Service Every Sunday 10.15am and 6.30pm cnr Rawson & Hampden Sts Ph:4937 1049

Kurri Kurri - St Paul’s, 118 Lang Street Weston - St Mary’s, 59 First Street Mount Vincent (Mulbring) – Christ Church, 30 Mt Vincent Road

Bridal Expo (KTPZZPVU WLY WLYZVU

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The Hunter Post

Panthers Newcastle Sunday January 13 - 10am til 3pm

13

That’s Entertainment

www.newcastlepost.com.au

MORE THAN 20 GOOD MAITLAND LEAGUES CLUB REASONS TO CELEBRATE s r e b rawen m MedgeyDbetwe Bahursda7-8pmetween T

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EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL DEC 21

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24 Bulwer St Maitland Ph 4933 5377

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ith New Year’s Eve creeping up on us at a fantastic speed, Hunter Valley Gardens is set to kick off 2013 with festivities that will rock your world. The celebrations will begin with a jaw-dropping lights display, ferris wheel, story book jumping castle, merry-goround and a slew of live entertainment in the gardens from 6pm to 10pm. Even though Christmas will be done and dusted, you will still have the opportunity to experience the amazing Christmas Lights Spectacular that illuminates the gardens with more than 1.25 million lights with such sights as a larger-than-life nativity scene, the North Pole, fountain firework lights and cherry blossom trees. If that wasn’t enough, just a stones throw away from Hunter Valley Gardens over at Harrigan’s Irish Pub, Aussie indie rockers Thirsty Merc (pictured) will be playing a special one-off show that you definitely won’t want to miss out on. With more than 250 million albums sold and more than 300 live shows under their collective belt, Thirsty Merc has, quite rightly,

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Hunter Post

CHRISTMAS EVE!!!

14

LEVEL 1 LIVE MUSIC!

RADIO ACTIVE from 9pm

LEVEL 2

PARTY! PARTY!

DJ PHATT

SANTA & HIS HELPERS GET THE PARTY STARTED!

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earned themselves a place as one of this country’s best loved indie-rock acts. Expect to hear such hits as ‘Mousetrap Heart’, ‘Tommy and Krista’, ‘In The Summertime’, ‘20 Good Reasons’, ‘Someday Someday’ and many, many more. Entry to New Year’s Eve at Hunter Valley Gardens is $20 for adults and $15 for children (4-15 years). Children fourand-under will receive free entry and every child will receive a free glow stick. For more information, visit hvg.com.au. Tickets for Thirsty Merc are $50 or $180 VIP (plus booking fees). For more information, visit harrigansirishpub.com.au.

FREE ENTRY! DRINK ! S L A I C E P S 9-10pm

Hunter Valley Brewery ' Ken Tubman Drive Maitland 2320 ' www.hvbmaitland.com.au ' P: 4933 1200 Like our facebook page for more details ' huntervalleybrewery

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Moses, The Berias Messeque Band; Saturday, Bayonetes For Legs, Peace and Plenty; Sunday, KL and the Kytes. LIZOTTE’S NEWCASTLE: Wednesday, The Idea of North; Thursday, Jon English, Peter Cupples; Friday, The Trouble With Templeton, The Falls; Saturday, James Reyne, Chris Byrne; Sunday, The Chiorboys. MAITLAND CITY BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Big Bang MAITLAND LEAGUES CLUB: Friday, Back Beat. NEATH HOTEL: Saturday, Loko. NORTHERN STAR HOTEL: Wednesday, Whitey; Thursday, Gleny Rae Virus; Friday, Pana Duo; Saturday, Carrot. PEDENS, Cessnock: Friday, James Naldo; Saturday, Tha Bad and the Ugly. POTTERS BREWERY: Friday, James Paul. QUEENS WHARF BREWERY, Wharf: Saturday, Kylie Jane, Ally B; Sunday, Gen R 8, Dj Patsan, Chester Darvey. REGAL HUNTER HOTEL: Saturday, Mike Vee. ROYAL FEDERAL, Branxton: Saturday, Dr Zoom Duo; Sunday, Dan Beazley. ROYAL HOTEL, Denman: Saturday, The V Dubs. RUTHERFORD HOTEL: Saturday, Mardmax. SHAMROCK HOTEL: Saturday, Fun2Mental. SHENANIGANS, Maitland: Friday, Karaoke. SINGLETON DIGGERS, York Street: Friday, Daniel Arvidson; Saturday, Pete Hibbert. TELARAH BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Jim Overend; Saturday, Free Juke Box. WESTON WORKERS CLUB: Saturday, DJ Brian Bean, On The Prowl. WICKHAM PARK HOTEL: Wednesday, Flash Jam; Thursday, Zoe K and the Shadow Katz; Friday, Milestones; Saturday, John Larder, Josh Callaway, Gleny Rae’s Eucalypso; Sunday, Carrot, Steve Edmonds Band. WINDSOR CASTLE HOTEL: Friday, Two Good Reasons; Saturday, Bobby C. SEND YOUR FREE ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS FOR THE GUIDE TO: theguide@newcastlepost.com.au or FAX: (02) 49 611 540

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That’s Entertainment

GIG GUIDE... AUSTRALIA HOTEL, Cessnock: Saturday, Allstar. BELMORE HOTEL: Friday, OMG Duo; Saturday, The Levymen; Monday, The Zillers. BELMORE HOTEL, Scone: Friday, Stephen Boyd. BERESFIELD BOWLING CLUB: Friday, End Of Days; Saturday, The Years. BRADFORD HOTEL: Friday, Crawford Brothers; Saturday, HR Duo. CAMBRIDGE HOTEL: Wednesday, The Phat Controller, Flight To Dubai; Friday, Nick Saxon; Saturday, The Seabellies; Sunday Ska-fari (Side bar) CARDIFF PANTHERS: Saturday, Jones Theory. CENTRAL HOTEL, Stroud: Saturday, Kallie Cain. CESSNOCK SUPPORTERS: Friday, Solid Gold Party Night; Saturday, Two Good Reasons. CLARENCETOWN BOWLING CLUB: Friday, R attlesnakes. CRITERION HOTEL, Weston: Saturday, Luke Austen. EAST MAITLAND BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Gen R 8; Saturday, Solid Gold Party; Sunday, Zane Penn. EASTS LEISURE AND GOLF: Saturday, Karaoke. FAMILY HOTEL: Friday, Lee Rolfe; Saturday, The Piranha Brothers. GEORGE TAVERN: Saturday, Deuce; Sunday, Karen O’Shea. GRETA WORKERS CLUB: Friday, Kadence. GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL: Wednesday, Grayson; Friday, Will and The People; S aturday, Christmas Party feat Holly Who, Nickson Wing and more. HAMILTON STATION HOTEL: Friday/Saturday, Karaoke. HARRIGANS IRISH PUB, Pokolbin: Friday, Uptown. KING STREET HOTEL: Friday, Mind Electric; Saturday, Nuakewood and Kato. KURRI BOWLING CLUB: Saturday, Gary Davidson. LASS O’GOWRIE HOTEL: Wednesday, Psycho Pucko, Flightless Owls; Thursday, Creative Creatures Open Mic Night ; Friday, Afro

We also cater for Weddings, Christmas Parties and Birthdays!

Cessnock Ex-Services Club 201 Vincent Street, Cessnock

4991 5891 East Maitland Bowling Club Banks St, East Maitland 4933 7533 www.embc.com.au

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ONE MEMBERSHIP s TWO GREAT CLUBS s ONE MEMBERSHIP s TWO GREAT CLUBS s ONE MEMBERSHIP s TWO GREAT CLUBS

E M B C ERNATFEFRLTEASI N M E N T

FRI DEC 21

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The Hunter Post

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SAT DEC 22

TOY R A F F L E S

E LG E N T E R TA I N M E N T SATURDAY DECEMBER 22

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

7.30pm

COURTESY BUS

WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY FROM 4PM :FEK8:K FLI ;I@M<I FE '+') *+. 0)) =FI G@:B LG CF:8K@FEJ 8E; K@D<J Easts promotes the responsible service of Alcohol. Is Gambling a problem for you? . 3PUL 5:> PZ H JVUĂ„KLU[PHS HUVU`TV\Z HUK MYLL JV\UZLSSPUN ZLY]PJL -9,,*(33

“Information for Members and their Guests�

15

Life & Style

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STAYING HEALTHY

FASHION FIXATION

by Elisha Stein

by KATHERINE TWEED

Always feeling tired?

W

e all have those days when we feel like staying in bed or as if we are dragging ourselves through our daily tasks. Unfortunately for some, this feeling continues for days or weeks! I believe most people are in tune with their body enough to realise when it is caused by something more than a few late nights. Always feeling tired isn’t normal and there can be many reasons for it. One of the fi rst conditions that may be checked is a simple blood test to see Haemoglobin levels. Haemoglobin are the red blood cells in your body that carry oxygen around to your muscles , tissue and organs. If you have a low amount, then oxygen from your lungs can’t be carried to these areas resulting in a feeling of lethargy and tiredness. Treatments range from simple diet changes to blood transfusions in severe cases. Ferritin is another blood level worth testing. Low ferritin which is your stored red blood cells, have similar symptoms and also can be treated. The Thyroid gland and the Adrenal glands can be checked by a blood test

or a saliva cortisol test for the adrenals. Low Thyroid levels need to be carefully monitored during treatment to get the right ratio of the hormone Thyroxine in your body. In our medical system currently, adrenal fatigue isn’t recognised unless you develop the severe form of Addisons Disease in which case it is treated very seriously. People can feel extreme tiredness and weakness among other symptoms before it reaches that point, so don’t suffer in silence, take your symptoms or results to a doctor or a naturopath who understand and believe this condition, and treat adrenal fatigue safely and effectively. Respiratory conditions such as chronic Asthma can cause tiredness because the body is consciously trying to breathe, which can be exhausting. Depression is a common cause also. If we don’t adequately deal with all of the different stresses we are exposed to, depression can arise and one symptom is lethargy. See a psychologist for a different perspective. Of course diet and exercise also play a major role in your energy levels. Food is your energy source, so eat clean food and arrange for regular exercise.

2012 fashion in review

A

nother year is almost gone and what a year of fashion it was. Like any year, 2012 saw trends come and go; some not quite as good as others, but all in all, the fashions that hit our stores and our streets were something to be remembered and who knows, they may make a come back next year. Of all the styles, trends and colour schemes that made an appearance, there were a few that stood out as the more popular and wearable fashions. One of the biggest trends of the year would have to be coloured denim. From the moment that it hit our stores in the leadup to winter right up until this very day, people are still shopping for and buying coloured denim. Whether the colour is bold, washed out or barely there, each item of clothing was just as popular as the rest. Depending on the season, men and women were seen in bright jeans or fluoro shorts, pastel cut offs or dark vests. Coloured denim may have been one of the biggest trends of the year but there wasn’t a print that could beat the

Elisha is a Registered Nurse and Midwife, with years of experience working in emergency departments, general wards, maternity and in the community.

floral prints that we saw this spring. There were floral dresses in abundance, flowing floral skirts and something a little different was the floral printed jeans and shorts that gave an otherwise casual, nondescript look a real feminine feel. Whilst the feminine look was back in, we can’t forget fluoro. For me, this was an unexpected comeback however, combining neon with pastel colours had a very different effect than it did back in the 90s. Fluoro was no longer seen as the ‘party colours’ but with the pastel tones, was something that you could wear out to lunch or to the shops, or even wear to work. Of all the styles and looks that we have seen throughout 2012, my favorite would have to be tribal. There was something about the gold embellishments and the warm earthy tones that made me love it so much. The tribal trend could be seen in swimwear and beachwear but also in flowing maxi dresses and sheer tops. 2012 proved to be a great year in the fashion world and I can’t help but wonder what is in store for us (literally) next year…

If you want to see a topic discussed, or have a question answered, email katherine.tweed@mediaview.com.au

THERE IS NO EXCUSE!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Hunter Post

Skin cancer is deadly serious business

16

GET YOUR SKIN CHECKED NOW! Who is at risk?

We provide

s Spent your childhood in Australia? s Have a large number of moles? s Ever been sunburnt? s Fair skin that burns easily? s Blue or green eyes? s Fair or red hair?

s Professional diagnosis and treatment from Doctors who have a special interest in skin cancer s No referrals required s Bulk billing available to age pensioners and concession card holders

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www.newcastlepost.com.au

ARIES MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

If you want more physical comforts, you may need to enlist the support of loved ones in order to make certain this is possible. Luxury appeals and you won’t want to be putting yourself out any more than is strictly necessary. Because you can be so loveable, it is likely that you can attract all the attention you desire. You can also earn more because of the effort that you are prepared to put into your work.

TAURUS APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

You should be able to show a very pleasant disposition to the world at large, and even if you are busy, you can fi nd the time to make those around you happy. They in turn should take significant notice of you and listen very carefully to those Taurean ideas. When it comes to decorating your home for the festive season, you instinctively know what looks and feels right. Even with food you can be highly imaginative!

GEMINI MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Th is is a time when it could be best to simply buckle down and get on with some work. You can achieve a great deal, but not without putting in the necessary effort. A rather self -assertive and quite a restless period is now at hand and this comes courtesy of the planet Mercury in your opposition. You would be wise not to lose your temper over issues that really are not worth the bother, and to use a little patience.

CANCER JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

You are entering into a period when your one-on-one relationships take paramount importance and you will be doing everything in your power to make your loved ones feel special and cared for. Try not to be too pushy or too sensitive for your own good, instead be more aware of the high regard that others have for you. It should be easy to bring others around to your point of view in a very subtle and deliberate way.

LEO JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

It is important to believe in yourself and not to allow little failures to fi ll your mind. If things do go wrong, your best response at present is to pick up the pieces and start again immediately. Th is is the perfect time to turn your mind to romantic and social trends which are going to be rather excellent. It’s time to leave practical jobs alone and to focus on having some fun with your children or family.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

There are a lot of little things that could seem quite comfortable, but at the same time little niggles, mainly to do with family issues, could arise. Originality is the key to ultimate success and you might also be anxious to get things done in and around your home. The past exerts a powerful influence and many happy memories shall come floating back of your childhood and of times gone by.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

You shall be tackling several different tasks at the same time and with so many planets in your third house, you will be very chatty to neighbours. Th is is the ideal time to take a short break or to visit loved ones who live in the country or on the coast. There is a lot of paperwork for you to handle at the moment and you will also be taking several short distance trips around your local neighbourhood.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

The Post Group of Newspapers wishes all of our readers a safe and merry Christmas and a happy new year. The Post will be closed from Tuesday December 18, 2012 and reopen on Wednesday January 9, 2013.

Whilst this is an action-packed time, you need to be careful of becoming stressed out by trying to take on too many tasks at the same time, which is why pacing yourself would be a very good idea. Remember what your strengths are and concentrate on them. Don’t forget the needs of someone you don’t see too often, but for whom you have the greatest regard. Financially there will be opportunities.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Th is is going to be a great time for pushing forward, the planets are offering new incentives, and even if you are still feeling quite thoughtful, you can come to terms with issues that confused you in the past. You have all the right ingredients to impress others when it matters most as energy, enthusiasm and optimism are there to help you get ahead. You are also exuding mysticism which is highly attractive.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Beware of possible deception, which could come from any direction. It might be that you are being misled by people who are themselves in the dark, and some investigation is clearly called for. Periods of enjoyment could come from the strangest of places or directions. You will be very drawn to the religious or spiritual aspects of life at the moment. Allow extra time for rest and recuperation.

PISCES FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Your social life is going to be revving up and you will left with no doubt about how highly regarded you are by certain people. If you are searching for love then a good friend is about to do some matchmaking on your behalf. Th is is a positive time to spend some time helping others in one way or another. You should remain confident even if you have to take on any challenges that come from out of the blue!

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VIRGO

by FRANCIS A BEVAN www.francisbevan.com

The Hunter Post

If you’ve been feeling under the weather or slightly run down, then the planets are going to be providing you with that extra zest to pick yourself up. If you need to see a doctor or a specialist then this is the ideal time to do so, as they will be able to quickly get you back on the road to recovery. Th is is the perfect time to turn to a friend and to laugh away your troubles in their company. You will probably feel great as a result.

YOUR HOROSCOPE

Life & Style

Sun In Capricorn Conjuncts Mars & Pluto; Dec 22nd - Jan 20th

17

Real Estate

www.newcastlepost.com.au

Woodville

Rural retreat

91 Bellvue Road

B

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Hunter Post

uilt on an 8,000-squaremetre block at the bend of the Paterson River, this threebedroom house makes the most of tranquil rural views.

18

Bed: 3 | Bath: 1 | Car: 2

Built in the early 1900s but recently refurbished, the house has polished floorboards, a new kitchen and bathroom, and high ceilings. The property also has split-system

BRANXTON ABUNDANT SPACE FOR ALL THE FAMILY - MOTIVATED VENDOR Situated on 2.8 acres with town water and sewer, this fantastic property offers the astute buyer the VWWVY[\UP[` [V WSLHZL L]LY`VUL PU [OL MHTPS` ;OL SHUK PZ VWLU HUK Ã…H[ THRPUN P[ WLYMLJ[ MVY [Y\JRZ OVYZLZ HUK TV[VYIPRLZ ^P[O SVHKZ VM YVVT MVY [OL RPKZ [V WSH` HUK UV ULPNOIV\YZ H[ [OL YLHY VM [OL WYVWLY[` 0[ VMMLYZ SHYNL ZOLKKPUN ^P[O [YPWSL JHYWVY[ H SV]LS` WYP]H[L WVVS ^P[O ZOHSSV^ VU LHJO LUK T _ T ZLSM JSLHUPUN ZHS[ ^H[LY ;OL ILKYVVT OVTL PZ TVKLYU HUK HU LU[LY[HPULY»Z KLSPNO[ ( YLUV]H[LK RP[JOLU ^P[O [PSLK Ã…VVYZ OHZ NSHZZ ZWSHZOIHJR H KPZO^HZOLY HUK ]PL^Z PU[V [OL LUVYTV\Z 8\LLUZSHUK YVVT ;OLYL PZ MYLZO WHPU[ [OYV\NOV\[ ( YLUV]H[LK IH[OYVVT PUJS\KLZ H ILH\[PM\S JSH^MVV[ [\I HUK SHYNL ZOV^LY ^P[O HSS TVKLYU Ä[[PUNZ (SS ILKYVVTZ PUJS\KL JLPSPUN MHUZ HUK I\PS[ PU YVILZ HUK [OL THPU PZ RPUN ZPaLK ^P[O HU LU Z\P[L HUK ^HSR PU YVIL 3P]PUN HYLHZ are spacious, air conditioned and perfect for the family. School buses at the door, minutes to the shops, restaurants and all the attractions of the famous Hunter Valley vineyards, this home is ^HP[PUN MVY MHTPS` M\U [PTLZ H[ HU HMMVYKHISL WYPJL

PRICE INSPECT CONTACT

$599,000 By Appointment Cathy Cattell 0414 697 424

airconditioning. The house also has a shady, eastfacing verandah while the property has a double carport and a good soil base for gardens.

3 CAR POOL

6\[ VM [V^U V^ULY ZH`Z NL[ P[ ZVSK ;OPZ PZ `V\ VWWVY[\UP[` ZLJ\YL H NYLH[ OVTL VY WVZZPISL KL]LSVWTLU[ ZP[L ^P[O H ZVSPK IYPJR ILKYVVT HIVKL 0U H SV]LS` Z[YLL[ ^P[O H ZLJVUK Z[YLL[ MYVU[HNL VU[V 1HTLZ :[YLL[ 4VYWL[O PZ H \UPX\L HUK L_JS\ZP]L HKKYLZZ [V V^U >P[O H SHYNL IHJR `HYK HUK NLULYV\Z SP]PUN ZWHJL PUJS\KPUN H NYLH[ ZPaLK Z\UYVVT LU[LY[HPUPUN PZ THKL LHZ` )\PS[ PUZ PU [OL THPU ILKYVVT HUK YL]LYZL J`JSL ( * [OL OVTL OHZ HSS `V\ ULLK 0M `V\»YL SVVRPUN MVY HU PU]LZ[TLU[ THYRL[ ]HS\L MVY [OL YLU[HS YL[\YU PZ W ^ +VU»[ TPZZ [OPZ opportunity, call now for more information.

AUCTION

22nd December 3pm In Rooms 107 Newcastle Road East Maitland

INSPECT CONTACT

Saturday 22nd December, 1 - 1:30pm

3 BED 1 BATH 2 CAR

Luke Anderson or Jessica Dixon 0408 976 509

4934 2000

107 Newcastle Rd, East Maitland www.prdhuntervalley.com.au

For more information, phone PRD Nationwide Hunter Valley on 4934 2000 or listing agent Rhonda Nyquist on 0419 341 999. Inspect: By appointment.

MORPETH TWO STREET FRONTAGES

4 BED 2 BATH

For Sale: $495,000

East Maitland

www.newcastlepost.com.au

Real Estate HILLDALE PICTURESQUE GROUNDS AND STUNNING VIEWS

ELLALONG AUSTRALIANA MASTERPIECE Distinctive and exquisite, this home offers impeccable presentation. You will feel the warmth DQG FKDUDFWHU DV \RX ZDON XS WKH VDQGVWRQH VWHSV DQG HQWHU WKH KRPH WR ÀQG PDJQLÀFHQW WLPEHU &DWKHGUDO FHLOLQJV SROLVKHG WLPEHU à RRUV DQG GXFWHG DLU FRQGLWLRQLQJ 2SHQ SODQ OLYLQJ DUHDV KDYH ZRRG ÀUH DQG DUH JUHDW IRU UHOD[LQJ RU FDWFKLQJ XS ZLWK IDPLO\ DQG friends. They open to a delightful, private, Australiana-themed enclosed verandah. A stunning feature of this home is the chef’s kitchen - it was crafted and built by a chef with a love for IRRG DQG FRRNLQJ <RXҋOO ÀQG D PDVVLYH ZDON LQ SDQWU\ FDHVDU VWRQH EHQFKHV VWDLQOHVV VWHHO %ODQFR appliances, including dishwasher and gas cooking. It also has sweeping, stunning views of the bush.

PRICE INSPECT CONTACT

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5 BED 2 BATH 2 CAR POOL

Park up, relax and breathe in the fresh air. This small acreage boasts beautiful views. A spotless well-presented home, and a large front deck overlooking sweeping mountain views making entertaining easy and guests envious. It is the perfect home for the growing family. There are 4 JHQHURXV VL]HG EHGURRPV RSHQ SODQ OLYLQJ ZLWK OLJKW ÀOOHG URRPV WKURXJKRXW WLPEHU NLWFKHQ IHDWXULQJ PRGHUQ VWDLQOHVV VWHHO DSSOLDQFHV PRGHUQ EDWKURRP ZLWK TXDOLW\ À[WXUHV DQG ÀWWLQJV DQG SOHQW\ RI storage space.There is an In-ground salt water pool the kids will love, as well as a cubby house, 3 barn style outdoor storage sheds, a stable, and a fully fenced paddock with a dam. An exclusive and rare opportunity you mustn’t miss. Country living and plenty of space, what more could you ask for. -

Reverse Cycle A/C & Ceiling Fans

-

Combustion Fire

-

Approximately 2 Acres

-

Extra Land Available

PRICE INSPECT CONTACT

2 CAR %\ $SSRLQWPHQW POOL /XNH $QGHUVRQ -HVVLFD 'L[RQ

THORNTON OWNER WANTS IT SOLD

THIS HOME WILL BE SOLD - Buy now in negotiating range of $360,000 to $390,000 or at Auction. Looking for that near new home that is easy to maintain?

This one-owner home is beautifully presented and ready for inspection. It is set in the desired Somerset Park, on the high side, and has ample space for the whole family with a generous 31 squares.

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3 BED 2 BATH 2 CAR

The formal lounge offers lovely views and the tiled air cond. open-plan family area leads to a landscaped backyard and BBQ area for the spring and summer with loads of room to put in a pool or a shed. It has 4 spacious bedrooms with the main having en-suite and double walk through robes. All 4 bedrooms have ceiling fans. Extras such as teracotta roof tiles, wall and ceiling insulation allows the home to be cool in summer and warm in winter. The double garage has internal access and the side access to the yard leaves loads of room to park a boat, caravan etc.

AUCTION INSPECT CONTACT

QG 'HFHPEHU LQ 2IĂ€FH SP 6DWXUGD\ QG D P &DWK\ &DWWHOO

4934 2000

107 Newcastle Rd, East Maitland www.prdhuntervalley.com.au

4 BED 2 BATH 2 CAR

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

AUCTION INSPECT CONTACT

The Hunter Post

GILLIESTON HEIGHTS ALMOST NEW AND MUST BE SOLD This quality 2 year old, 3 bedroom home will delight you. The main bedroom is set at the rear of the home and is a perfect retreat with loads of room, walk in robes and ensuite. Remaining bedrooms are queen sized with built in robes.You have spacious, open plan, air cond. living areas which open to the neat, low maintenance backyard. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, dish washer, granite bench tops, & great pantry. For convenience and safety you have internal entry from the double garage. This property has a rental potential of $390 - $410 per week, making it the perfect investment!

4 BED 1 BATH

East Maitland

19

Trades & Services

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Phone: 49 610 310 or visit: 854 Hunter St, Newcastle West

Classifieds CARRIERS & REMOVALS TIME RITE FURNITURE REMOVALS PH 4968 9991. No job to small or too big! timeriteremovals.com.au

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Staples transport refer to Trades & Services. Ph: 49 577695.

COMPUTERS & ACCESSORIES

NEW, REPAIRS, TUTORING Your home or mine! From $25 per hr. Ph: 0419 684 584. 20 yrs experience.

ADULT SERVICES VICTORIA Mature Escort Gentlemen call me 0410 310 734 No priv no.

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Pet Sitter Available Daily visits or live-in your home. Police clearance and references available Mature non-smoker Phone Jill 0418 246 384

PH: 0433 150 463 Earn Extra $$$ Delivering Catalogues into Letterboxes

‡ (QWKXVLDVWLF DQG UHOLDEOH SHRSOH DUH QHHGHG IRU LPPHGLDWH VWDUW LQ %DOPRUDO ),VKLQJ 3RLQW &RDO 3RLQW 7RURQWR %ODFNDOOV 3DUN )HQQHOO %D\ ‡ &DU DQ DGYDQWDJH $SSO\ NOW DW www.deliver4dollars.com.au YLVLW WR OHDUQ PRUH RU SKRQH RU Please enter Reference No 1614 in application SALMAT - www.salmat.com.au POSITIONS WANTED

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Kurri Pets and Grooming 150 Barton St Kurri {inside Gold N Tint} PH 4937 3333 for an App with Lenita

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Dr Ian Bowyer practice at 65 Denison Street, Hamilton is now closed. Doctor is working in WA. Please ask your family Doctor to refer you to another Haematologist.

Pet Friendly! 2 bedroom cottages & 3 bedroom luxury villa. Fab location- Walk to shops, cafes, club, surf & beach. 2 hrs nth of Newcastle. seachangeholiday.com 1300 303 190 for your FREE INFO PACK!

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WIN family passes each week

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

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The Post is giving you the chance to win 1 family pass to Greater Union Newcastle or Glendale. To enter fill in your details on the coupon below, cut the coupon out and place it in an envelope and send your entry to:

22

THE POST GROUP OF NEWSPAPERS WISHES ALL OF OUR READERS A SAFE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. THE POST WILL BE CLOSED FROM TUESDAY DECEMBER 18, 2012 AND REOPEN ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 9, 2013.

THE POST/FAMILY FUN 854 HUNTER STREET, NEWCASTLE WEST NSW 2302 Entries close Monday. Winners Published in The Post Giveaway Winners (Classifieds) Wednesday

Name: .......................................................................................... Address: .................................................................................... ..Email: ........................................................................................

HAPPY birthday! POSITIONS WANTED

POSITIONS WANTED

Mobile Welding & Repairs. No job too small! Ph: 4975 1892

MISS DAISY Personal Assistant for Driving and Shopping. Pensioner discount. Ph 0468 400 414

Lawn mowing cheap prices Free quotes All areas Phone: 0401 556 344 LAWN MOWING Clean up garages. Pensioner Discounts. Ph: 4971 6172 or 0412 663 339

GUTTER CLEANING

Leaf and bird proofing Small repairs, Free Quotes Phone Terry 4954 0309 L10548

Wednesday 19th December Alex Cavallaro-Laverty, Fletcher. Age 10 Jonty Robert Dorahy, Largs. Age 2 Thursday 20th December Jayden Donald Douglas-White, Wangi Wangi. Age 5 Sienna Spooner, Fletcher. Age 11 Holly Hooper, Cardiff. Age 11 Paige Cooke, Ashtonfield Age 6 Nicholas McMellon, West Wallsend. Age 9 Friday 21st December Maddison Horton, Macquarie Hills. Age 11

Saturday 22nd December Liam Price, Belmont. Age 13 Sunday 23rd December Darcy O'Donnell, Merewether. Age 10 Monday 24th December Charlotte Mayo, Macquarie Hills. Age 5 Ryan Healey, Cardiff South. Age 9 Lara Willis, Aberglassyn. Age 3 Tuesday 25th December Bella- Rose Barber, Elemore Vale. Age 4

If you would like to register your child’s birthday with The Post’s Birthday Club* and have their name, suburb and age published, email your child’s name, suburb and date of birth to enquiries@newcastlepost.com.au or post it to: The Post Birthday Club, 854 Hunter Street, Newcastle West NSW 2302 *Child must be aged twelve (12) or under. If you do not wish to receive information on The Post’s products, services, promotions & events please advise on your registration.

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Maitland Indoor Sports Centre, Rutherford. 4966 2238 or 4933 1885. Family History: Maitland & District Society open Wed & Saturday 9.30am – 3pm Maitland Heritage Research Centre 17 Lindesay St East Maitland. 4905 1878(Wed-Sat) 4937 5301(AH) or mdgs01@tpg.com.au. Gems: Hunter Valley Gemology Club, Wed, 9am to 3pm, Tues, 7pm and Sun 12pm to 5pm. 1 Maize St, East Maitland. 4932 3130. Girls’ Brigade: Tues, 6.15pm to 8pm, Maitland Church of Christ. 4987 3301. Grossman House: Friends of Grossman House, Church St, 4th Mon, 5pm. 4933 6452. Grow: GROW Worldwide Australian Mental Heath Group, Maitland meets Mon 10.30am at Rutherford Community Centre, Arthur St, Rutherford. 1800 558 268. Investors Club: Meetings and information about property investing held monthly at Charlestown, Kahibah, Raymond Terrace and East Maitland. 4942 3009 or 0409 423 020. Kiwanis: East Maitland. 1st and 3rd Mon, Bank Hotel, Melbourne Street, East Maitland. info@eastmaitlandkiwanis.org. LETS: Local Exchange Trading System – exchange a wide variety of goods and services. 0407 945 401. Maitland and District Historical Society: 1st, 3rd Tue 3 Cathedral St, Maitland. maitlandhistorical@gmail.om or 0438 623 299. Maitland Bereaved by Suicide Support Group: 4th Thurs month at 7pm, Real Life Church Cinema Complex Ken Tubman Dr Maitland. 0407001525. Maitland Creative Writers: East Maitland Library, 2nd Saturday from 10am. 4988 6988. Markets: Raymond Terrace 3rd Saturday from 9am-12pm Hunter Street, Raymond Terrace (by the river). 0412 721 723. Maitland Women’s Cancer Support Group: Third Monday, St Christopher’s Anglican Church Hall, Rutherford. 4932 7754. Mediation: Unifam counselling and mediation for families experiencing family law disputes. 4943 9186. Medieval Dance Classes: Maitland and Newcastle. 4936 6220. Meditation For All: Introductory & Continuing Courses, including courses for those with cancer and other life threatening diseases. Jane, 4934 2327. Mental health support, education and resource groups: Newcastle, Cessnock, Morisset, Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay. 4960 3225 or email nadine@sfnsw.org.au. Morpeth CWA: Meeting 2nd Fri, School of Arts hall, High Street Morpeth from 10am. 4932 7451. Morpeth Uniting Church Friendship group: Meets fortnightly for singing and entertainment followed by afternoon tea. 4933 1017. Music: Walka Water Works, Sun, 1pm to 4pm. 0407 919 821 or 4930 7598. National Service: Maitland and District National Service and Combined Forces Association of Australia, East

EN S P O DAY 7

4990 4581. Maitland. Easts Leisure & Golf Club, East Maitland, Tues, 7pm. 4955 8286. VIEW: Maitland Club, 4th Wed, East Maitland Bowling Club, 10am. 4933 5749. Beresfield Club 1st Wed, Beresfield Bowling Club 10.30am. Hoy morning 3rd Wed Beresfield Seniors Hall 10am. 4966 4649. Yacht: Southern Cross Model Club, Sun, 12pm Walka Water Works. 4932 8948. PARENTING Dads in Distress: Mon, 7.30pm, St Paul’s Church Hall. 0427 330 771. East Maitland Pine Tree GAPS Support group: (Grandparents as Parents Support) Tue during school terms 10am-12pm. St Peters’ Youth Centre, East Maitland. 4933 6662. Lone Fathers Association: 4932 5549 or lonefathers. com.au. MyTime Woodberry: A program for parents and carers of children 0-16 years with a disability or chronic medical condition. Tues, 10am to 12pm. FREE sessions are held at Woodberry Public School at the Place of Friends. 0407 556 854 or 4964 2174. Playconnect Raymond Terrace: A play-based learning opportunity for children six and under with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or like symptoms. Thurs, 9.30am to 11.30 am. Irrawang Public School. 0417 500 886 or 4987 4666. Playgroups: Allergy Aware Playgroup Tue 9.30am-11.30am during school terms. Ashtonfield CommunityHall. 0405 420 011.Ashtonfield Shamrocks Playgroup, Thurs 10am to 12pm and 12pm to 2pm, 1800 171 882. Bolwarra, Wed, 10am to 12pm, St Augustine’s Hall, 4930 3388. East Maitland Playgroup, Tues 10am to 12pm, Tenambit Community Hall, 4933 5272. Kupcakes Disability Integrated Playtime, 10am to 12pm, East Maitland Uniting Church, 4933 2602 or 4995 6041. Little Fish Playschool, Wed, 9.30am to 11.30am, Presbyterian Church Hall, George St, East Maitland, 0421 934 884. Maitland Playgroup, Guides Hall, St Andrews St, Maitland Thurs 10am to 12pm, 4932 9974 or 0423 618 175. Metford Community Playgroup, Wed, 10am to 12pm, Metford Community Hall, 4934 6654 or 4932 1771. Metford/Ashtonfield Mums and Tots, Mon, 10am to 12pm, Metford Community Hall, 4934 4268. Mini Muzos Playgroup, Tues, 10am to 12pm, the Salvation Army youth hall, 1a Bunning Ave, Rutherford 4932 6682. St Peter’s Playtime, East Maitland, Fri, 10am to 12pm, 4934 3431. Morpeth Uniting Church Mon 10-11.30am Church hall cnr High and Cumberland Streets Morpeth. 4933 6653. If you know of something going on in Maitland or surrounding areas, please contact us at least two weeks before the date of publication. This is a free community calendar and is for not-for-profit and community organisations. Strict guidelines apply to inclusion in this section. Write to us at The Post PO Box 2321, Dangar, NSW 2309 or email stephen@newcastlepost.com.au.

furniturewarehouse.net.au Updates on Facebook.com/FurnitureWarehouseAustralia

Orthopaedic Matresses Single matresses from

Maitland RSL, sub-branch hall, 4th Thurs, 10am. 4932 8100 or 4937 4927. Origin Newcastle: Support group for those separated by adoption or through the stolen generation. Last Sat, Uniting Church, 150 Beaumont St, Hamilton. 4963 3482. Palliative Care: Friends of Palliative Care 1st Mon, 10.30am. 4933 4494 or 4934 2253. Rail: Maitland Branch of Save Our Rail, 2nd Wed, 7pm, St Peter’s Hall, East Maitland. Rotary: Maitland Sunrise Rotary Club, Tues, 7.15am to 8.30am, Imperial Hotel, Maitland; Green Hills, Thursday, 7.15-8.30am George Tavern, Greenhills. Scrabble: Maitland Park Bowling Club, Tues, 10am to 4pm. 4932 9696 or 4933 7404. Seniors: National Seniors Australia, Hunter Valley Branch. 4th Tue, East Maitland Bowling Club from 9.30am. 4938 5314. 1st Thurs, Maitland Salvation Army, 1a Bunning Ave, Rutherford, 11am. 4932 0391. Sids and Kids Hunter Region: Support group. Maitland City Motel, 258 New England Highway, Rutherford First Mon. 4969 3171. Sing Australia: Singing for fun Mon from 7.30pm CWA Hall Church St, Maitland. 4936 6403. Singles: Over 50s, Hunter Valley Singles Social Club, 1st Sun, 10.30am, Polish Hall, Maitland. 0428 166 867 or 4966 0545 hvssclub@yahoo.com.au. Singles: Party at the Pub. Fun, safe, affordable way to meet new friends, 30+. 4994 5197 or partyatthepub.com.au. Slimmers: Beresfield Waratah Slimmers, Tues, 6pm. Beresfield Bowling Club. 4966 4649. Theatre: Maitland Repertory Playhouse, High St, Maitland. Maitland Junior Repertory (8 to 16 years), Sat afternoons, 0422 691 363. Reamus Youth Theatre (16 to 25 years), Mon evenings, 0407 306 004. Hunter Impro Network (all ages), 1st Sun. 0401 170 364. Romulus Players (all ages) Tues. 4934 5519. Walking. Heart Foundation Walking groups. 4915 8003. CLUB Business Professional Women, Maitland: 4th Tues. 0415 214 709 or bwpmaitland@gmail.com. Coin club: Maitland & District Coin Club Inc, meets 7.30pm 2nd Mon. 4933 8961, maitlandcoinclub@gmail.com. Maitland and Coalfields District Orchid Society: Meeting, 2nd Thursday Masonic Hall, George Street East Maitland from 7.30pm. 4932 8220. Maitland/Beresfield Lioness Club: 1st Mon. Beresfield Bowling Club, 6.30pm. 49661751. Maitland Table Tennis: Tues and Thurs from 9.15 am, Fri from 6pm, Polish Hall Grant St Maitland. 4966 1478. National Service & Combined Forces Association Maitland Branch: 4th Thurs 10am, East Maitland RSL Hall. 4933 1629 or 6337 8378. Probus: Rutherford/Telarah Mens’ 2nd and 4th Tuesday, Maitland City Bowling Club from 9.30am. Rutherford Lioness Club: 1st Tues, Maitland Park Bowling Club, 7pm. 4930 1643. Toastmasters: Cessnock Toastmasters, Cessnock Supporters Club, Mon (except public holidays), 6.45pm.

Around Your Community

COMMUNITY GUIDE... COMMUNITY Alcoholics Anonymous: Tues 7.30pm, Thurs 8pm, Tarro Community Hall, Northern Ave, Tarro. 4964 1555. Mon 10am Anglican Hall Lang Street Kurry. 4937 2213. Amnesty: Amnesty International Group, 2nd Fri 10.45am to 11.45am Organic Feast, cnr, Lawes and William Streets, East Maitland . 4933 8432. ARAFMI: Counselling, education and support to families, relatives and friends of people with mental illness. 22 Stewart Ave, Hamilton East. arafmihunter.org. Support line, 4961 6717 or admin line 49 612 842. Arthritis NSW Maitland District Branch: 1st Thurs 10am, East Maitland Bowling Club.4966 4649. Aspergers/autism: Information, advocacy, workshops, contact register, referral at Maitland Neighbourhood Centre. 4966 1717. Australian Sewing Guild: Maitland branch meet third Thurs, Rutherford Community Centre, Arthur Street, Rutherford from 9.30am to 3.30pm. 4930 7554. Books: Maitland Book Readers’ Club. 1st Mon, 1pm, East Maitland Library. 4934 1323. Bereaved parents: 4952 3691. Bushwalking: Hunter Area Walkabout Club. Sun. 4943 5073. CARE for Pets: enables incapacitated people to remain living at home with their companion animals. Volunteers are required to assist with dog walking and at-home care for pets. 0416 962 273 and check out our webpage at www. canineworld.org.au. Carers: Support group for carers of people with memory loss and associated problems, Kurri Community Centre, 4th Thurs, 3.30pm to 5.30pm. 4937 4555. Childless bonds: Support for women and men who are unable to have children. Phone after 7pm or weekends. 4948 0941. Choir: Maitland City Choir. Seventh Day Adventist Church, East Maitland, Tues, 7pm to 9pm. 4937 5834. Choir: Port Stephens Choir. St Brigid’s hall, William St, Raymond Terrace, Thurs at 7pm. 4951 5064 or 0418 497 536. Computerpals Maitland: 1st Thursday from 10am East Maitland Bowling Club. 4966 3530. Dads in Distress: Call 1300 853 437 or visit www. dadsindistress.asn.au to find your nearest peer support group or local worker. Diabetes: Coalfields Kurri Diabetes support group, last Tues, 10am, Kurri Bowling Club. 4937 2188 or 4930 4626. Maitland Diabetes support group, 2nd Tues, 10am. St Paul’s Church Hall. 4932 7649 or 0418 649 313. East Maitland Social Club: Second Tues Bruce Street Community Hall, East Maitland 10-am-1pm. 4934 1456. East Maitland Pine Tree GAPS Support Group: Every Tuesday during school terms. 10a.m.-12noon. St.Peters Youth Centre, E.Maitland 4933 6662 Ecumenical Service: Maitland Uniting Church, High Street, Maitland. 1pm Wednesdays. 4933 9059. Exercise: Lifeball game exercises for any age, Wed, 10am,

$99

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Queen $199 Double $189 Single $119

23

SPORT

georgetavern GREENHILLS

bar, bistro & bottlo open 7 days specials end 26.12.12

tooheys new stubbies carton

$37.99ea save $8.00

Swinging in to town Maitland’s up-and-coming cricketers to benefit from clinic

jim beam white & cola cubes

$72.99ea save $7.00 cointreau 700ml

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Now selling fresh bread and milk for your convenience! THE GEORGE TAVERN SUPPORTS & PROMOTES THE RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL

wednesday joker draw

win $4,000! friday dec 21 from 7.30pm

DAN BEAZLEY

STEPHEN BISSET

M

aitland’s next generation of cricketing talent will have the opportunity to get valuable tips from some true greats of the game when the Shaun Brown Cricket Camp gets underway at Hunter Valley Grammar School in January. Former Australian captain, Graham Yallop, and former Test cricketer, Ray Bright, will be passing on knowledge to Maitland’s burgeoning talent. “Graham is one of the best junior coaches in the business and it’s fantastic to have him on board again for this year’s camp,” organiser Shaun Brown said. “It’s also great to have Ray on board because he’s just an absolute wealth of information about cricket.” Yallop was no slouch, playing 39 tests for Australia and scoring more than 2,700 test match runs while the left-arm spinner Bright played 25 tests and 11 one-day internationals from 1977 to 1986. Brown said the clinic would cover all aspects of the game and would also include the use of video analysis and written reports. “We like to cover as many cricketing skills as we can and our aim with the clinics is to provide an excellent learning experience for

enthusiastic young cricketers between the ages of six and 16,” he said. Brown said the program was important for regional areas as they seldom had access to such experienced cricketers as Yallop and Bright. “Growing up in country Victoria, where we didn’t really ever have any Former Australian Test cricketer, Mark Waugh (centre back) with kids at a recent clinic access to any high-profi le players, I feel very strongly that For your chance to win a two-day clinics like this are extremely important for pass to the clinic, email your name, grassroots cricket in Australia.” address and contact number to The Shaun Brown Cricket Camp will be editorial@newcastlepost.com.au by no on at the Hunter Valley Grammar School on later than 5pm on Monday, January 7 with Monday, January 21 and Tuesday, January 22. ‘Cricket Clinic’ in the subject line. For more information, phone 1800 35 14 15. Winners will be notified by phone.

saturday dec 22 from 8.30pm

DEUCE sunday dec 23 from 3pm

KAREN O’SHEA mondays from 5.30pm

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Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

The Post

$7 Meal Voucher 11.30am-9pm Buy one main meal & receive the second main meal for $7 (up to equal value) Valid Monday to Friday. Bookings preferred. Conditions apply. Excludes public holidays.

Your local pub!

3 molly morgan drive, greenhills P 4933 3222 F 4934 7183

www.georgetavern.com.au

Merry Christmas From all the Staff at FoodWorks Tenambit

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