Hunter Post - 28 January

hunter WED 28 JAN 2015

Printed on 100% recycled paper

DEANA MARTIN Daughter of a Rat Pack legend

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

page 15 pa

Honouring the City’s finest Australia Day awards highlight the deeds of Maitland citizens MELISSAH COMBER

@melcombers

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Labor to fight for newsagencies p.5 SPORT Local star shines at Dakar Rally p.17

arley resident Rhiannon Varley has been named as Maitland’s Citizen of the Year.

Last year, spurred on by the death of her father from cancer in 2011, Ms Varley raised over $10,000 for children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality through two separate events. In April she trekked the Sandakan-Ranau Death March in Borneo, where her team raised in $20,000, and she organised a Christmas in July ball, which raised $5600.

Aside from Camp Quality, Ms Varley has also given her time and support to Daffodil Day, Pink Ribbon Day, Bandanna Day, the Harry Meyn Golf Day and Trivia Night, and Relay for Life.

17-year-old Caprice Skinner, from Thornton, was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her contribution to the community.

The All Saints College, St Mary’s Campus student leader has volunteered her time for several charity and after-school programs, and is an active member of Maitland Netball Association and Beresfield Swimming Club.

11-year-old Cassandra Fayers, from Metford, received a Certificate of Special Recognition in the Junior Citizen of the Year category for her school and sporting achievements. Cassandra is a national cross-country champion.

Maitland Mayor, Peter Blackmore, said that the awards celebrate individuals who work tirelessly to enrich the community through their commitment and service to others.

Maitland Citizen of the Year, Rhiannon Varley “We received a number of high-calibre nominations for this year’s awards and I congratulate Ms Varley on her award and thank her for the wonderful contributions she has made the community and the lives of others,” he said.

“We are [also] very fortunate to have so many

talented and community-minded young people in our city. Caprice and Cassandra have achieved so much at such a young age and are role models for all young Australians.”

The awards were presented in a ceremony at Maitland Park on Australia Day.

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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: Paul Monforte Journalists: Stephen Bisset (TE), Amelia Parrott, Melissah Comber Sales Manager: Rhonda Campbell Sales: Glenda Peate, Gary Scott (Trades), Dan Hawkins (TE), Alison Hislop (Hunter), Jo Jones (Hunter), Denis Phelan, Michael Cleary Administration: Lauren Pollard

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Editor's Desk

paul.monforte@newcastlepost.com.au

Abbott “on the nose” but best to let the public decide his fate You may have read about Prime Minister, Tony Abbott receiving a verbal dressing down from a Liberal supporter on Melbourne talkback radio last week.

“You’re on the nose with Liberal voters and that’s a real concern to me because I don’t want to see you give the keys to Bill Shorten at the Lodge,” Mr Abbott was told.

I think the caller was right that Mr Abbott is becoming more unpopular with Liberal voters but I also agreed with the Prime Minister when he went on to say that changing leaders in the middle of a term was not the answer, as the former Labor government had shown.

Lot a lot of people, I have a real problem with Prime Ministers changing mid-term. By all means let the Government have a leadership spill, but if a new leader is decided upon it should automatically mean an election is called.

The only stipulation I would put on this process would be to say that a leadership challenge could not happen in the first half of the term.

The Opposition can change leader as many times as they want, as far as I’m concerned.

I feel quite disillusioned with both Federal leaders at the moment. Mr Abbott seems to be able to find controversy with everything he says, while Labor’s Bill Shorten doesn’t seem to say a great deal apart from bagging the Prime Minister.

PAUL MONFORTE

I have a real problem with Prime Ministers changing mid-term

Admittedly, as an opposition leader you need to take advantage of every opportunity to point out the Government’s mistakes but let’s start hearing some solutions to the problems.

We have at least 18 months until the next Federal election. Right at this moment, would you be prepared to bet that both leaders will still be in their current position?

I can’t believe how fast the rugby league season has come around again.

For those who weren’t aware, the NRL Nines are on this weekend in Auckland.

I think all the players will be better for the experience of last year’s inaugural tournament.

Most sides quickly figured out that even with four less players on each team, field position was still very important and that strong hits-ups and quick play-the-balls from the forwards were still very important.

Like all teams the Knights won’t be sending their strongest possible team, but there are some exciting players amongst the following squad: Sione Mata’utia, Jake Mamo, Dane Gagai, Chanel Mata’utia, Carlos Tuimavave, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, Pat Mata’utia, Adam Clydsdale, Paterika Vaivai, Tyler Randell, Chris Houston, Robbie Rochow, Nathan Ross, Korbin Sims, Joseph Tapine, Jack Stockwell, Danny Levi.

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Education

Autism Spectrum Australia’s early intervention program making a difference @melcomber

y the time Booral’s Rylee Holsworthy was two, her mother, Amy, knew something was wrong.

“She was progressing really well and was the happiest little kid, but she still wasn’t speaking and started having these really bad meltdowns,” Ms Holsworthy said.

“She was hitting and kicking me, pulling at her baby brother and had a total lack of interest in other children.

“We started to think that something wasn’t quite right.”

Ms Holsworthy and her husband, Jason, were correct, and Rylee was diagnosed with autism at age two-and-a-half.

Three years down the track Ms Holsworthy is adamant that without the help from Autism Spectrum Australia’s early intervention program, Rylee, now 6, wouldn’t have been able to start kindergarten in a satellite class at Tarro this year.

She said that although the program’s services provided simple things like organising appointments and filling out forms, they had made the world of the difference.

“They seem like little things, but when you’re struggling to come to terms with

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Amy and Jason Holsworthy with children Lincoln and Rylee the diagnosis it was such a great help to have them,” Ms Holsworthy said.

“They made me grounded and set the path. We wouldn’t have had success without them.”

From there, Rylee was able to enter a pre-kindergarten program at Thornton’s Hunter Aspect School last year, where Ms Holsworthy said her speech came along in leaps and bounds, and is soon to start ballet lessons, something that previously

would not have been possible.

“I don’t think people realise how hard and isolating it is for a family with a child with autism,” she said.

“Little things would turn out life into a nightmare, but now she wants to do things that all the other kids do that people take for granted.

“She still has her moments where she struggles, but the change has been incredible.”

Work on the Hunter Expressway will see changed traffic conditions in place near the M1 Pacific Motorway from today (Wednesday) until Friday, between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

The northbound exit ramp from the M1 Pacific Motorway to both Newcastle and Branxton will also be closed from Monday, February 9 to Wednesday, February 11 between 8pm and 4am for work to replace red panels above the tunnel.

Motorists travelling toward Newcastle are advised that one lane of the expressway will be closed for work on the road shoulder and traffic control will be set up on the northbound exit ramp from the M1 Pacific Motorway to the Newcastle Link Road.

Northbound vehicles on the M1 Pacific Motorway travelling west on the Hunter Expressway or east on the Newcastle Link Road will need to exit at George Booth Drive toward Newcastle Link Road via Cameron Park Drive.

Detours and reduced speed limits will only be in place at night and all lanes and ramps will be open and operating as normal during the day and peak travel times.

For more information about the project visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to the Hunter Expressway project or phone toll free 1800 001 267.

For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, download Live Traffic App or call the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.

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the hunter post » Wednesday 28 January 2015

Little Rylee’s rapid progress MELISSAH COMBER

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Expressway roadworks

State Election

Call to pull back on waste levy Penfold calls for reduction in Government’s “hidden tax” with only 3% of funds coming back to Council MELISSAH COMBER

@melcomber

ndependent candidate for Maitland, Philip Penfold has labelled the State Government’s Waste Levy a ‘tax by stealth’.

The levy is imposed on waste facilities, requiring a contribution to be paid each time waste is disposed of with the aim of reducing landfill and promoting recycling and resource recovery.

Currently, this levy stands at $120.90 per tonne of waste disposed, and for Maitland residents is paid as part of Council’s charges for waste services, as well as any at the gate to the Mount Vincent Waste Disposal Centre.

Mr Penfold said that even though Council is not allowed to profit from waste disposal, they often bore the brunt of the ire for disposal costs because residents did not understand how the charges were made up.

“It’s a hidden tax and they [the State Government] get away with because they don’t get blamed for it,” he said.

“I support that a levy exists, but it’s way beyond what is necessary and what benefits waste reduction.”

In the 2013/14 financial year, Maitland

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Independent candidate for Maitland, Philip Penfold City Council paid $6.8 million to the Government through the levy, and received just $209,000 back through the Better Waste and Recycling Fund.

“I know that all [that Council’s pay in

waste levy] goes to revenue and that it’s not all being spent on environmental or recycling benefits,” Mr Penfold said.

“You don’t hear the Liberals talk about it because they supposedly had a review

and didn’t vary it, the Labor Party introduced it and had over that period, significant increases.”

Mr Penfold said that he would need to seek expert advice as to what the levy should be reduced to, but would like to see it under three figures.

Labor candidate, Jenny Aitchison said that Mr Penfold needs to learn more about the levy, as it is an environment policy, rather than a local government one.

“Waste levies have been applied in NSW since 1971 and were introduced by the Liberal government of the time [and] Labor supports this policy as it encourages recycling and other initiatives which prevent the overuse of landfill,” Ms Aitchison said.

“Unfortunately it would be difficult for Mr Penfold to gain support of Ministers as he is more concerned with playing political blame games instead of trying to move our city forward in a positive manner.”

The first incarnation of the waste levy was introduced by a Liberal government, while it is currently legislated under the 1997 Protection of the Environment Operations Act, enacted while Labor was in power.

The Post could not ascertain how much of the levy came back to environmental or recycling purposes before going to print.

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Community

Opposition commits to stopping supermarkets from becoming main agents for NSW Lotteries MELISSAH COMBER

@melcomber

he NSW Opposition has vowed to enact a law that would see newsagents and other small businesses remain the primary distribution agents for NSW Lotteries if elected in March.

Opposition Leader, Luke Foley made the announcement last week, in response to a proposed new franchise agreement which could see big business, such as supermarket chains, enter the network when the current Agency Protection Period expires in April.

A three-year moratorium on the changes was put in place to provide newsagencies with a period of transition when the thenLabor Government sold the right to be the sole operator of public lotteries in NSW to private lottery operator, Tatts Group, in 2010.

This was extended a further two years by the Liberal Government.

Owner of Central Maitland’s West End Newsagency, Lindsay Patfield said that lottery tickets made up around 35 per cent of their sales and they may not be able to compete.

“A lot of newsagencies depend on the money they get from NSW Lotteries to pay their outgoings,” he said.

“If those products are freely available in

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Labor candidate for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, with West End Newsagency owners, Lyn and Lindsay Patfield Woolworths and Coles then people will get those products there instead of coming here.”

Mr Patfield said it may not be viable for him to keep running his business with

that type of competition. “Newspaper sales have already dropped back a little, and all this comes in under your turnover,” he said.

“We can put up with it at the present, but

you can’t put up with losing a big chunk of your turnover to Woolworths and Coles.”

Labor candidate for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said that it would erode small business.

“The Government came in with this agenda of unravelling red tape but what they’re doing is lowering the entry bar to an industry that’s got regulation in place for safety reasons,” she said, referring the Responsible Conduct of Gambling training required to sell lottery tickets.

“You’re looking at an industry that is undergoing significant changes by factors outside anyone’s control, but then the Government is putting an issue in that will further erode their business.”

Liberal candidate, Steve Thomson said that Labor’s plan could cost the state $1 billion in lost revenue and compensation to Tatts Group.

“Labor’s latest plan is to renege on the deal it made in government regarding the sale of NSW Lotteries in 2010,” he said.

“NSW Treasury estimates the potential loss to the State could be as much $1 billion for an ongoing extension of the moratorium.

“Luke Foley’s plan would cost taxpayers more than they actually received when Labor sold NSW Lotteries in the first place.”

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the hunter post » Wednesday 28 January 2015

Labor vows to protect newsagencies

Community

Library program grows in stature Look Who’s Talking series attracts three well-known Australian authors @melcomber

n ABC presenter, the wife of a former Australian Prime Minister, and a multi-award winning Australian writer will all bring their work to Maitland this year as part of the city library’s Look Who’s Talking program.

Geraldine Doogue, the host of ABC’s Compass, the wife of Bob Hawke and writer Blanche d’Alpuget, and the author of Monkey Grip, Helen Garner, will visit the city to talk about their works, joining a list of people that includes local historians and community members.

City Librarian, Keryl Collard said she was very excited about this year’s program.

“We have three very strong women heading up the program and I think we can get them here because we can’t demonstrate the program’s credibility” she said.

“It has a very good reputation.”

Ms Collard said that they were increasingly approached by locals wanting to speak, this year featuring two women who grew up in Europe during World War II, and Michelle Davis, who established a charity after losing her two sons in a car accident.

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Author Matthew Reilly with fans at one of last year’s events “They are so diverse and interesting and they open our eyes through their own experiences,” Ms Collard said.

“We are getting increasing numbers to these events simply because they have resonance with people.”

Ms Collard said that she expects the events involving the three headlining women and a discussion of crime writing involving local author, Barry Maitland

to be the most popular. “There’s always a huge interest in anything to do with crime,” she said.

This year’s program features 25 events and kicks off on Wednesday, February 11 with Maitland City Council engineer, Greg Blaze discussing his novel based on his humanitarian work in Somalia.

For more information visit www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/library.

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Vocational education and training (VET) students and employers will be able to submit complaints about training providers to a new national hotline.

The hotline directs complaints to the appropriate Commonwealth, state or territory organisation for help and allows the Department of Education and Training to analyse complaint trends in order to quickly identify what further action and improvements are needed.

Assistant Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham said that while the vast majority of providers were doing the right thing, a minority were ripping off students, employers and taxpayers.

“Unfortunately we have seen examples of students being signed up for courses they don’t need, or being offered incentives such as cash or a “free” laptop, without being told of the thousands of dollars in loans they will need to repay,” he said.

Mr Birmingham said that the hotline was part of VET reform.

“We are committed to lifting the quality of both training providers and their courses, so as to further enhance the contribution VET makes to the employment prospects of students and the competitiveness of Australia’s economy,” he said.

The National Training Complaints Hotline is accessible by calling 13 38 73 (Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm nationally) or via email at skilling@education.gov.au.

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Community

Anderson Drive a Labor priority Hornery and Dunn to push for much-needed upgrade in Beresfield and Tarro MELISSAH COMBER

@melcomber

ember for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery will lobby for upgrades to Beresfield’s and Tarro’s Anderson Drive if she is re-elected on March 28.

Ms Hornery met with Newcastle City Council Labor councillor, Jason Dunn last week to discuss the needs of the suburbs.

Beresfield and Tarro previously fell into the Cessnock electorate, but due to boundary redistribution are now part of Wallsend.

“This is a big, long stretch of road, but local government may not be able to undertake the extensive repairs that this roads needs and I will certainly lobby for that,” Ms Hornery said.

“I haven’t talked to senior members of the party but I’m certainly willing to have a conversation with them about that being a priority for the Wallsend electorate and it is [a priority], and it will be [a priority].”

Cr Dunn said that he often received complaints from residents about the condition of the road.

“Most people in the area drive through here one time or another each day and it really is in a terrible condition,” he said.

M

Cr Jason Dunn and Sonia Hornery MP on Anderson Drive at Tarro “It’s really just a patchwork of repairs and it’s probably one of the biggest issues raised with me in Beresfield and Tarro.”

Mr Dunn also said that he would to

see internal roads sealed in the Tarro recreation area and improvement to the facilities at Beresfield pool.

Liberal Councillor, David Compton could not be contacted for comment.

A new bus route to service passengers in Chisholm began yesterday (Tuesday).

Route 189 travels between Thornton Railway Station and Stockland Green Hills, servicing Chisholm in its journey.

NSW Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter, Gladys Berejiklian and Liberal candidate for Maitland, Steve Thomson, made the announcement last week, with Mr Thomson saying the Government was working hard to provide public transport services where they are needed.

“We want people to know they can leave their car at home and rely on public transport to get where they need to go,” he said.

“This new bus route connects the community with local amenities as well as with train services from Thornton Station.”

Mr Berejiklian was confident the new service would be welcome boost for the Maitland community.

It is a weekday-only service, which runs every hour in the morning and afternoon peak periods, and every two hours during the middle of the day.

Customers are able to use their Opal card on the bus.

Routes 136-141, 145, 179-192 and 401-403 have also had timetable changes in order to improve connection times with other services in the Maitland and Raymond Terrace areas.

More information on these routes can be found at www.transportnsw.info or by calling 131 500.

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CESSNOCK MATTERS

MAITLAND MATTERS

Japanese visit a credit to all involved

A very special day for us all to celebrate

I have received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community and beyond at how well the visit from the Japanese football team went, how well our visitors were looked Cessnock City after and what a buzz it was for the Cessnock area.

Council Mayor Let’s hope this attention will keep bringing bigger and better things to our area-I know 2015 already has lots to offer with the all council matters: likes of John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John, Sting, Paul Simon, cessnock.nsw.gov.au The Eagles and Rod Stewart paying us a visit soon.

We have also been voted sixth in TripAdvisor’s ‘best of 2014’ list for Australian travel destinations-it’s great to see the Cessnock LGA achieve such a great result and for our beautiful region to receive the recognition it deserves.

Congratulations to our Australia Day award recipients for 2015. I look forward to working with our Senior Citizen of the Year to promote the great events we have coming up for Seniors Week in March, and again with our Young Citizen for Youth Week in April.

A great day was had by all on Monday at East End Oval and East hope this Cessnock Bowling Club. attention will It was pleasing to see so many people turn out for the festivikeep bringing ties to celebrate what we love about Australia and what a great, bigger and supportive community we live in. I also extend a warm welcome better things to our 13 new Australian citizens and look forward to seeing you to our area all around town.

The Seniors Week committee have been busy with preparations and planning for this year’s activities well underway. There are a whopping 29 activities on offer for 2015. We will be finalising the program in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for a full run down of what’s on offer. I hope to see our local senior citizens getting involved in a variety of activities.

I would like to remind our local students the 2015 Mayoral Academic Scholarships are currently open until 20 February.

Council has 11 scholarships on offer this year, each valued at $2,500 for one year. Eligibility, selection criteria and application forms are available from www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/council/ mayor/scholarships

BOB PYNSENT

Let’s

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

I hope everyone enjoyed Australia Day and celebrated in a way that was meaningful to you

It was fantastic to see so many people celebrating Australia Day on Monday.

It is one of my favourite days of the year when I get to see the community come to together to celebrate.

It’s also a special day for the people that take the final step in becoming Australian citizens and it is very humbling to know that they chose to call Maitland their home.

I was honoured to also get the chance to recognise some very special individuals for their exceptional contributions to our community.

Congratulations to Rhiannon Varley who was crowned Maitland’s Citizen of the Year for her outstanding work with numerous local charities.

Caprice Skinner was presented with the Young Citizen of the Year award and Cassandra Fayers was awarded a Certificate of Special Recognition in the Junior Citizen of the Year category, well done to both these winners who have achieved so much at such a young age.

We had a high calibre of nominations this year and I thank everyone for their submissions, it highlights the number of people that are doing really great things in our community.

I hope everyone enjoyed Australia Day and celebrated in a way that was meaningful to you.

It’s back to school time again, so best of luck to all those children starting for the first time and those students that are in their final year of study.

It is an important time of our lives and a period that you will look back with fondness when it’s all over.

Importantly, it also means that school speeding zones are now in force, so please take care when driving in school zones and stick to the 40km speed limit.

This year is shaping up to be an exciting one and I look forward to sharing a great 12 months ahead for Maitland and its citizens.

Keep up to date with all the latest news from Council at www. maitland.nsw.gov.au

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MAITLAND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN 2011 AMENDMENT NO. 13 WALLIS STREET, EAST MAITLAND Pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, notice is hereby given of the gazettal of Maitland Local Environmental Plan 2011 Amendment No 13 for Maitland Local Environmental Plan 2011.

The gazetted LEP applies to land at Wallis Street, East Maitland described as Lot 195 DP1153110.

The LEP was made by the Minister for Planning DQG WRRN HÎ?HFW RQ 'HFHPEHU SXEOLVKHG Further enquiries should be directed to Rob Corken on 4934 9700.

PUBLIC NOTICES TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES *5229Ζ1ȇ 7+( 022 086Ζ& )(67Ζ9$/ $1=$& $1' %/20)Ζ(/' 675((76 $1' PENDER ROAD, SOUTH MAITLAND Council has received an application from Cattleyard Promotions to temporarily close some streets surrounding the Maitland Showground area to ensure safe movement of SHGHVWULDQV DQG WUDÉ?F DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK WKH proposed Groovin’ the Moo music festival.

Closure details are as follows: Č? %HWZHHQ DP DQG SP 6DWXUGD\ 0D\ Č‚ %ORPČ´HOG 6WUHHW IURP $Q]DF 6WUHHW WR Devonshire Street; – Anzac Street from Cracknell Lane to %ORPČ´HOG 6WUHHW Č? &RQYHUW WR RQH ZD\ VRXWKERXQG

PRYHPHQW IURP DP WR SP – Pender Road full length to Trappaud Road; – Cultivation Road full length to Trappaud Road; – Louth Park Road from Les Darcy Drive to Park Street; Č? 7HPSRUDU\ 12 3$5.Ζ1* ]RQH IURP DP 6DWXUGD\ 0D\ WR QRRQ 6XQGD\ 0D\ – Both sides of Louth Park Road from Les Darcy Drive to Trappaud Road; – North side of Cracknell Lane from Anzac Street to Cultivation Road; – Both sides of Cultivation Road from Cracknell Lane to Trappaud Road.

Access will be provided for local residents within the temporary closure area.

Comments regarding the above temporary closures for this event should be forwarded in

writing, endorsed ‘File 122/944 – Groovin’ the Moo Road Closures’ and addressed to the General Manager, Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland NSW 2320. The closing date for comments relating to the temporary road closures is 4.00pm Wednesday, 25 February 2015.

Č? 6WUHHW 0DUFK Č‚ DP WR DP – Swan Street from Tank Street to Northumberland Street. Č? )URP DP WR SP – Morpeth Bridge Closure – Northumberland Street from Close Street to Hinton Road.

MAITLAND RIVER RUN SUNDAY, 31 MAY 2015

Public comments regarding the proposed road closures should be made in writing, addressed to the General Manager, Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland 2320, endorsed ‘Morpeth Anzac Day Temp Road Closures – File 122/944’.

The closing date for comments relating to the temporary road closures is 4.00pm Wednesday, 18 February 2015.

Council wishes to advise that it has received an application to temporarily close the following streets in Maitland to conduct the Maitland River Run special event. Date and times are as follows: Č? )URP DP WR SP 6XQGD\ 0D\ 2015: – High Street from Church Street to Cathedral Street; – High Street northern side from St Andrews Street to Church Street; – Stillsbury Lane; and – Cathedral Street full length.

The proposed route for runners will include the above streets and the river bank area. The start will be near the High Street/Church Street LQWHUVHFWLRQ DQG Č´QLVK ZLOO EH +LJK 6WUHHW adjacent to Bulwer Street.

Comments relating to the running of the event QRW UHODWHG WR URDG FORVXUHV RU WUDÉ?F management), should be made in writing, addressed to the General Manager, Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland 2320, endorsed ‘Maitland River Run Event – File 150/5’.

The closing date for comments relating to the special event is 4.00pm Wednesday, 11 February 2015.

Public comments regarding the proposed road closures should also be forwarded in writing (addressed to the General Manager at the above address), endorsed ‘Maitland River Run – Road Closures – File 122/944’. The closing date for comments will be 4.00pm on Wednesday, 25 February 2015.

MORPETH ANZAC DAY MARCH AND CEREMONY 2015 SWAN STREET AND NORTHUMBERLAND STREET INCLUDING MORPETH BRIDGE Council wishes to advise that it has received an application from Morpeth Anzac Day Committee to temporarily close a section of Swan Street and Northumberland Street including Morpeth Bridge to hold the annual Morpeth Anzac Day March and Ceremony. Details of the temporary closures on Saturday, 25 April 2015 are as follows: Č? )URP DP WR SP – Swan Street from Northumberland Street to Market Street.

Ȇ7+( 0$Ζ7/$1' 7$67(ȇ )22' :Ζ1( $1' 086Ζ& )(67Ζ9$/ Council has received 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 EH WHPSRUDULO\ FORVHG WR YHKLFXODU WUDÉ?F IRU WKH duration of this event: Č? )URP DP )ULGD\ 0DUFK WR DP 0RQGD\ 0DUFK – Bulwer Street from High Street to just north of the Maitland Leagues Club entrance; – High Street between Elgin Street and Bourke Street; Č‚ 'UDQVČ´HOG /DQH Comments relating to the running of the event (not UHODWHG WR URDG FORVXUHV RU WUDÉ?F PDQDJHPHQW

should be made in writing, addressed to the General Manager, Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland 2320, endorsed ‘Maitland Taste – Food, Wine & Music Festival – File 150/5’. The closing date for comments relating to the special event is 4.00pm Wednesday, 4 February 2015.

Public comments regarding the proposed road closures should also be forwarded in writing (addressed to the General Manager at the above address), endorsed ‘Maitland Taste – Food, Wine & Music Festival – Temporary Road Closures – File 122/844’. The closing date for comments will be 4.00pm Wednesday, 18 February 2015.

Interested residents are welcome to attend.

Next meeting: 10 FEBRUARY – 5.30pm

David Evans General Manager

Agendas are available from our website or by

285–287 High Street

contacting customer service.

PO Box 220 Maitland NSW 2320

For information on development applications

t 02 4934 9700

please visit our website – maitland.nsw.gov.au

info@maitland.nsw.gov.au

the hunter post Âť Wednesday 28 January 2015

NOTICE OF GAZETTAL

WW15468

Local news

Restoring a part of Newcastle’s history

PROPOSED PLANNING AGREEMENT

Donation brings 130-year-old gun back to life at Fort Scratchley

447, 453, 463 and 469 Louth Park Road, Louth Park Maitland Local Government Area Members of the public are invited to inspect a proposed planning agreement between the Minister for Planning (the Minister) and Gareth Ogden Turner, Karen Ann Turner, Peter William Ingles, Jennifer Helen Ingles, Ian Douglas Stansbury and Helen Sparke Stansbury (collectively referred to as the Developer), in accordance with Section 93G of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).

AMELIA PARROTT

The proposed planning agreement provides details on contributions for State public infrastructure for development proposed by the Developer, for land at Lot 111 and Lot 113 in DP 804336, and Lot 256 and Lot 257 in DP 813454.

A copy of the draft planning agreement (and associated explanatory note), prepared in accordance with section 93F of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 is available for viewing from 28 January until 28 February 2015, at the following Department of Planning and Environment offices during regular business hours:

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• Head Office Information Centre Ground Level, 23-33 Bridge Street, Sydney • Newcastle Office Price Waterhouse Coopers Centre Level 2, 26 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle

The proposed planning agreement and an explanatory note are also available on the Department’s website at www.planning.nsw.gov.au Enquiries: Katrine O’Flaherty (02) 4904 2710

@amelia_parrott

t is a sound that has not been heard in 100 years - shots from a Nordenfelt gun ringing out across Newcastle Harbour.

The 130-year-old 1.5 inch gun, housed at Fort Scratchley, has been meticulously refurbished thanks to a $20,000 donation from Hunter Water and last week, it was fired for the first time in more than a century.

Installed in 1892 as a defence gun to protect the entrance to the harbour, in 1914 the Nordenfelt was moved to Sydney where it was stripped of its parts and left to rust for more than 70 years.

Fort Scratchley Historical Society life member, Andrew Griffith said it had taken 30 years to bring the historic gun back to Newcastle and return it to working order.

“30 years ago if you said [this gun] was going to fire I would have laughed,” he said.

“Even 12 months ago I’d have said it wouldn’t happen.

“The gun was stuck open out in the weather for nearly 80 years and it just rusted up so everything had to be taken apart, cleaned and then re-put together.

“A lot of companies in Newcastle volun-

I

Z01625

Wednesday 28 January 2015 « the hunter post

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Fort Scratchley Historical Society life member, Andrew Griffith prepares the restored Nordenfelt gun to fire teered their time and materials to get it done and without those people this gun wouldn’t have happened.”

The new addition makes Fort Scratchley the only place in Australia where the

public can witness the regular firing of six historic guns.

The Nordenfelt will be fired on Australia Day, the Queen’s Birthday, ANZAC Day and regular fort open days.

WW15042

11 Tahlia Hines

the hunter post » Wednesday 28 January 2015

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Wednesday 28 January 2015 ÂŤ the hunter post

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13

Cessnock | Community

Community campaign calls on locals to embrace idea of largest gathering of elves in one location LUKE HISLOP

ommunity campaign Project Cessnock is putting a call out for helpers.

For the likely candidates, the recruitment phase is childlike.

The desirable qualifications that contenders must possess is a fervour towards the festive season and a partiality to dressing-up.

Just how many helpers are needed? Well, the more the merrier!

Project Cessnock has floated a concept, that if successful, will see the coalfields etched into the Guinness Book of Records.

The helpers they are seeking are Santa’s little helpers - elves!

Dubbed the Great Cessnock Elf Challenge, people from the Cessnock local government are being encouraged to dress up as Christmas elves this forthcoming festive season in a bid to break the current world record.

Project Cessnock campaign organiser, Adrian Buckley, was optimistic about the concept taking-off.

“Project Cessnock is a collaboration of quite a few different people and in discussions with one of the organisers, Nicole Spears, she suggested that this was

C

Take note of school zones As bells across the country sound out next week to mark the beginning of another school year, its a timely reminder for motorists to click back into gear.

Not in the transmission sense, but rather to be mindful that restricted speed limits around schools are back in force.

For some families, that changeover may come without prompting.

However, for the good folk still in holiday mode, the Cessnock City Council would like to remind residents of road safety as most schools commence term one.

“After such a long holiday period over summer, drivers often forget about school zones at the start of the new school year,” said council’s Road Safety Officer, Warren Jeffery.

“Residents should be mindful that school zone 40km/h speed limits and school zone parking restrictions will be enforceable from next week during the posted times.”

The standard school zones operate from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm.

Another notable restriction concerns the speed limit for passing a school bus.

There is a 40km/h speed limit for traffic passing a school bus that is picking up or setting down school children. The speed limit is for all traffic travelling in the same direction as the bus, whether the bus is stationary or moving “We can all help to ensure the safety of our local kids during school travel times by observing these simple rules when driving,” Mr Jeffery said.

The NSW Government aims to deliver school zone flashing lights to every institute in NSW by the end of 2015.

Project Cessnock’s Nicole Spears with daughters Stephanie and Hannah getting into the spirit of the proposed elf challenge something that we could look at,” he said.

“We basically believe that this is something that’s actually got the potential to capture the imagination, rather than just your stock-standard, boring Christmas themes.”

The Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Christmas elves was set last year in Bangkok, when 1792 children

donned red, green and white hats and t-shirts, along with the obligatory plastic pointy ears.

Mr Buckley said he was hopeful that other organisations in the community would adopt a similar outlook and develop there own ideas to therefore form a series of activities” in the lead-up to Christmas.

While eclipsing the world record is one

of the key objectives behind the idea, the foremost intention is to unite the community at a joyous time of year.

The venue for the world record attempt is yet to be confirmed, however Buckley said the TAFE park was the desired location.

For people wishing to express their interest in the Great Cessnock Elf Challenge, visit the Project Cessnock Facebook page.

Cessnock | Tourism

Spreading the message to the world about the appeal of our region LUKE HISLOP

essnock has placed sixth in travel review website, TripAdvisor’s ‘best of 2014’ Australian holiday destinations, eclipsing popular coastal towns Airlie Beach (seventh) and Byron Bay (eighth).

The top 10 desired destinations includes six Australian capital cities, with Cessnock proudly flying the flag for the Hunter region.

Hunter Valley Visitor Centre coordinator, Melissa George, said the accolade will provide the region with unconditional publicity on a global scale.

“It’s great to see Cessnock being recognised for its place as one of the oldest and most diverse wine regions in the world,” she said.

“The Hunter Valley Visitor Centre received approximately 900 visitors a day over the Christmas and New Year period, so word of our proud and vibrant city is certainly spreading.

“TripAdvisor is arguably the world’s largest travel site, so to have exposure of this kind to such a wide audience is great for attracting tourists to the area.”

The top 10 list was compiled from travellers’ ratings and reviews of their most recommended destinations.

TripAdvisor connects the larg-

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TripAdvisor’s ‘best of 2014’ Australian travel destinations 1. SYDNEY 2. MELBOURNE 3. BRISBANE 4. PORT DOUGLAS 5. HOBART 6. CESSNOCK 7. AIRLIE BEACH 8. BYRON BAY 9. CANBERRA 10. DARWIN

est travel community in the world, whereby the site offers advice and ratings from real travellers and includes planning features with links to booking tools such as accommodation and activities.

In 2013, the travel website attracted nearly 260 million unique monthly visitors. World-class wineries, championship golf courses and gourmet eateries are undoubtedly the foremost drawcards to the region.

Toss in some world-renowned artists such as Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and Elton John, together with the recently departed Japan National Football Team, and it’s clear to see why a revolving-door would be a more fitting opening, opposed to a gateway!

On the world scale, Istanbul was voted the most popular destination followed by Rome, London, Beijing, Prague, Marrakech, Paris, Hanoi, Siem Reap, Shanghai, Berlin, New York City, Florence, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, St Petersburg, Dubai, Chicago, Cape Town Central, Bangkok, Budapest, Sydney, Lisbon, Chiang Mai, San Francisco.

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra was voted as the most popular landmark in the country followed by the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

the hunter post » Wednesday 28 January 2015

Cessnock’s Guinness World Record bid

Wednesday 28 January 2015 « the hunter post

14

COMMUNITY

NOTICE BOARD

editorial@newcastlepost.com.au The Post, 19 Pearson St, Charlestown NSW 2290 BERESFIELD AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CARE: Meals, domestic assistance, home maintenance, including lawn mowing, social support, centre-based daycare, shopping, transport, flexible food options, personal care to frail, aged and disabled people to assist them to remain in their own homes.

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

Ph: 4990 5965.

CESSNOCK REGIONAL ART GALLERY: Art After Hours - Thursday 29th January between 5pm and 8pm. Current exhibiting artists Andy Devine and Peter Tilley will talk about their own art practices and the messages layered through their work, and an exploration of the essential role that art making and art sharing plays in a strong, vibrant community. 16 Vincent St, Cessnock.

COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION: BranxtonGreta branch - meeting 9.30am first Thursday

at 2 John Rose Avenue, Branxton. Secretary: Marie Shearer 6574 7174.

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

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

Secretary: Joy Potts 4990 5420.

East Maitland branch - meeting 10am first Wednesday (second and fourth Wednesday craft and friendship) at 162 George St, East Maitland. Secretary: Sharyn Buck 0410 694 910.

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

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

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

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

HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL CLEANOUT: CleanOut is a free service for the safe disposal of a range of common household chemicals which could cause harm to human health and the environment if not disposed correctly. Saturday, 7 February 2015, 9am – 3:30pm at Cessnock Council Works Depot, Old Maitland Rd KURRI YOUTH CENTRE: Free youth service for those who live in the Kurri Kurri and Cessnock area and who are aged 12-18.

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

Services include: drop-in centre, case man-

agement, in-school programs, advice and referrals, general support, excursions, school holidays activities, education and training and living skills development.

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

MAITLAND COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES: Not for profit community-managed business providing a range of services to support frail, aged and younger people with a disability to remain living at home within the Maitland Local Government Area.

Services include: disability support, home maintenance, Meals on Wheels, domestic assistance, social support services, personal care and community transport. Office location: Units 3-6, 27 Johns Street, Telarah. Ph: 4932 5755 MAITLAND YOUTH CRISIS CENTRE: Accommodation service for young people aged 12-17 years who need somewhere to stay for a short time while they look for a more permanent place to live. The Maitland Youth Crisis Centre provides accommodation for up to eight young people at a time for up to 12 weeks.

Staff available 24 hours a day. Ph: 4933 9330 MEN’S SHEDS - HUNTER CLUSTER: Branxton

Greta - 47a Branxton St, Greta.

Ph: 4938 1553. Cessnock - located via aged care facility, off Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba.

Ph: 4990 1198. Kurri Kurri - Lang St, Kurri Kurri access via Ex-Services Club car park.

Ph: 4937 1566. Maitland - Jubilee Street, East Maitland. Ph: 4934 1293.

NATIONAL SENIORS AUSTRALIA HUNTER VALLEY BRANCH: Fourth Tuesday of the month, 9.30am for 10am start at East Maitland Bowling Club. Contact Details: Pamela on 4932 9816.

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

Greenhills Maitland - The George Tavern, 7.15am at The George Tavern, 3 Molly Morgan Drive, East Maitland.

Kurri Kurri - Thursdays, 6.30pm at Station Hotel, Coronation Street.

Kurri Kurri Sunrise - Wednesday, 7.30am, Kurri Kurri Community Centre, 251 Lang Street.

Maitland - Wednesdays, 6.15pm at Lorn Park Bowling Club, Melrose Street, Lorn.

Maitland Sunrise - 7.15am at Lorn Park Bowling Club, Melrose Street, Lorn.

Rutherford Telarah - 6pm at Telarah Bowling Club, Clark Street, Telarah.

SAMARITANS CESSNOCK INFORMATION AND NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE: Centre open Monday to Thursday, 9am-3.30pm and Fridays 9am-3pm at 198-202 Vincent Street, Cessnock. Emergency Relief Service open Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and Friday, 10am-2pm.

Closed Thursday. Other visiting services open varied hours. Phone 4993 3400.

Police snapshot Boy, 7, killed in Williamtown crash

WW15203

A seven-year-old boy has died after the car he was travelling in crashed into a gully last Wednesday at Williamtown.

About 4.10pm, a 35-year-old man was travelling in a Nissan Pathfinder with four children, aged between seven and 14-yearsold, in southerly direction along Medowie Road.

As the driver approached banked up traffic near the intersection of Nelson Bay Road it appears he has driven the 4WD along a grass section of road to the left of the waiting traffic.

The driver lost control of the car near a gully and the 4WD became airborne and impacted heavily on the opposite side.

A seven-year-old boy seated in the rear of the car suffered serious internal injuries and was transported to John Hunter Hospital; however he later died.

The other occupants of the car were also taken to hospital for minor injuries.

The driver was subjected to mandatory blood and urine samples.

A crime scene was established and investigators from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit along with local police attended. Traffic in the area was disrupted for six hours.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner and investigations are continuing.

Weston man charged with child pornography offences Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad have charged a 50-year-old Weston man over

alleged child pornography offences.

In 2012, officers from a law enforcement partner agency were conducting a covert investigation into the alleged activity of a 50-year-old man on a peer-to-peer file sharing program.

It’s alleged the man shared a number of files deemed to be child abuse material.

As a result of these investigations, a Commonwealth Search Warrant was issued for the man’s home.

Last Wednesday, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Sex Crime Squad executed the warrant, seizing computers, external storage devices and mobile phones.

The man was arrested at the premises and taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of using a carriage for child pornography.

The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Thursday 26 February 2015.

Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing Child Exploitation Internet Unit investigation into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.

Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the Child Exploitation Internet Unit and police in NSW work closely with their law enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.

Anyone with information about internet predators should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police. nsw.gov.au/ Crime should not be reported via Facebook or Twitter.

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Sport

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

Wednesday 28 January 2015

Price hits the heights after injury setback Aberglasslyn driver stars on the international stage with podium finish in famous Dakar Rally LUKE HISLOP

s an off-road motorcycle racer, Toby Price is well acquainted with rugged journeys.

Just like the unrelenting and undulating terrain he conquered to finish third overall in the gruelling Dakar Rally.

The 14-day, 9000+ kilometre odyssey culminated in Buenos Aires last week, with the Aberglasslyn product capping off a fairytale debut; taking to the podium alongside overall winner and KTM teammate Marc Coma and runner-up Paulo Goncalves.

The 27-year-old joins fellow countryman, Andy Haydon (1998), as the only other Australian to feature on the podium as a rookie.

“Well, what a ride that was,” Price said.

“One of the toughest and badass races I’ve ever done. Just getting to the finish line is a win for everybody but I somehow managed third overall and a spot on the podium with these two legends.

“I’m lost for words but once again, thank you to everyone for the support worldwide and most of all Australia. I’m glad I could get this one for myself and Australia.”

A

Aberglasslyn's Toby Price (left) with Marc Coma and Paul Goncalves after the Dakar Rally

But the rugged journeys he has endured haven’t always being necessarily centred around terrain.

In 2013, Price fractured his C6, C7 and T1 vertebrae in the United States following a heavy race crash; almost leaving him a paraplegic. As the accident occurred outside his homeland, Price’s insurance would not cover the operation.

The US hospital that initially diagnosed Price showed him the door as he couldn’t cough up the $500,000 they requested for the operation.

Price was faced with a dilemma that required thorough consideration.

His options; stay in the US and allow his injuries to heal slowly, or roll the dice and risk a 14hour flight home.

He chose the latter and was fitted with a halo brace for the journey home; a gamble that was subject to a positive outcome. It paid off.

While his insurance covered the operation, Price was still left $80,000 out of pocket, before the Australian off-road racing community rallied together and chipped in.

Since returning to the saddle, Price’s list of achievements has grown, having secured his fourth Finke Desert Race, claimed the Hattah Desert Race and a fourth Australian Off-Road Championship.

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