hunter WED 15 APR 2015
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Greyhound grave inquiry Authorities investigate reported dumping site at Keinbah training track AMELIA PARROTT
@amelia_parrott
A Barr promoted to shadow ministry p.3
SPORT Stubbins stands firm on coaching future p.13
mass greyhound grave has allegedly been unearthed near Cessnock. Last week, Greyhound Racing NSW confirmed that an investigation was currently underway into a reported mass grave on the site of a training track at Keinbah where a number of dogs had allegedly been shot and dumped in a pit. The discovery follows a similar find in bushland near Bundaberg in Queensland earlier this month where the remains of 55 greyhounds were found. Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) said investigations had been taking place at the Keinbah Trial Track on Majors Lane since early 2014 and were not exclusively a result of the recent revelations of animal cruelty in the industry. “There have been three investigations undertaken at the Keinbah Trial Track site since early 2014 - one by RSPCA NSW, one by GRNSW (both in 2014) and one in early 2015 by former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Madden,� a statement released last week by GRNSW read. “This week GRNSW interim CEO Paul Newson referred the findings of Mr Madden’s report to NSW Police, and RSPCA NSW for their consideration of what, if any, further action may be appropriate. Mr Madden’s report has also been provided to the Special Commission of Inquiry into Greyhound Racing in NSW for its consideration. “GRNSW encourages anyone who may have
Keinbah Trial Track evidence of animal cruelty in NSW greyhound racing, including any evidence of mass graves or any further information related to the Keinbah Trial Track, to contact the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Hotline [1800 680 174] to ensure the matter can be fully investigated.� NSW Greens MP John Kaye, who was the deputy chair of a 2013 parliamentary inquiry into greyhound racing, said he feared there could be as many as 10 mass graves in the Hunter Valley alone. “The dark reality of greyhound racing is that
very few dogs bred for the sport will ever end up racing,� he said. “The industry admits that 3,000 dogs in NSW alone are killed each year because they are not race worthy. The current owners of the Keinbah training facility are cooperating with authorities and are not suspected of any wrongdoing. They have owned the property since December 2013 and have operated the track since February last year. Bones recovered from the site are currently undergoing testing.
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Wednesday 15 April 2015 « the hunter post
2
the hunter post
Editor's Desk
19 Pearson St, Charlestown NSW 2290 PO Box 2321 Dangar, NSW 2309 P (02) 4961 0310 www.thehunterpost.com.au www.facebook.com/newcastlepost
paul.monforte@newcastlepost.com.au
Worrying times for Australian pirates trapped in the net
Editorial: editorial@newcastlepost.com.au Advertising: enquiries@newcastlepost.com.au Printed by: Spotpress Pty Ltd
It will be very interesting to see the outcome of the action from the Hollywood movie studio against Australians who illegally downloaded and shared Dallas Buyers Club. In this particular case, rather than recovering lost revenue I think they are mainly trying to make the point that you can still be caught even though you are sitting in your lounge room halfway across the world. Perhaps just a warning for each of the people involved will serve as enough of a deterrent to stop them doing it again rather than see it being dragged through the courts. You may think that one person downloading a movie won’t make a difference to the bottom line of companies that deal in millions of dollars of profit, but when individuals all over the world share that view you can understand why the studios get quick sick of it. It is, after all, theft and companies in all industries deserve the right to protect and keep the financial benefit of their work. Cricket fans across the world lost one of their heroes last week with the death of former Australian captain Richie Benaud. While his injuries from a car accident a couple of years ago and then a battle with skin cancer were well-publicised, I think we all expected Richie to bounce back and give us some more of his commentary style in which he liked to let
Editor: Paul Monforte Journalists: Stephen Bisset (TE), Amelia Parrott, Sales Manager: Rhonda Campbell Sales: Glenda Peate, Gary Scott (Trades), Dan Hawkins (TE), Alison Hislop (Hunter), Jo Jones (Hunter), Michael Cleary Administration: Lauren Pollard
Post-traumatic stress disorder The Stroke and Disability Information service will hold a free session on post-traumatic stress disorder on Wednesday, May 6 at Charlestown Multi-Purpose Centre. The information session for sufferers and their families will run from 2pm to 4pm with guest speaker Frank Van de Mortel a specialist in trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 4943 9786. Light refreshments will be served. Charlestown Multi-Purpose Centre is located at 17 James Street.
PAUL MONFORTE
Perhaps a warning will serve as enough of a deterrent
the TV pictures tell the story and only add words when necessary. When he spoke, you listened because you knew he was speaking from many years of experience and that he had thought about his comment before opening his mouth. I hope as well that the younger generation remember him not just as the white-haired man who wore the funny-coloured jackets on TV, but as a top-class cricketer who captained his country and took hundreds of Test wickets as a leg-spinner. I’ve read just every article on Richie since his death and it has been great to learn a lot more about his life away from the microphone. Just a reminder that the Post will soon be evolving into a gloss magazine which will be bulk-dropped to more than 600 locations across the Hunter region. Whether you are in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock or Port Stephens region, you will be able to pick up a copy of the Post each and every Wednesday in places such as shopping centres, cafes, service stations, real estate agencies and pubs and clubs. The magazine will bring you the best in food, wine, fashion, music, art, finance, health, real estate, local markets, travel and history as well as regular competition and a number of feature articles highlighting life in the Hunter.
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Steven Gregory
State politics
Jodie Harrison and Clayton Barr become part of shadow ministry @amelia_parrott
unter MPs Jodie Harrison and Clayton Barr have been named in NSW Labor’s Shadow Cabinet. Charlestown MP Ms Harrison has been appointed Shadow Minister for the Hunter, as well as Shadow Minister for Women, Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Early Childhood Education, while Cessnock MP Mr Barr will take on the Finance, Services and Property portfolio. Labor Leader Luke Foley said his party had decided retain the position of Shadow Minister for the Hunter in spite of Premier Mike Baird’s decision to drop the regional portfolio from his ministry. “There is not a single Hunter MP in Mike Baird’s Cabinet,” Mr Foley said. “The difference between Liberal and Labor is that I believe the Hunter deserves a strong voice around the decision table. “As the respected Mayor of Lake Macquarie - and during her time in Parliament, Jodie Harrison has proven to be an extremely effective representative of her community. “There is nobody better than Jodie Harrison to hold the Baird Government to account for its arrogant abandonment of the people of the Hunter.” Earlier this month, Mr Baird announced
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Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison and Cessnock MP Clayton Barr that the Minister for the Hunter role would be cut from Cabinet and replaced by a new position, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast. Scot MacDonald MLC will take on the newly created role and report to Cabinet every three months, holding ministers to account for the delivery of the Coalition’s election commitments. A spokesperson from the Premier’s office told the Post that Mr Baird believed the regions’ voices were better heard via parliamentary secretaries rather than through ministers for whom regional portfolios were
a secondary responsibility. However, the decision was slammed by Labor as “petty payback” for negative swings against the Liberals across the Hunter in last month’s election. Ms Harrison will replace Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery as Shadow Minister for the Hunter. On Mr Barr’s appointment, Mr Foley said the Country Labor MP would “have a special responsibility to keep this city-centric government on its toes and ensure that communities in the long-neglected regions of our state receive their fair share”.
Australia’s major public hospitals have recorded a marked fall in the rate of healthcare-associated Golden Staph bloodstream infections, the latest report from the National Health Performance Authority shows. The number of these potentially deadly infections fell by 100, from 1,721 in 2012–13 to 1,621 in 2013–14. The report shows major public hospitals reported 88 fewer cases in 2013–14 compared to the previous year. However, the report also shows that large differences remain between individual hospitals, with patients still up to three times more likely to catch this bloodstream infection depending on the hospital where they receive care. Golden Staph, more correctly known as Staphylococcus aureus, is a bacterium often found on the skin of healthy people. It is relatively harmless unless it enters the body, where it can cause serious illness if it gets into the bloodstream. Most cases can be treated by antibiotics, but there are more serious antibiotic-resistant strains. Estimates suggest 20 to 35% of people who experience healthcare-associated S. aureus bloodstream infections die from this or a related cause, and some patients (such as those with impaired immunity) are more susceptible than others. Individual hospital results, including results for private hospitals, are available at www.myhospitals.gov.au
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the hunter post » Wednesday 15 April 2015
Promotions for Hunter politicians AMELIA PARROTT
3
Golden Staph on the decline
Community
Cassie proves to be a bloomin’ success Raworth teenager wins Interflora Florist of the Future competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show AMELIA PARROTT
@amelia_parrott
budding florist from the Hunter suburb of Raworth has taken out a top gong at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show. 18-year-old Cassie Johnson was awarded first place in the Interflora Florist of the Future Competition. An employee of Warners Bay Florist, Miss Johnson wowed the judges with her elaborate fascinator, constructed with orchids, roses and lotus flower leaves, one of four items she had crafted for the competition. Miss Johnson, who completed her Certificate III in Floristry at Kurri Kurri TAFE last year said she was inspired to enter the field after watching her mum, Debbie, work as a courier at East Maitland Florist as a child. “I fell in love with flowers watching her,” Miss Johnson said. “But it wasn’t until I’d made the decision to get into floristry that I found out Mum had actually been a florist and was just taking a break from it.” Today the mother-daughter duo work together at the family-owned florist overlooking Lake Macquarie.
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Florist of the Future winner Cassie Johnson
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Miss Johnson said she loved that floristry gave her opportunities to be creative. “It’s always something different,” she said. “Some days you’re making arrangements for sad occasions, other times it’s happy ones like weddings or birthdays. “I just love it.” Miss Johnson hoped to continue her career in floristry and one day take over the family business. The win secures Miss Johnson a place at the national competition being held in Newcastle in October. Stevie Mitchell from East Maitland Florist placed second in the competition. Flower and garden competitions have been a regular feature of the Royal Easter Show since 1929. Show organisers said 800,000 people had passed through the gates to watch more than 16,000 Sydney Royal awards presented. “City audiences were given the opportunity to learn about Australian agriculture, the hard work of our farmers and where our food and fibre comes from,” Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Chief Executive, Michael Kenny said. This year saw 100 international competitors making their way to the Show from all over the world, including Spain, the USA and the Czech Republic.
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Community
CSIRO expert visiting the Hunter to share the facts on importance of sharks to the marine environment AMELIA PARROTT
@amelia_parrott
t doesn’t seem all too long ago that swimmers and surfers from Stockton to Blacksmiths were kept out of the water due to the presence of one of nature’s ultimate predators, a Great White Shark. Newcastle beaches were closed for a record nine-straight days in January as life guards patrolled the waters by air and sea looking for signs of a five-metre long Great White. Now, Lake Macquarie City Council has partnered with Hunter Local Land Services to host a talk aimed at shedding light on the often misunderstood and feared fish. Dr Barry Bruce, the CSIRO’s leading shark expert will share his knowledge and research findings on Great White Sharks in Australian waters, delving into the crea-
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Lake Macquarie City Council and Hunter Local Land Services will host a talk tonight (Wednesday) on Great White Sharks
ture’s biology, habitat, movement patterns and behaviour. Council’s sustainability manager Alice Howe said the event would be a great opportunity to learn facts about sharks from a reliable source. “It is important the community has the opportunity to hear scientific knowledge about significant topics when available and to hear from leading experts,” she said. “Sharks have an imperative role in the marine environment so it is important to give people facts about them so we can all make informed decisions when visiting our coastline.” Dr Howe said Council planned to facilitate more talks on local wildlife species in the future. Dr Bruce will be speaking at Blacksmiths Beach Surf Life Saving Club from 6pm tonight (Wednesday). To book call Council on 4921 0333.
Firefighter recruitment (+=,9;0:,4,5;
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Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is gearing up for its 2015 permanent firefighter recruitment campaign with a particular emphasis on attracting more women to the ranks. The 2015 permanent firefighter recruitment campaign will get underway during May with thousands of would-be firefighters expected to apply. FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said now was the time for firefighter hopefuls to get themselves prepared for what he described as “the best job ever”. “We are particularly keen to reach out to fit and healthy women, most of whom have probably never thought of becoming a firefighter. “There are hundreds of women who have taken this step over the last 30 years, and so we’re encouraging more to step forward and apply,” he said. “Being a firefighter is an immensely rewarding career. No two days are ever the same. “If you want to make a difference by helping people, and want an interesting, incredibly rewarding career, then why not think about becoming a firefighter? “With only a few weeks until applications open, now is the time to get yourself physically and mentally ready for the recruitment process.” Candidates will have to complete an online application and undergo a series of tests, including physical and psychological testing. To find out what you need to do to get ready, visit www.fire. nsw.gov.au
the hunter post » Wednesday 15 April 2015
Learning the secrets of a predator
Community
maitland matters all council matters: maitland.nsw.gov.au CR PETER BLACKMORE Maitland City Council Mayor
All roads lead to Kurri Kurri for Youthfest skate celebration
All aboard this weekend for Steamfest in Maitland his weekend on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April, Maitland will welcome visitors from across the region, from around the country and from abroad to the Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest. This is one of the city’s most popular events on the calendar, with good reason, because there is so much to see and do. The steam locomotives are of course the highlight, however the whole weekend is dedicated to the celebration of steam. New to the event this year is the Port Waratah Coal Run train excursion that will take passengers from Maitland on the coal run through to Port Waratah and back again. Returning in 2015 are the Broadmeadow and Branxton excursions, as well as the highlight of the event the Great Train Race, which is always very popular. Tickets for these excursions are still available and bookings can be made online to avoid disappointment on the day, visit steamfest.com.au/tickets There will also be plenty of action happening at the Rally Ground, which is located adjacent to the Maitland Railway Station. Heritage steam machinery comes to life on the Rally Ground, which also
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features traction engines, mini train rides, a steam bus and Stanley Steamer, which is a vintage 1921 steam car. The Rally Ground is also a favourite destination for the kids, where they can get their face painted and participate in activities and games in the Kids Adventureland. One of the more thrilling features of Steamfest will be the helicopter joy rides that offer people the chance to get a bird’seye view of Steamfest and surrounding suburbs. But if you are after a more relaxed time at the event the Maitland and District Historical Society will lead Maitland Railway Station Precinct Heritage Walks, which cover the history of Maitland and the significance of the railway to the local area. For more information visit steamfest. com.au My regular column in the Hunter Post will move online to the Maitland City Council website from Wednesday 29 April. I will continue to publish weekly updates and you can stay up to date with what’s happening in the community by visiting Council’s website maitland.nsw.gov.au following Council on twitter @MaitlandCouncil or by liking Council’s Facebook page facebook.com/maitlandcitycouncil
Action from the 2014 Youthfest event ome of the region’s best skaters will ‘drop in’ at Kurri Kurri Skate Park on Sunday 19 April in celebration of Youthfest. The free event is in its 10th year and will feature a bike, skate and scooter competition, live bands as well as art and circus workshops. This year will also include a laser tag arena and craft tent. Cessnock City Council’s Youth Service Co-ordinator Will Doran said Youthfest, which will be held from 11am to 5pm, attracts more than 300 people to the Kurri Kurri Skate Park. “It has a great festival vibe to it,” Mr Doran said. “It is a celebration of youth culture and talent in our area.” This year’s entertainment will feature Hunter bands The Crispens (Cessnock),
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Of Divinity, The Fuzz, High Vinyl as well as Port Macquarie locals A Bear in a Man Suit. Youthfest is a culmination of a week of activities held across the Cessnock local government area for Youth Week. The 2015 Youth Week program has 15 different activities on offer including skate competitions, cupcake decorating, graffiti workshops and a ‘Battle of the Youth Groups’ event. The events are for young people aged between 12 and 25 years and are organised in consultation with representatives from this age group. Entry to Youthfest is free of charge and the bike, skate and scooter competition is open to competitors of all skill levels. For further information telephone Cessnock Youth Centre and Outreach Service on 4991 5372.
PUBLIC NOTICE TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES – SPECIAL EVENT MORPETH ANZAC DAY MARCH AND CEREMONY 2015 Council wishes to advise that it has approved an application from Morpeth Anzac Day Committee to temporarily close a section of Swan Street and Northumberland Street, Morpeth to hold the annual Anzac Day Ceremony. Details of the temporary closures on Saturday 25 April 2015 are as follows: ȏ 6ZDQ 6WUHHW IURP 1RUWKXPEHUODQG 6WUHHW WR 0DUNHW 6WUHHW 10.00am to 12.30pm ȏ 6ZDQ 6WUHHW IURP 7DQN 6WUHHW WR 1RUWKXPEHUODQG 6WUHHW (street march) 10.30am to 11.30am ȏ 1RUWKXPEHUODQG 6WUHHW IURP 6ZDQ 6WUHHW WR &ORVH 6WUHHW 11.30am to 2.00pm
BUILDING OR RENOVATING IN A MINE SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT? Phone your nearest office for advice on: ■ Surface development guide lines ■ Housing and construction techniques
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Wednesday 15 April 2015 « the hunter post
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■ Mine subsidence issues ■ Subdivision of land Interested residents are welcome to attend. Next meetings: 28 APRIL – 5.30pm David Evans General Manager 285–287 High Street, PO Box 220 Maitland NSW 2320 t 02 4934 9700 info@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Agendas are available from our website or by contacting customer service. For information on development applications please visit our website – maitland.nsw.gov.au
NEWCASTLE 4908 4300 • SINGLETON 6572 4344 24 Hour Emergency Service FREE CALL 1800 248 083 mail@minesub.nsw.gov.au • www.minesub.nsw.gov.au
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7 the hunter post » Wednesday 15 April 2015
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Hair Effex by Jess is the place to go in Tenambit for modern, stylish cuts and designs in a wide range of colours from vibrant reds to warm winter browns and cool-toned blondes. Jess Guthrie and her team also offer spray tanning and stock affordable retail products to help you maintain your look long after your salon appointment. Why not give Mum a stylish new look courtesy of a gift voucher from Hair Effex by Jess? Hair Effex by Jess is located at Shop 2 / 55 Maize Street with easy parking available. Opening hours are Monday to Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, Thursday 9am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm. New customers are most welcome. Call 4933 4451 for appointments and check out their Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/HAIR-EffexBy-Jess/336586686516353 to see a number of before and after photos showing how Hair Effex by Jess can give you the hairstyle you have always dreamed of.
Matthew Jones and his staff would like to welcome old and new patients to the new Tenambit Podiatry Clinic. The clinic is now open on Wednesdays and Fridays for appointments. Patients will find the clinic to be very convenient as Medicare plans are claimed and rebated on the spot. If you need foot-care or have foot-pain, give them a call for help. No referral is required unless you are being referred by your doctor. Parking is super easy. They take pride in delivering a great local service. Tenambit Podiatry Clinic are your foot specialists for all your foot health problems. Their clinics at Charlestown, Good Health Green Hills, Hunter Valley Private Hospital and Raymond Terrace are still operating as per usual. Clinical expertise and good value care is their focus. Got a foot problem? Want to see them in Tenambit because it is easier or closer to home? Give them a call, they are happy to help. Ph: 4943 4300 or visit www.foot.net.au
Customers who had enjoyed the wide range of services on offer at Beyond Tranquility Beauty & Remedial Massage in Thornton will be pleased to know owner Megan York has relocated the business only a short drive away to Tenambit. Quality products such as ASAP Skin Products, Stiff Sore and Sorry Relief and injury gel and Catalina Geo make up are available at Beyond Tranquility. Miss York said with Mother’s Day fast approaching, gift vouchers were also available as a personal way for Mum to enjoy some pampering. Beyond Tranquility Beauty & Remedial Massage is located at Shop1/ 57 Maize Street with plenty of easy parking available. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 7pm on Thursday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday. After hour appointments are also available upon request. Call 4936 6339 for more information on their services and search ‘Beyond Tranquility’ on Facebook to keep up-to-date with the latest specials and new products.
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HISTORY
Wednesday 15 April 2015 « the hunter post
Turning back Time
Original owner of the Post, the late Arnold Delaney and the front page from the first edition on Friday, June 22, 1956 The Post photo: Lake Macquarie Libraries
Six decades of local focus With the Post about to undergo an evolution into a glossy lifestyle magazine, Amelia Parrott looks at the history behind a local institution
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t has been a Newcastle institution for almost 60 years. What began as “something to do” for a heavy machinist from Singleton has grow into a weekly read for thousands of Hunter residents from Cessnock to Swansea. The Post was first published back in 1956 and as founder Arnold Delaney told Post journalist Megan Cunneen back in 2009, the story of how the newspaper began is “a real page-turner”. “You could write a book about all the experiences,” he told the Post at the time. “’Let’s start a newspaper’, you could call it.” Mr Delaney, his first wife Rhoda, and their family lived in Singleton and after losing everything in the 1955 flood, moved to Nords Wharf in hope of a fresh start at life. At the time, Mr Delaney was a returned serviceman who was working in the heavy machinery industry but he was looking for “something to do”. “I thought, ‘Why don’t I start a newspaper?’,” he said. He decided to base his new venture in
the growing suburb of Charlestown. The proprietor of the Wyong Advocate agreed to print the publication and Mr Delaney began work on the first edition, which hit the streets on Friday, June 22, 1956. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the inaugural edition. “When we got down to the Advocate office, we were told that we were half a page short,” he said. “So I sat down, with the time gun at my head, and wrote a story called Cool Justice. “It was about as corny as you can be. “It gives me goose pimples to think of it.” Mr Delaney thrived on the drama and excitement of the newspaper industry, but he was eventually forced to sell the paper, for personal reasons, after 17 years of ownership. Just 18 months after losing everything in the flood, the Delaney’s house at Nords Wharf went up in flames. “We had a lot of bad luck,” Mr Delaney said. “Our marriage wasn’t going so well, we lost three of our four children and I was making tanks and working in heavy
machinery industry and running a newspaper all at the same time. “Something had to go so we decided to sell the Post.” The Post remained an independently owned, Charlestown-based publication until 1981 when the paper was bought by Fairfax. During this time the number of editions the Post distributed expanded to seven, catering to specific areas including Maitland, Newcastle and West and East Lake Macquarie, before the decision was made to focus on just one masthead, the Newcastle Post. In mid-2008, Fairfax was forced to sell the Post to then Newcastle Jets owner Con Constantine following a merger between Fairfax and Rural Press and the paper was once again an independent. It was then that the Post’s offices were relocated from Fairfax Media’s Bolton Street offices to the Store building in Newcastle West, a premises owned by Mr Constantine. Mr Constantine ran the paper successfully for four years before selling it to current owners, Real Media in 2012.
The following year, the Post returned to its ancestral home. Today, the paper has come full circle and is once again put together each week at offices in the bustling heart of Charlestown, just as it was when Mr Delaney started the paper back in 1956. The Post has a rich history but its future looks bright too. From April 29, the Post will begin a new chapter as a free glossy magazine. Covering more areas that ever before, including, for the first time, Port Stephens, the new-look Post will be available each week from hundreds of drop-off points across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley. As always, the Post will keep readers in the loop with what’s happening in their area with local news and community stories but the new format will bring with it a greater array of exciting content from fashion, fitness and travel advice, to puzzles, weekly giveaways and more. The first edition will hit newsstands on Wednesday, April 29. So keep watching this space - the story of the Post does not end here!
the hunter post » Wednesday 15 April 2015
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The #1 guide for older residents
$55 million allocated to brest screening
A
ll Australian women aged 50 to 74 will receive an invitation that could save their life as part of a $55.7 million Australian Government initiative to boost breast screening rates in at risk age groups. Minister for Health Sussan Ley last week launched the ‘An invitation that could save your life’ campaign to make sure all Australian women aged 50 to 74 were aware they qualified for a free breast screen every two years. Ms Ley said this also marked the first time Australian women aged 70 to 74 have been specifically targeted for breast screening awareness, with an additional 220,000 breast screens expected to be delivered over four years as a direct result. “Breast screening saves lives. It is the second most common cause of cancerrelated deaths among women in Australia, however if detected early and managed nine-out-of-10 cases can be successfully treated.”
Ms Ley said breast screening could identify cancer before symptoms appear or a change is noticed in the breast meaning a better range of treatment options are available and a more successful outcome. “BreastScreen Australia has been extremely successful since it was introduced more than 20 years ago having reduced the number of breast cancer deaths by over a third. “I encourage all women aged between 50 and 74 to make a breast screening appointment as we know the more Australian women who are screened, the more cancers that are detected. It’s an invitation that could save your life.” Ms Ley said the additional screening delivered as a result of the campaign could potentially lead to the detection of an extra 600 breast cancers a year. More than 1.8 million women are screened every two years and more than 75 per cent of breast cancers occur
in women over 50. Most women who get breast cancer also have no family history. The ‘An invitation that could save your life’ campaign began last week and will run across print, radio and online media to make sure women who receive a breast screen invitation in the mail are aware of its importance. The Abbott Government’s $55 million
commitment will cover the cost of the promotional campaign, as well as the cost of additional invitations and free breast screenings generated as a result. Women aged outside of the 50 to 74 age group are encouraged to talk to their GP or health professional to find out if breast screening is appropriate for them. For further information, please visit www.australia.gov.au/breastscreen
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Wednesday 15 April 2015 « the hunter post
12
Rugby League First-up joy for coach Miller at the Goannas PAUL MONFORTE
essnock coach Craig Miller wasted no time in getting results for his new club, with the Goannas overcoming Western Suburbs 34-18 in the opening round of the Toohey’s Cup competition. Scores were locked at 18-all at halftime at Cessnock Sportsground before the home side finished strongly against last year’s premiers. In other matches, South Newcastle defeated Kurri Kurri 32-24 at Townson, Lakes United got home 19-12 over Macquarie Scorpions at Cahill Oval and Maitland had a narrow 22-20 victory over Central Newcastle at St John Oval. Round 2 fixtures: Maitland v Cessnock, Saturday, 3pm at Maitland Sportsground; Macquarie Scorpions v Central Newcastle, Saturday, 3pm at Lyall Peacock Field; Kurri Kurri v Lakes United, Saturday, 3pm at Kurri Kurri Sportsground; Western Suburbs v South Newcastle, Sunday, 3pm at Harker Oval.
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Action from Cessnock’s win over Western Suburbs at Cessnock Sportsground last Saturday. Photos: Trish Evenden
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Wednesday 15 April 2015
Stubbins in for the long haul at the Jets PAUL MONFORTE
mbattled Jets coach Phil Stubbins has no plans to walk away from the club, pointing to last Friday night’s upset win over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park as a sign the team is headed in the right direction. “I’ve signed a two-year deal at the club. We needed to make decisions that (were) going to … take the club in a different direction. We’ve done that. And the only thing that’ll vindicate my decisions that have been made is where we finish next year,” Stubbins said. “The Hunter region needs to be represented in the right way in the A-League and that’s to have a team that’s out there having a crack, doing the right things and winning some games. “We’ve made some changes as we all know. But I think (the win) is obviously a great tonic for all of us and it’ll only add to the culture that we’ve got and the environment, which is a very positive one at the moment.” While the first half was scoreless, both sides had a number of missed opportunities.
E
The Jets grabbed the lead in the 55th minute through Edson Montano with the visitors’ defence holding strong against waves of attack from the likes of Victory’s Besart Berisha. Melbourne Victory’s loss has continued the congestion at the top of the A-Leader ladder with only one point separating the top five sides. However, a ruling from Football Federation Australia has ordered that Perth Glory will not take part in the finals series after exceeding the salary cap this season. Victory also have a deferred game from round 18 in hand against Brisbane Roar which will be played tonight (Wednesday). The Jets return to Hunter Stadium on Friday night for the clash with Sydney FC. The match gets underway at 7.45pm. A-LEAGUE LADDER Melbourne Victory 44pts* (+21), Sydney FC 44pts (+15), Perth Glory 44pts (+7), Adelaide United 43pts (+13), Wellington Phoenix 43pts (+10), Melbourne City 35pts (0), Brisbane Roar 31pts* (0), Central Coast Mariners 23pts (-21), Newcastle Jets 17pts (-30), Western Sydney Wanderers 15pts (-15). * denotes one game in hand.
Jets coach Phil Stubbins
RUGBY LEAGUE
No stress yet over stilted attack PAUL MONFORTE
he Knights are not panicking despite successive losses on the back of four wins to start the NRL season. Newcastle were well in the contest for most of the game in wet conditions at Remondis Stadium last Friday night before ultimately falling 22-6 to the Cronulla Sharks. The Knights created a number of opportunities but poor handling continually released the pressure on the Sharks. The attack was also not helped by a shoulder injury to Jarrod Mullen, which saw the fiveeighth spend half the match on the bench. There were mixed results in the lower grades, the NSW Cup team were defeated 24-22 by the Canberra Raiders’ feeder club Mounties on Saturday afternoon with Jake Mamo and Carlos Tuimavave each crossing for two tries. A try to interchange forward Ben Stone in the final five minutes gave the Knights’ under 20s side a 22-18 win over the Sharks. All three grades will be in action at Hunter Stadium this Sunday with NSW Cup against Wentworthville getting underway at 11.45am followed by under 20s against the Parramatta Eels at 1.45pm and first grade at 4pm. The Eels will be looking to bounce back after a 38-16 thrashing by the Gold Coast Titans.
T
Knights five-eighth Jarrod Mullen suffered a shoulder injury against the Sharks
The match is the Channel Nine Sunday afternoon TV game. In positive news for the club, centre Dane Gagai has re-signed with the Knights for a further two years - up until the end of the 2017 season. There had been suggestions Gagai may have followed former Knights coach Wayne Bennett to the Brisbane Broncos. “This was a really big decision for me and my family,” Gagai said. “I owe the Knights a lot because they gave me a chance when Anthony Griffin let me go in 2012, but I still had a number of factors to consider in making this decision with my family living in Queensland. “I am really happy the decision has been made because I am enjoying my football and I love it here.” Knights CEO Matt Gidley said the club understood Gagai’s need to consider his family but had made sure the centre knew he was part of the long-term plans for the team. “Clearly Dane is a talented player and has been a wonderful addition to our club but he is also a fantastic person away from football and in the community and that is certainly taken into consideration when building a team,” CEO Matt Gidley said. “So while negotiations can be drawn out at times, we are happy to see Dane re-sign and commit to Newcastle.”