Hunter Post - 25 February

hunter WED 25 FEB 2015

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Seaplane plan floated Millionaire hotel owner hopes to help draw more tourists to Cessnock EXCLUSIVE: PAUL MONFORTE

H No cancer treatment at new hospital p.3 PROPERTY House of Week is a retirees’ special p.12

otel owner Dr Jerry Schwartz has launched a revolutionary plan for a seaplane service from Sydney to Cessnock Airport.

Dr Schwartz, a Sydney-based cosmetic surgeon and director of the Schwartz Family Company which owns the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Crowne Plaza Newcastle and Novotel Newcastle, said the 300-kilometre round-trip by road from Sydney was a deterrent for some tourists looking for a short-term visit.

“The building of the Hunter Expressway was a positive transport initiative for the region but, with the major market for the Hunter Valley being Sydney, there is also considerable scope for upgrading the route from the M1 to the wine region via Cessnock,” Dr Schwartz said.

Dr Schwartz told The Post he had held preliminary discussions with Pokolbin-based charter service Slattery Helicopters in relation to a seaplane service.

“On my wishlist would be to have a sea plane service from Rose Bay in Sydney to Newcastle Harbour and to Cessnock Airport,” he said.

“I don’t think I would make money out of it but it would help tourism so I would get indirect gains out of it by getting more people here.

“It’s a bit of a no-brainer, I think you just need somebody to be a bit pushy about it.”

The Schwartz Family Group’s hotel interests also

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley owner Dr Jerry Schwartz includes Mercure, Rydges, Ibis and Holiday Inn properties in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

Cessnock City Council’s integrated planning and strategic property manager Bronwyn Rumbel said there had been several hurdles in obtaining funding to upgrade infrastructure at the airport.

“A strategic plan for the airport was adopted in January last year which recognised the economic and tourism benefits for the local government area,” Ms Rumbel said.

“To progress the strategic plan, the airport was

registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in June, 2014.

“Council is aiming to provide improved accessibility for charter flights and more opportunities for aviation related industries.”

Ms Rumbel said the council had written to Minister for Regional Tourism John Barilaro requesting Cessnock Airport be considered for inclusion in the Regional Airports Funding Program after a decision earlier this year deemed the airport to be ineligible for funding.

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the hunter post 19 Pearson St, Charlestown NSW 2290 PO Box 2321 Dangar, NSW 2309 P (02) 4961 0310 www.thehunterpost.com.au www.facebook.com/newcastlepost Editorial: editorial@newcastlepost.com.au Advertising: enquiries@newcastlepost.com.au Printed by: Spotpress Pty Ltd Editor: Richard French Journalists: Paul Monforte, Amelia Parrott, Stephen Bisset (TE), Melissah Comber Sales Manager: Rhonda Campbell Sales: Glenda Peate, Gary Scott (Trades), Dan Hawkins (TE), Alison Hislop (Hunter), Jo Jones (Hunter), Denis Phelan, Michael Cleary Administration: Lauren Pollard

Youth to have say on the future Hunter Research Foundation is inviting young people from across the Hunter to have a say in determining their future at the YOUnite Youth Summit in Maitland today, Wednesday, February 25.

The summit aims to attract 130 young people to hear results from HRF’s YOUnite research project, which explores the difficulties Hunter young people experience in transitioning from school to independent adult life.

The free event will see young people break into groups to workshop key issues identified in YOUnite research from 10am to 1pm at Maitland Town Hall.

Editor's Desk

richard.frenche@newcastlepost.com.au

Turned-off people turning away from procession of political game The biggest message to come out of Saturday’s Newcastle City Council ward 3 by-election to politicians of all persuasions at all levels in this region, particularly with a state election coming, is that those who aspire to parliament have mostly lost touch with voters who are no longer listening, let alone giving respect, to them.

More than 30% of voters enrolled in ward 3 failed to vote or registered an informal ballot, as the ALP’s Declan Clausen, 22, became the youngest member in the council’s history.

NSW Electoral Commission figures showed that of 27,261 people enrolled to vote, about 26% did not vote and another 6% spoiled their papers.

Of course, though, Mr Clausen’s victory of about 43% of first-preference votes to Ms Elliott’s 38% showed that this election was a two-horse race between the left and right of the political spectrum, with the ALP claiming Ms Elliott is a pseudo-Liberal.

With margins for error and the phenomenon of many modern voters not being glued on to one party or group, a 5% difference is not a lot to make up either way when it comes to the state election.

No doubt the spat between the ALP and the Liberals, now we’re almost into the straight for March 28’s state race, will continue. Labor will claim the council victory as a sign people may turn on Premier Mike Baird while the Liberals, who didn’t run a candidate, will think that Ms

RICHARD FRENCH

Politicians are failing on a grand scale to engage with the people.

Elliott’s effort shows that state Liberal candidate Karen Howard, who has also stood for council as an independent, might oust Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp.

The Liberals and those independents who are that way inclined will keep highlighting how little has been done for the region by voting Labor in, because people have stayed loyal even to mediocre members, and the ALP will try to use the Abbott factor.

This was “only” a council election and many voters were simply confused about whether or not they had to vote, so it appears that voter fatigue, apathy or ignorance played a large part in the result.

When almost a third of the voters enrolled don’t take care about their democratic right and responsibility to vote, politicians or would-be representatives are failing on a grand scale to engage with and for the people they represent.

But, of course, anyone who doesn’t vote should not complain about what they get or don’t get because of the result.

There have been worse turnouts for such local elections but it’s a little sad and disturbing that so many Australians don’t give a flying fig about voting, when in other countries people sacrifice their lives for others to have the right to queue for days in all sorts of weather just to make their mark.

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State election

No cancer radiotherapy at hospital Sufferers from Maitland and further afield may still have to go to Mater MELISSAH COMBER

@melcomber

adiotherapy services for the treatment of cancer will not be a part of the new Maitland hospital.

Hunter New England Health’s acting director of acute operations Karen Kelly told The Hunter Post that Newcastle’s Calvary Mater hospital will remain the tertiary referral centre for radiation oncology.

“Planning for the new Maitland hospital includes a range of cancer diagnostic and treatment services,” Ms Kelly said.

“Ambulatory [outpatient] services will include chemotherapy and specialist multi-disciplinary medical oncology for adults, and inpatient services are also being planned.

“Current predictions for population growth do not support the need for radiotherapy services in the initial scope of cancer services at the [proposed] new Maitland hospital.”

Ms Kelly said opportunities for future expansion would be included in the plans, with the final business case due for submission mid-year.

Labor candidate for Maitland Jenny Aitchison slammed the plan, saying people in Maitland and further west

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Member for Maitland Robyn Parker and Health Minister Jillian Skinner at the announcement of the new site for a second hospital to be built in Maitland were already struggling for access to such services.

Ms Aitchison reaffirmed Labor’s election promise to fund two public hospitals in Maitland.

But NSW Premier Mike Baird took aim at that promise in Maitland last week.

“The Maitland community shouldn’t take anything they say seriously, they haven’t outlined in any way how they’re going to fund any promise, let alone two fully fledged, publicly funded hospitals in Maitland, so you can’t believe a word

they’re saying,” Mr Baird said.

“They’ve never shown where any savings have come from to fund such initiatives.”

Ms Aitchison said it was the government that couldn’t be taken seriously.

“All Labor’s promises have to be costed before they are released, including this one,” she said.

“Considering the Liberals promised to keep the existing hospital open and now won’t, how can anyone take him or the government seriously?”

NSW Premier Mike Baird has said that the State Government is prepared to look at land for a new school in the Maitland area if a site is on offer.

Mr Baird’s comments came a day after Hardie Holdings development manager Jamie Boswell put forward a site at Anambah the company was willing to sell to the government for a school.

“The Department of Education is looking for sites [but] there is a process,” Mr Baird told The Hunter Post.

“Obviously if someone is prepared to provide land to a school it’s something that would be looked at.”

The potential site fronts Anambah Road, just west of Aberglasslyn, and would service the developing suburbs of Lochinvar and Farley.

About 3000 new homes are expected to be built in the Anambah urban release area.

Mr Boswell said the government had not yet engaged in discussions about the 18-hectare parcel of land.

“We’ve been following the need for the western area to have another potential school site,” Mr Boswell said.

“We’d be looking to sell the site for the government to push forward and get a school moving which is needed.”

He said that it could be a primary or a high school.

Independent candidate for Maitland and city councillor Philip Penfold said that he was eager to see work progress sooner rather than later.

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3 the hunter post » Wednesday 25 February 2015

Offer of land for a new school

Wednesday 25 February 2015 « the hunter post

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Greens hopeful takes local stand Greens candidate for Cessnock Lindy Williams has vowed to stand up for community interests at the March 28 state election.

Ms Williams told The Post she had been inspired to run for election after being heavily involved in the fight against the state government’s closure of the 161-yearold Wollombi Public School.

Ms Williams, whose children attended the 161-year-old school, was P&C president and a strong campaigner against what she described as a “short-sighted decision”.

“I am honoured to be the Greens’ candidate for Cessnock,” Ms Williams said.

“Last year I experienced the closure of our small rural school.

“This decision touched me personally and very deeply. Throughout this time I have been supported by the Greens and felt it was an appropriate time to stand with and for the community.

“I am looking forward to representing a party that realises the cost of corruption is poorer services and that the decisions that serve vested interests are not in the interests of the community.”

Ms Williams said her battle with the education department highlighted the need for small communities to stand against decisions made by government officials in Sydney.

She was also passionate about health care, having worked extensively caring for people with mental illnesses.

Greens councillor James Ryan will stand for the party in the legislative council.

State election

On road to lifting Hunter’s economy Premier pledges $273 million to fix congestion if Liberals are re-elected PAUL MONFORTE

SW Premier Mike Baird believes a $273 million injection of funds into roads will help the Hunter emerge from its “cocoon” as a business and tourism powerhouse, but only if his government is re-elected.

Mr Baird said the funding was contingent on the government being re-elected on March 28 and the successful leasing of the state’s electricity assets.

He announced the funding in conjunction with Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian in Lovedale last week, shortly after officially opening Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s new conference and events centre.

“We all know how special the Hunter is and we are trying to provide the investment in infrastructure to allow this region to reach its potential,” Mr Baird said.

“As we heard from Jerry [Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley owner Dr Jerry Schwartz], who had the vision to build this centre, he said he saw in this facility there was a cocoon and he wanted to bring forth the butterfly.”

Ms Berejiklian announced details of the first seven projects she said dealt with known congestion points across the Hunter:

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Curly Gladman, owner of Greenhills Travel Centre was honoured to accept the award and said it was fantastic to compete succesfully against city agents to win this award. This year, Evergreen will been launching new ships for their European River Cruising program. To experience any of their tours please visit our office to book with your local Evergeen Expert agency.

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NSW Premier Mike Baird announces a $273 million investment in Hunter roads, with (from left) Liberal candidate for Maitland Steve Thomson, Liberal candidate for Newcastle Karen Howard and Minister for Transport and the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian • $2 million to improve access from University Drive into Newcastle University.

• $12 million to upgrade the intersections of Pacific Highway and Kahibah Rd and Pacific Highway and Northcott Drive, Highfields.

• $1.5 million to upgrade the intersection of Griffiths Rd and Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow.

• $8 million to upgrade the intersections of Industrial Drive and Tourle St and Industrial Drive and Werribi Street, Mayfield.

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• $2 million to provide an overtaking lane westbound on the New England Highway between the Golden Highway, Singleton and Whittingham.

• $7 million to provide two additional lanes on the New England Highway between Racecourse Rd and Anambah Rd, Rutherford.

• $4 million to continue planning and pre-construction to widen Hillsborough Rd to four lanes between Warners Bay and the Newcastle inner-city bypass.

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State election

the hunter post » Wednesday 25 February 2015

Candidates want new infrastructure Four runners front the Maitland business community to talk about their campaign priorities MELISSAH COMBER

@melcomber

here was one thing all four state election candidates speaking to the Maitland business community last week could agree on: the growing city’s infrastructure needs.

Jenny Aitchison (Labor), John Brown (Greens), Philip Penfold (Independent) and Steve Thomson (Liberal) addressed about 40 Maitland Business Chamber members at a state election debate, with each given five minutes to tell how they would help local business.

“I understand how the impact of government can affect how you run your business,” Ms Aitchison said.

“The thing we need to look at is how this government has been managing its money.”

Mr Penfold said that the government needed to drive a strong economy and provide the infrastructure to support it.

“We’re a growing city, we have growing pains,” Cr Penfold said.

“We need to help you [small business] be successful and then get out of the way.”

The candidates also took questions from the floor about how to get big business to come to Maitland, how to ensure

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Candidates Philip Penfold, John Brown, Jenny Aitchison and Steve Thomson that Hunter infrastructure funds do not go straight to Newcastle, and the city’s transport needs, especially accessibility for people with a disability.

“There’s more to this debate than cutting

three stations in another electorate,” Mr Thomson said, before saying that the government and disability service providers should work closer together and that is something he would support.

Mr Brown said that he would like to see train services every 15 minutes.

“I reckon that when you have them people will be more willing to use them.”

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maitland matters all council matters: maitland.nsw.gov.au CR PETER BLACKMORE Maitland City Council Mayor

Anniversary is bringing a lot of memories flooding back

PUBLIC NOTICES QUARTERLY RATE INSTALMENT NOW DUE Ratepayers are reminded, the 3rd Quarterly Instalment is due on or before 28 February 2015, 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 27 February 2015.

For payment options please see the reverse side of your rate notice.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES ‘THE MAITLAND TASTE’ FOOD, WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 Council has approved an application to temporarily close High Street, Maitland from Elgin Street to Bourke Street, and part of Bulwer Street to conduct the ‘Maitland Taste’ Food, Wine and Music Festival, to be held on Saturday, 7 March and Sunday, 8 March 2015.

It is proposed that the following Maitland roads be temporarily FORVHG WR YHKLFXODU WUDÉ?F IRU WKH GXUDWLRQ RI WKLV HYHQW Č? )URP DP )ULGD\ 0DUFK WR DP 0RQGD\ 0DUFK – High Street between Elgin Street and Bourke Street;

oday we remember the 60th anniversary of the 1955 Maitland flood, which had a devastating effect on our city. The flood not only affected the people at the time but has also gone on to have a profound influence on the people who call our city home today.

As a result of the 1955 flood, the NSW State Emergency Services (SES) was formed.

It was called the Civil Defence and of course the rest is now history. We also take this opportunity to mention the assistance we received from the army, navy, surf lifesaving boat crews, police, health workers, other areas of the Hunter, and the interstate and international support.

Looking back at some of the footage and photos it seems quite surreal. Some of the iconic imagery such as the Nobbys surf boat floating through Central Maitland and the aerial shots of Maitland begin to tell an amazing story.

But they can only capture a small part of the effects felt by many 60 years ago.

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The floods changed the way we think of ourselves.

They brought together our community and left a lasting memory that connects generations of Maitland people.

Tonight will be an opportunity to look back and remember the 1955 flood with a special screening of Newsfront at Maitland Reading Cinema, presented

by Maitland City Library in partnership with the National Film and Sound Archive.

Personally, I’m looking forward to hearing from the panel of experts as they discuss the lasting effects of the flood.

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of awarding Mrs Irene Hemsworth as a Freeman of the City of Maitland.

Mrs Hemsworth is well known in the community, having dedicated a lifetime to volunteering and community service in Maitland.

I would like to again congratulate her on this achievement and she should be incredibly proud of herself and her contribution to the community.

– Bulwer Street from High Street to just north of the Maitland Leagues Club entrance;

cessnock matters

– 'UDQVȴHOG /DQH

all council matters: cessnock.nsw.gov.au

Alternative temporary road closures should High Street be

BOB PYNSENT Cessnock City Council Mayor

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0DUFK – St Andrews Street between High Street and riverbank; – Riverside Car Park area;

‘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 has approved the following temporary road closure in East Maitland for this event. The closure LV GHWDLOHG EHORZ Č? )URP DP WR SP RQ 6DWXUGD\ 0DUFK – John Street East Maitland from roundabout on Morpeth Road to Maitland Gaol entry gates.

Enquiries regarding the above can be directed to Council’s Visitor Information Centre on 4931 2800.

Interested residents are welcome to attend.

Next meeting: 10 | 24 MARCH – 5.30pm WW16094

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

n my time as mayor, last week was the first time we’ve had a premier visit the Cessnock LGA. It was a privilege to have Premier Baird in the region and I was thrilled to hear he had even popped into Vincent Street for his morning coffee.

I’m sure our friendly community left an impression on him.

The new Crowne Plaza conference centre surely is a sight to behold and I look forward to the great economic return this structure will provide our LGA well into the future. Such a facility gives us fantastic opportunities to potentially host events such as the Local Government NSW 2016 conference, an event which draws up to 900 delegates and support staff.

I

– Stillsbury Lane (between Riverside Car Park and High Street).

Agendas are available from our website or by contacting customer service.

For information on development applications please visit our website – maitland.nsw.gov.au

We have received a lot of interest in our coal seam gas forum, being held this Thursday at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre. I urge anyone with an interest in this issue to attend.

You can register by emailing environment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au or phoning 4933 4300.

If you are unable to attend but still have questions you would like answered, please send them through before the forum to have our expert panel respond to you.

Slashing crews are working overtime to combat grass and weeds after the large amounts of rainfall we’ve had over the past couple of months.

There are lots of parks and community spaces on the list and our slashing crew are working tirelessly to get this under control.

We hope to have these areas mowed within the next two to four weeks. Please remain patient with us during this time.

I hope our local school students are well and truly settled back into term one of the new year.

I would also like to thank all of our students who have applied for mayoral scholarships this year.

I wish you all the best of luck with your studies.

Applications will be assessed over the coming month and I look forward to announcing the successful applicants.

It’s Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday and I am pleased to say we have 10 registered sites in the LGA where you can come along and help keep our beautiful city clean. This is the 25th anniversary of the initiative and I hope many of you can attend to help with the clean-up.

Every extra pair of hands will be of great assistance.

HISTORY

the hunter post » Wednesday 25 February 2015

Turning back Time

Personal tale of the day flood hit town John Morris has both funny and serious memories of the 1955 event, writes Melissah Comber.

St Andrew Street car park. Photo courtesy Maitland City Library/E.R Brown

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s floodwaters ravaged Maitland on this day 60 years ago, Rutherford’s John Morris was experiencing a taste of cross-dressing.

“I was walking up Bourke Street, because the water was lower and slower there, and Dorothy’s [his wife] two aunts and Mrs Brown were in a two-storey house, and they called out, ‘Come in, John’,” Mr Morris said.

“I went in the front door and up the stairs but I was sopping wet so they gave me one of their blouses and a cardigan and the neighbour, Mr Holmes, threw me a pair of his pants over the fence.”

Days of torrential rain across much of the state had seen its rivers and tributaries swell to unprecedented levels, flowing downstream and reaching Maitland where, on February 25, 1955, the river could no longer contain it.

A 27-year-old Mr Morris had spent the day moving furniture from his wife’s

family’s Wallace Street home, in an effort to protect it from the impending flood.

The effort, it soon became clear, was in vain, with the Hunter River reaching a record high at the Belmore Bridge of 12.1 metres, a record which is yet to be surpassed, inundating 2200 homes with water.

While the homes could be cleaned up or replaced, the 11 officially confirmed lost lives could not.

Those deaths included 56-year-old Vince Hughes and 35-year-old Aubrey Smith, who were victims of a helicopter crash, images of which would be splashed across the front pages of Sydney’s major newspapers in the following days.

“I saw the helicopter go down but I didn’t know what the outcome of any of that was,” Mr Morris said.

The helicopter had crashed into floodwaters while rescuing people and would not be found until days later.

Mr Morris had his own close call while walking through High Street, near the post office.

“There was a hairdresser on the corner of the laneway and as I came to it the water picked me up,” he said.

“The shop window had been blown out and luckily there didn’t seem to be too many bits of glass.

“But there was a brick wall which had been built after another flood and I went ‘bang!’ into the wall, but I was able to pick myself up.”

While the 1955 flood is remembered as one of the worst natural disasters the city has experienced, with a statewide damage bill of $1.3 billion in today’s currency, floodplain management specialist Richard Dewar has warned that it could happen again.

“The Lower Hunter River Flood Mitigation Scheme doesn’t solve it [town flooding] for major events,” he said, speaking at a community information session.

“When that happens you’ll get pretty much the same levels.”

Maitland City Council is currently developing a new floodplain risk management plan.

A submerged house.

Photo courtesy Maitland City Library

Aerial view of Maitland train station.

Photo courtesy Maitland City Library

2015 Mayoral Academic Scholarships Applications are open now!

Previous winner Ziah Elliott with Mayor Bob Pynsent.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, there are 11 scholarships on offer this year.

Applications are open to students who are enrolled in TAFE or University in 2015 and are residents of the Cessnock local government area. Scholarships are for one year and are valued at $2,500.

If you’re studying this year, $2,500 could go a long way toward supporting you... so don’t miss out!

Applications and full selection criteria are available from www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/ council/mayor/scholarships

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Wednesday 25 February 2015 « the hunter post

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4

COMMUNITY

NOTICE BOARD

editorial@newcastlepost.com.au The Post, 19 Pearson St, Charlestown NSW 2290 COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION: Branxton-Greta 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.

Morpeth branch meeting 9.30am for a cuppa then meeting at 10am second Friday at School of Arts Hall, High Street, Morpeth.

Secretary: Diane Burton 4930 1477.

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

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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 10am-12 noon. Everyone welcome.

EAST MAITLAND RSL SUB-BRANCH: Meets second Monday monthly 7pm in the RSL sub-branch Hall, 225 Newcastle Road, East Maitland. Secretary: Neil Cromarty 4933 5958. All veterans welcomed and supported.

HOPE VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Playtime for kids under six every Thursday morning during school terms from 9.30am to 11.30am. Mums, bring your kids along each week for a fun morning of play and activities, and get to know other local mums.

Everybody welcome.

Cnr Vincent and Hall Streets, Cessnock.

Pram-accessible.

LIONS CLUB MEETINGS: Cessnock Lions Club - Second and fourth Tuesday of the month at East Cessnock Bowling Club, Neath St Cessnock at 6.30pm. Contact: Alan McKim 0425 244561, Cessnock Wine Country - 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.

Police snapshot

40 hours only

Maitland

Conditions apply. Products and discounts may vary from store to store. While stocks last. Valid to 01.03.2015.

WW16009

fortywinks.com.au

Technology boost to help officers when out on the road

Central Hunter police are keen to hear from witnesses to a crash between a car and a motorcycle at Windella last Wednesday.

The collision occurred at 6.20pm at the intersection of River Rd and Denton Drive, about 10 kilometres west of Maitland.

The 19-year-old male, riding a green Kawasaki, suffered a serious injury to his arm , while the 24-year-old female driver of a blue Toyota Camry sedan was uninjured but was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

Police are urging anyone who has not already spoken to investigators to contact the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit on 4929 0744.

The NSW Police Force has deployed 500 smart phones, representing a significant step forward in real-time policing.

Police will be able to perform background checks on vehicles and persons of interest using the device. They can also be used to send text messages, make phone calls and access the internet.

In addition, the device has in-built GPS capabilities, reinforcing officer safety during emergencies.

The device also includes a stylus for note-taking, meaning the officer’s handwriting is automatically converted to text.

Its ability to run multiple programs simultaneously means officers are able to take notes while conducting checks at the same time.

Should the device be lost or stolen, data stored on the phone can be wiped remotely to safeguard against any security risk involving sensitive information.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said he looked forward to seeing the positive effect of the smart phones on operational policing in the coming weeks.

“Policing can be a dangerous job and this device means officers can perform checks on the spot and gain operational information that could prove pertinent during high-risk situations,” Commissioner Scipione said.

“The device will also save officers time by streamlining their daily duties as it eliminates the need for officers to return to their vehicle to access information.”

Investigation into death of man in Wallalong house fire

Sale ends Sunday 366 New England Hwy Unit 4, The Harvey Norman Super Cntr Ph: 02 4932 4800

Witnesses sought over crash between car and motorcycle

Police are continuing to investigate a fire which claimed the life of 72-year-old Karl Karlsson at Wallalong, north-east of Maitland early last Friday morning.

Emergency services were called to the Elizabeth St property at 1.50am to extinguish the blaze and later found Mr Karlsson’s body in the premises.

The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined, with police appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online crime reporting page nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Police remind the public that information should not be provided via social media. such as Facebook and Twitter.

9 the hunter post Âť Wednesday 25 February 2015

WW15991

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Wednesday 25 February 2015 ÂŤ the hunter post

10

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11 the hunter post » Wednesday 25 February 2015

Eleebana Shores Retirement Village

A whole new vision for retirement living in Newcastle OPEN DAYS Sunday 8th to Wednesday 11th March 10am - 4pm each day

Please join us for a VIP tour of our brand new Display Showroom, initial Community Lifestyle Centre, forthcoming single level village and facilities. Our friendly owners and staff will be available to welcome you and spend the time to answer all your questions. Full information packs will also be available, covering all of the important aspects of retirement living, including the long list of lifestyle benefits on offer at Eleebana Shores.

Eleebana Shores – Designed to be everything you want it to be.

• Overlooking acreage with a tranquil bushland vista, yet so conveniently close to it all, Lake Macquarie, all the beaches, shopping centres, restaurants, medical services, transport and amenities.

• A maintenance free place that lets you focus on the important things like freedom, friendship, fun and the future.

• A place to meet and make new friends.

• A place to party, play, celebrate, relax and share, discover and grow.

• A place offering a vibrant social mix to enjoy the 5 Star Amenities and facilities.

• It will be a place dedicated entirely to your freedom to simply be as you are, do as you want and come as you please.

• A place uniquely devoted to supporting your independence and health as you age, with a registered nurse and live on site Village Manager.

• A Passionate, caring, independent place with friendly hands-on owners and staff offering a real commitment to your ongoing satisfaction and security.

• A place with rolling green pastures, beautifully landscaped gardens, picnic areas and green space.

Unveiling the BRAND NEW Display Showroom and initial Community Lifestyle Centre Please come along to any of our GRAND OPENING DAYS as we showcase the long list of luxury fixtures and inclusions to feature in the contemporary EJE architecturally designed Villas and Apartments, due for completion over 24 months from this July. The luxury homes will maximise sheer “liveability” to complement the world class facilities and relaxed lifestyle on offer. On the day walk through and enjoy our: • Designer kitchens with European appliances and stone bench tops.

• Spacious feature bathrooms.

• Floor and patio covering choices, including bamboo, timber, tile and carpet.

• Ultimate open plan indoor/outdoor entertainment areas.

• Your choice of interior colour schemes.

• Your choice of air conditioning, vanities, mixers, window coverings and more ...

DON’T DELAY ...

NOW 50% SOLD OFF THE PLAN

Ready December 2015 will be the state of the art $2,000,000 “Shores Club” Well Being Centre, incorporating bars, commercial kitchen and expansive indoor and outdoor dining areas, indoor heated lap pool, library and internet room, arts, crafts, painting and other club rooms, gym, library, media room and much more!

Village Address: 40-48 Burton Road, Mount Hutton 1800 732 654 www.eleebanashores.com.au Next door to the Ducks Crossing Restaurant – Eleebana, off Warners Bay Road or Glad Gunson Drive WW16156

Wednesday 25 February 2015 « the hunter post

12

Real Estate

Property news

house of the week

Lifestyle with coastal breezes

T

his is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a luxury, designer villa or apartment in new retirement and lifestyle village Eleebana Shores.

The villas and apartments overlook picturesque pasture land and are only minutes from Lake Macquarie and close to all major shopping centres, hospitals, medical facilities, local beaches, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Villas and apartments at Eleebana Shores set a new benchmark in luxury open-plan living.

Only a short stroll from your front door, in the heart of your own exclusive community, will be the world-class Eleebana Shores Club.

This will include an indoor heated swimming pool, gym and sauna for your health and leisure.

Relax in the Shores Club lounge, dining and bar area which will provide the perfect setting for regular dinner dances, get-togethers and Happy Hours.

There will also be a massage and physiotherapy service, visiting health professional room, doctor’s clinic, library,

home

48 BURTON RD, ELEEBANA Price: From $468,000 Phone: 1800 352 898, free call Website: eleebanashores.com.au Contact: Jason Millers

art and crafts, photography and internet rooms.

The villa on offer is a free-standing, spacious, single-level designer home with two bedrooms and a study or third bedroom.

There is a single or double car garage option.

The property has open-plan living areas and wraparound balconies.

It faces north-east and picks up coastal breezes.

There are Smeg appliances, air-conditioning, nine-foot ceilings, landscaping, fencing, driveway and a covered outdoor entertaining area.

McKeachie’s Run offers a convenient and idyllic lifestyle featuring:

TAK E STOCK

& LAND EVENT

House and Land packages from $369,500* The Stockland ‘Take Stock’ Home & Land Event is now at McKeachie’s Run. Buy a selected House & Land package by 8 March, and get $10,000* off the package price. First home buyers could also receive a further $15,000** First Home Buyers Grant.

•

New Shopping Village including a Woolworths supermarket

•

18km network of walking and cycling paths

•

Well-appointed sporting oval with amenities

•

Regular community events and weekly free fitness classes

•

A child care centre off McKeachie Drive.

$10,000* OFF SELECTED HOUSE & L AND

† Prices correct as at 12 January 2015. *Buyers may be entitled to receive from Stockland a rebate of $10,000 on the Land Contract. Applies to selected Land or House & Land Packages only. Stockland is only responsible for the sale of the land. House & Land packages and images are used for illustrative purposes only. ** NSW State Government First Home Buyer initiative. Eligibility and date restrictions apply. Visit osr.nsw.gov.au/grants/fhnh for further information. Promotion applies to Stockland’s McKeachie’s Run residential community.

Visit stockland.com.au/mckeachiesrun for full terms and conditions.

Phone Hayley today on 0456 110 024 or search online for more great packages. Visit stockland.com.au/mckeachiesrun today.

WW15613

13

WW16154

LA BELLE FRANCE

GOURMET or GLUTTON

GARDEN OF THE SOUL

When it comes to effortless style and sophistication, few do it better than the French.

This weekend why not visit Maitland’s only dedicated gourmet cheese delicatessen.

La Belle France makes it easy for anybody to inject a little bit of chic into their home décor with a range of homewares and furniture imported direct from France, including tablecloths, table runners, tea towels, cushions, kitchen accessories and candles, as well as a range of decadently scented soaps and perfumes.

At Gourmet or Glutton we are passionate about our cheese.

Wining and dining is central to any Frenchman’s home life so it is little wonder they take their tableware seriously.

La Belle France owner Leanne Harris promised you will be amazed with the quality of the textiles on offer.

Having only recently taken over the business, Leanne is already getting new lines in and is planning a trip to France later this year to secure yet more unique stock.

“There’s never been a better time to come in to the store,” she said.

Specialising in cheese tower wedding cakes, customers come to us from Sydney and beyond for our unique personalised towers.

Developed in consultation with our clients, the cheeses are carefully selected and tailored to theme, taste and budget, and will certainly be a spectacular addition to your special day.

So whether you consider yourself a gourmet or a glutton, come in, taste and get excited by some seriously sensational cheeses.



We specialise in unique new-age and feel-good gifts made by local artists and artisans, including leadlight, jewellery, beeswax candles, handmade soap, gem trees, tie dye clothing and kits, meditation stools, crystal drops and herbal teas.

We have an extensive range of crystals, incense, salt lamps, figurines, dream catchers, wind chimes, prayer flags, bells, singing bowls, yoga and meditation supplies, tarot and runes, wall plaques, sun-catchers, music, books, Feng Shui supplies and much, much more.

Come on in and browse or order online at www.gardenofthesoul.com.au

Garden of the Soul 155 Swan St, Morpeth

Ph: 4933 9003 www.gardenofthesoul.com.au



Mention or present this advertisement before 31st March 2015 and receive 20% off your next cheese purchase

Specialising in Cheese Tower Wedding Cakes Shop 2, 129 Swan St Morpeth Ph: 4933 5233





www.labellefrance.com.au

We offer an exciting range of products to help improve your wellbeing and life balance, assisting you to reconnect with the divine within us all. We can advise you on the right gift for any occasion.

• Cheeses - Australian or International • Olives - marinated or stuffed • Salami • Antipasto • Charcuterie • Gourmet Crackers

La Belle France French Importers 159 Swan Street MORPETH Ph: 0418 665 328

FOR SERIOUS FOODIES...

You’ll be spoilt for choice at Gourmet or Glutton



• Direct Importer French Arts De La Table • French and French-inspired tableware and homewares • Fragonard perfumes, candles, soaps • Cõte Noire body care, candles and diffusers • Furniture • Giftware • French-inspired books

Accompanied by our delicious range of artisan salamis, fine antipasto, locally produced condiments and gourmet crackers, you’ll be in foodie heaven.



Introducing . . .

Leanne Harris as the new owner of La Belle France

Whether it be Australian or an international favourite, we are here to help find the perfect cheese for you.

Garden of the Soul is a fabulous new-age gift shop on picturesque Swan Street, in the heart of historic Morpeth, overlooking the beautiful Hunter River.

Offering products to help improve your wellbeing and life balance, assisting you to reconnect with divine within.

the hunter post » Wednesday 25 February 2015

! d n e k e e W s i h T

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ST straightlinegutter@bigpond.com.au RA Phone/Fax: 4958 7349 IG M: 0401 956 176 HT Lic. 266136C ING LI MB NE U PL

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4

2015 maitland markets Fair 1 FEB Valentine’s Day l tiva Fes n um Aut R 1 MA 8am-2pm 5 APRIL Steam Fest a Maitland 3 MAY Mother’s Day Galy Showground 7 JUNE Queen’s Birthda Anzac St July in as istm Chr 5 JULY y hda Birt s’ rse 2 AUG Ho nival 6 SEPT Father’s Day Car n atio 4 OCT Harvest Celebr 18 OCT Spring Fair Carnival 1 NOV Spring Racing 15 NOV Yuletide 6 DEC Santa’s Visit Day 20 DEC Free Children’s

phone 4962 5522 PO Box 40 maitlandmarkets.com.au

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Wednesday 25 February 2015 « the hunter post

16

Sport

the post

Uate almost back to flying best for the Knights The Knights preparing for battle against the Canberra Raiders in Queanbeyan on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Courtesy of the Knights PAUL MONFORTE

hat-trick of tries to powerful winger Akuila Uate was one of a number of highlights for the Knights in their 26-4 win over the Canberra Raiders in Queanbeyan on Saturday afternoon.

An out-of-from Uate spent the latter part of 2014 injured or in the NSW Cup side.

With Jarrod Mullen controlling play from five-eighth, the Knights led 14-0 at half-time with Uate crossing twice, firstly from a backline spread and then from a

A

nice cut-out ball from Mullen.

Joey Leilua scored shortly before halftime, with the Knights’ dominance limiting the Raiders’ attacking opportunities.

A converted try to hooker Adam Clydsdale had the Knights up by 20 points before Uate and Dane Gagai teamed up to give the winger his third for the match.

The Knights fulfilled coach Rick Stone’s pre-match hopes of a solid team performance and no injuries.

“A good start to the season can give a young team a bit of confidence and a springboard to keep performing throughout the season.” Stone said.

Free Shield cricket to see at No.1 from today First-class cricket returns to Newcastle for the first time in five years with NSW taking on Western Australia in a four-day Sheffield Shield clash at No.1 Sportsground beginning today, Wednesday, February 25.

With the Sydney Cricket Ground being used for the ICC World Cup, the Blues were forced to find alternative venues for two home games and last week easily defeated Victoria in Wagga Wagga.

Both sides feature several players with Test experience: NSW’s Steve O’Keefe, Nathan Lyon and Doug Bollinger and Western Australia’s Shaun Marsh and Ashton Agar.

Novocastrian Michael Hogan is the spearhead of the Western Australian bowling attack and took five wickets in his side’s draw with South Australia in Glenelg last week.

“It’s terrific to have first-class cricket back in Newcastle,” Newcastle District Cricket Association chairman Paul Marjoribanks said.

“NSW and Western Australia are running first and second on the Shield ladder, so it should be a great game of cricket. It’s free admission each day so it’s a great opportunity for the Hunter’s cricket fans to come into No.1 and watch.”

The trial went part of the way in determining the Knights’ outside backs for the start of the season with Uate’s performance all but guaranteeing him a spot on the wing along with the reliable James McManus.

Leilua and Sione Mata’utia started in the centres with Gagai on the bench but Gagai looked particularly sharp, leaving Stone with a tough decision on who to leave out.

The Knights lower-grade teams were also in action on the weekend in Sydney, with the under-20s defeating the Raiders 38-14 while the NSW Cup team lost 28-20 to Mounties, Canberra’s feeder side.

Under-20s coach Troy Pezet said a strong performance from his forwards had impressed him.

“Our forwards have worked really hard, they are reaping the benefits of a hard offseason of tackle technique,” Pezet said.

“Josh King and Daniel Saifita were really good leading from the front,.

“They probably laid a good platform for us.

“Josh Birch in the backs was also one of our best.”

The Knights’ first game of the NRL season will be at Hunter Stadium on Saturday, March 7, with kick-off at 4.30pm.

Sport

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

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Greys boss furious Action from a greyhounds race at The Gardens at Birmingham Gardens on Friday night. Photo: Paul Monforte PAUL MONFORTE

hairman of The Gardens Greyhound Club Brett Lazzarini has slammed those in the industry participating in live baiting as “disgraceful” and backed investigations under way to weed them out of the sport.

The practice of using live rabbits, piglets and other animals as a lure to encourage greyhounds to chase was exposed by ABC TV program Four Corners last week, sparking widespread public outrage.

“There’s no use sweeping this issue under the carpet,” Mr Lazzarini told The Post.

C

“It’s only a very small percentage of people who do this type of thing but it affects everybody.”

Mr Lazzarini said humanely-killed, frozen rabbits had previously been used during training at the track but the process had been stopped several weeks ago.

“I decided to put a stop to it,” Mr Lazzarini said.

“We don’t want anyone to think that we are doing anything wrong here.”

Mr Lazzarini said there was a concern that the current drama would make current sponsors reluctant to continue supporting the industry.

“It hasn’t happened here yet but there might be some who may not want to be associated with greyhound racing.”

Mr Lazzarini also said the decision from authorities to reject calls for racing to be shut down while the investigation was played out was the correct one.

“I know quite a few people whose wages depend on racing each week,” he said.

More than 20 people were last week suspended following the airing of the TV program, including Congewai trainer John O’Brien who admitted to keeping live rabbits in cages but strongly denied using them for live baiting.

The fallout from the revelations continued earlier this week with Racing Queensland’s general manager of stewards and integrity operations Wade Birch stood down to allow for a review in that state to take place.

Jets agonisingly close to a victory before cruel blow struck by Phoenix in added time across ditch After 18 rounds of their turbulent season, the Newcastle Jets are still waiting for their share of luck from the footballing gods.

The frustration of narrowly missed opportunities and late opposition goals continued on the weekend with a 94th-minute freekick denying the Jets victory against the Wellington Phoenix at the Lower Hutt Recreation Ground.

The 2-2 draw came after the visitors had jumped out of the blocks with two goals inside 20 minutes via an own-goal from Wellington’s Roly Bonevacia and Scott Neville’s header from an Andrew Hoole cross.

They then held firm until the 68th minute when Roy Krishna got the Phoenix on the board before Jason Hicks’ injury-time leveller.

Jets coach Phil Stubbins praised his young side for grabbing a point away from home and said Wellington’s fightback was the sign of a very good team.

“They need to get a pat on the back for achieving that,” Stubbins said.

“But certainly from our perspective I think that the way that we acquitted ourselves and tried to run the game out and do everything that we could to try and get a result is something that we’re proud of.

“We’ve come here, we’ve got ourselves a two-goal lead, and to come away from here with a two-all draw is something that prior to the game you would think of as an acceptable result.

“Having said that, we had a genuine opportunity to get the three points, so to

have it snatched from us in the fashion that we did is certainly disappointing.”

The Jets are back at home this weekend for a local derby against the Central Coast Mariners who themselves have struggled for form this season. Newcastle has not beaten Central Coast since October 2012.

Saturday’s match at Hunter Stadium kicks off at 5pm.

A-League ladder: Perth Glory 35pts (+8 goal difference), *Melbourne Victory 33pts (+16), Adelaide United 33pts (+15), Wellington Phoenix 30pts (+11), Sydney FC 29pts (+8), **Brisbane Roar 21pts (-1), *Melbourne City 21pts (-6), Central Coast Mariners 15pts (-16), Newcastle Jets 10pts (-24), Western Sydney Wanderers 8pts (-11). * One game in hand. ** Two games in hand.

NSW Minister for Racing Troy Grant said it was clear self-regulation under the current structure and culture within greyhounds had failed and announced a review of the industry to be headed by former High Court Justice Michael McHugh.

“The review will develop a new model of governance to ensure the integrity of the industry and [that] the abhorrent practice of live baiting is stamped out for good,” Mr Grant said.

Mr Grant said Justice McHugh would be joined on the review panel by RSPCA chief executive Steve Coleman, Greyhound Racing Industry Consultation Group’s Ron Arnold and a representative from NSW Police.