Bennett bows out Embarrassed and leaving the Knights p.17

Baird bottles up Premier refuses to divulge details on Government's plans for new hospital

• MELISSAH COMBER _ @melcomber

N SW Premier, Mike Baird has refused to commit to a construction start-date for the new Lower Hunter Hospital, but says it will be delivered within five years.

Mr Baird visited the Metford site of the hospital with Member for Maitland, Robyn Parker and Hunter New England Health chief executive, Michael DiRienzo last week, but could not reveal any details about the hospital, only saying that the final plan was still in progress.

"[We expect construction to begin] as soon as possible," Mr Baird said.

"We are close to being able to announce the model, the size, the clinical services, the funding and they will come in due course.

"We need to finalise that work and then we'll announce it."

Mr Baird said the Government was open to some private funding for the hospital. but Ms Parker provided assurances that public patients would be treated there.

"This will be a public hospital," Ms Parker said. "Public patients will be treated in the same way

as they would at the Mater, at the John Hunter, and that's our plan.

"We're building something in between the size of the Mater and the John Hunter, so what is going to be built on the site and the planning is the most important thing."

Storycontinueson )) p.3 Premier, Mike Baird and Maitland MP, Robyn Parker on the new Lower Hunter Hospital site

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the hunter post 19 Pearson St, Charlestown NSW 2290 PO Box 2321 Dangar, NSW 2309 P (02) 49610310

o www.thehunterpost.com.au fJ www.facebook.com/newcastlepost

Editorial: editorial@newcastlepost.com.au

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Editor: Paul Monforte' Journalists: Stephen Bisset (TE), Amelia Parrott, Melissah Comber

Sales: Glenda Peate, Gary Scott (Trades), Dan Hawkins (TE), Lynne Hardy, Alison Hislop (Hunter), Patrick Fisher

Administration: Lauren Pollard Accounts: Susan Ward

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EDITOR'S DESK paul.monforte@newcastlepost.com.au

Moylan gets the message across but at what cost? Jonathan Moylan has to wait a bit longer to find out how harshly the courts will judge his hoax email on ANZ letterhead.

Moylan was expected to be sentenced last Friday for constructed an email in January 2013 using the ANZ logo to falsely announce the bank would not be proceeding with a $1.2 billion loan to Whitehaven Coal for the Maules Creek mine project for ethical and moral reasons.

The sentencing has now been adjourned to a date to be fixed.

The false information Moylan sent out saw Whitehaven's share price drop significantly prior to the hoax being uncovered.

Yes, it was only a email and no one was physi­cally harmed by the prank, but a message had to be sent that this cannot be tolerated despite how strongly you feel about an issue.

You could do quite a deal of damage by send­ing out false claims on a company's letterhead. Banks cop a lot of criticism from various angles over their policies and decisions, much of it deserved, but no company deserves to have their reputation harmed by whoever feels like it.

Mr Moylan has garnered plenty of support for his stance, with a website (www.standwithjono. org) set up in his honour. It states: 'Jonathan Moylan's action opened up an important conversation in Australia. Jonathan's action drew attention to the threat that the ANZ-funded

PAUL MONFORTE Editor

It was only anemaU, but this cannot be tolerated

"

Maules Creek coal project poses to farms, forest, community and water in north west NSW.'

It certainly has drawn attention to the issue, so the objective has been achieved. But he was 25 years of age at the time of sending the email.so he certainly knew what he was doing and that he would be getting into quite serious trouble over his actions. f) I attended last week's press conference at which Wayne Bennett announced he would be stepping down as Knights coach at the end of the season.

As many of you would have seen on TV high­lights and read in the papers, he was quite open and honest about the reasons for his impending departure.

He was twice given the chance by reporters during questioning to use the multitude of issues that have disrupted the season as an excuse for the disappointing results this season.

To his credit, he quickly shot down any sugges­tion of that and took full responsibility.

The easy way for him would have been to blame the Alex McKinnon injury, the Russell Packer jailing and the ongoing club ownership discus­sions and write the season off under one of those reasons.

But he chose to step away now and give some­one else the chance to build on the improvements he has made to the whole club.

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ACCIDENT

Too close for comfort Calls for road improvements following Rutherford truck crash

• MELISSAHCOMBER }I@melcomber

A Maitland councillor has renewed his calls for road improvements following last week's major truck accident in Rutherford.

Last Monday, a semi-trailer carrying steel crossed to the wrong side of the New England Highway while heading east, mowed down a fence and careened into a house with a family of four inside.

Authorities believe the 43-year-old driver may have suffered a medical episode while behind the wheel.

Nobody inside the home, near the inter­section of Aberglasslyn Road, was injured.

The driver was taken to John Hunter Hospital with superficial injuries and underwent medical tests.

West ward Councillor, Henry Meskaus­kas said that the accident proved what he had been saying for years, that the traffic volumes along that stretch road made the intersection dangerous.

"It's just pure good luck that no one was killed," Cr Meskauskas said.

Cr Meskauskas believed that the South Street, John Street and Johnson Street intersections were also problematic and that new subdivisions in the area would only compound the problem.

The semi-trailer in the front of the Rutherford home Photo: Facebook

"[Despite the Hunter Expressway] trucks are still coming on our roads," he said.

"[With those subdivisions] it's just going to become a bigger headache."

He pointed to last month's incident where strong winds brought down a

Hungry Jack's sign onto the highway as another example of traffic chaos through Rutherford.

"A minor hold-up, a minor accident just creates so much congestion and build-up, it's unbelievable."

» New hospital

While short on details, Mr Baird emphasised that the Coalition had committed to a site and found the dollars, something the former Labor Government had not.

"I'd say to the Opposition, they have absolutely no credibility on the subject of this hospital," he said.

"They never promised, they never delivered it, not a dollar towards, they have no right to contribute to this debate."

Mr DiRienzo said that the master plan for the site would be completed by the end of the year, and added that it would include the possibility of both a public and a private hospital on the site, as well as telehealth capabilities.

"I think all those options are possi­ble," Mr DiRienzo said.

"[Telehealth] means we don't have to move communities to come to these locations," he said.

"It's important we get on with the business of working out what we actually need here so we will have the master planning completed by the end of this calendar year and we will move forward.

"I just think we need to keep all options open and work through those options with interested stakehold­ers."

Mr DiRienzo said that all clinicians with privileges at the current Mait­land Hospital would be transferred to the new site.

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e Eye clinic to reopen next month • MELISSAH COMBER )I @melcomber

Hunter New England Health chief executive, Michael DiRienzo says he is confident that Newcastle's eye clinic will reopen next month, despite the fact that no ophthalmologists have been signed up.

"What we've done to date is we've completed the package of works around the pathways required, talking to GPs, talking to optometrists and finding out what exactly to have in place," Mr DiRienzo said last week, while visiting the site of the new Lower Hunter Hospi­tal in Metford.

"We're going through the process of putting that package to our ophthal­mologists," he said.

"We're expecting with a lot of confi­dence to be able to recommence those services in August."

He said that no ophthalmologists had been spoken to yet.

Mr DiRienzo also said that a high number of eye surgeries were still being completed locally.

"While we don't have clinics at John Hunter Hospital, we've actually done more ophthalmology surgery this year than last year, so we continue to meet the needs of the community when it comes to procedures," he said.

The Royal Newcastle Hospital's eye clinic closed in 2012, with the hospital only seeing emergency cases.

Outpatients have since had to seek treatment through a private ophthal­mologist or in Sydney.

WW7997

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Heritage versus housing Listed cemetery threatens approval of new sub-division

• MELISSAH COMBER )I @melcomber

PJebate over heritage reared its

head at Coundl last week, as a 1OI-Iot East Maitland sub-division

as approved. The sub-division will be bordered by

Mingay Avenue, Vista Parade, Wallis Creek and Rathluba Lagoon, coming close to the Glebe Cemetery, which is on the State Heritage Register.

Despite a 30-metre buffer zone being placed around the cemetery, Council­lor Loretta Baker said she had serious concerns for the impact on the cemetery.

"I'm very keen to preserve heritage views and the heritage of that cemetery," Cr Baker said.

Cr Steve Procter, on the other hand, believed that the development would encourage more people to visit the cemetery.

"I think it's wonderful there is a new interest in heritage," he said.

''This is going to give greater access to enjoy this part of heritage - the Glebe cemetery.

"I'd like to see the good come out of these things, not the bad."

39 public submissions about the devel­opment were received, with the lack of

Rathluba Lagoon, viewed from the sub-division site

supporting infrastructure, including Cr's Robert Aitchison, Ben Whiting and roads and amenities addressed. Baker voted against the development.

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STATE GOVERNMENT

Terminal rip off Bipartisan call for Newcastle's fair share

. AMELIA PARROTT W @amelia_parroU

Newcastle could be short­changed to the tune of nearly $47.5 million on the controver­sial T4 coal loader at Kooragang

Island. It was revealed last week that the Depart­

ment of Planning had recommended the developer, Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS), pay just $528,140 in developer levies for its $4.8 billion project, about go times less than the one per cent fee devel­opers would normally be required to pay.

If it goes ahead, the move would see Newcastle City Council miss out on $47.47 million in compensation.

Voices from all sides of politics have raised their concerns about the recom­mendation, with Greens councillor, Michael Osborne last week claiming it showed the State Government did not have the interests of the community at heart.

"This recommendation wouldn't give anyone in the community confidence that the Department of Planning will do the right thing by the community, rather what is in the interest of the private profits," he said.

He said a new coal-loader would have adverse social, health, economic and

environmental impacts on the city and the local community needed to be fully compensated for these effects.

"The proponent is a company owned by multinationals who make record profits from exports shipped through the Port of Newcastle," he said.

"They need to fully compensate the community of Newcastle for the impact they are having on local residents."

Shadow Minister for the Hunter, Sonia Hornery questioned why "big business" should receive a $47.5 million discount when ordinary rate payers are required to pay Council a one per cent fee on develop­ments.

When quizzed about the equity of the recommendation during a visit to Mait­land last Wednesday, NSW Premier, Mike Baird encouraged concerned parties to make submissions to the Planning Assess­ment Commission and urged PWCS to listen to the community's concerns.

"I also think there's an opportunity for Port Waratah to listen to the concerns that were raised and they've got an opportu­nity to voluntarily contribute to the debate and indeed make a higher contribution."

Member for Newcastle, Tim Owen said he was "quite surprised" by the depart­ment's recommendation and intended to make a submission to the Planning Assessment Commission.

Developers could recleve multi-million dollar discount on T4 coal loader

"$500,000 is nowhere near enough," he said.

"The Planning Assessment Commission has to look at any submissions they receive and those submissions do carry weight so that's certainly the avenue I'll be taking by making a submission."

Mr Osborne said he had never heard of a case where a proponent paid above the

amount recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission.

"Why would they go over," he asked. "It's quite clear Newcastle will miss out

from this arrangement when we should really be getting the full amount."

Newcastle City Council is continuing its negotiations with PWCS but it is not known when a resolution will be reached.

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COMMUNITY

Caring for the cODlDlunity Local not-far-profit, Ozzie Care, gets high praise from Premier

• MELISSAH COMBER W @melcomber

I fyou ask Peter and Melita West, they don't run the not -for-profit Ozzie Care Services, their volunteers do.

The West's were officia1lyrecognised by NSW Premier, Mike Baird and Member for Maitland, Robyn Parker last week, receiving a NSW Government Community Service Award for their efforts to help feed hundreds of needy families every week.

"This place runs on our volunteers, Mr West said.

"It's one thing to have a dream in your heart and a vision, but if people don't get a hold of it and come and join you, noth­ing happens."

Ozzie Care feeds approximately 300 families each week through their discount supermarket and disaster relief service.

Ms Parker honoured the West's, calling them a dynamic team.

"I told the Premier I get goosebumps every time I come to this place because it's led by two amazing people," she said.

"They've got an amazing team of vol un­teers, but those volunteers wouldn't be here if it wasn't for leadership of Peter and Mel."

Peter and Melita West show Maitland MP, Robyn Parker and Premier, Mike Baird their Thornton-based discount supermarket

After touring the Ozzie Care facility at Thornton, Mr Baird said he was the most inspired he had been in the job so far.

"I think that passion is contagious, grace is contagious and that's what you get in Peter and Mel," he said.

"It's not only inspiring to the state, it's inspiring to the nation.

"If all of us take your lead, and that lead is one that says others matter above ourselves, this state and country would be a much richer place."

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WW10787

C) Baird: Boxing Day is the right day for rail closure

Premier, Mike Baird has come to the defence ofhis Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian, backingthe decision to cut the heavy raillin.e into Newcastle on Boxing Day.

The move drew the ire of the Opposition and unions when it was announced earlier this month, with the Greens transport spokesperson, Mehreen Faruqi, accusing

Police ....... snapshot .-.-.

Pedestrian Injured at Kurrl Police are appealing for information after a

man was seriously injured in a crash where a pedestrian was struck at Kurri Kurri last week.

About 9.30pm on Tuesday, July 8, a 71-year­old man was struck by a car as he walked east on Coronation Street.

Police believe the driver of a Ford Falcon sedan struck the pedestrian on the southern side of the street injuring the man's left leg.

The driver stopped the vehicle and he and two passengers assisted the seriously injured man.

An ambulance arrived a short time later and paramedics treated the man at the scene before conveying him to John Hunter Hospital to undergo surgery.

The two passengers remained at the scene of the crash whilst the driver left the area.

About 8.20am the following day, a 46-year­old Hamilton man attended Newcastle Police Station.

The man, who was the driver of the Ford, was released pending further inquiries.

Police have urged anyone that witnessed the crash and not yet spoken to investigators to come forward by either calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or using the Crime Stoppers online reporting page at wwwl.police.nsw.gov.au.

Woman indecently assaulted Inquiries have begun after a woman was

indecently assaulted in Newcastle last week. The 19-year-old woman told police she

became separated from her friends while walking along Hunter Street about 10.30pm on Monday, July 7.

She said three men then approached her and one indecently assaulted her before her friends returned and the men left.

The woman reported the incident to Waratah Police the following day and an investigation was initiated.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have been in vicinity of Hunter and Steel Streets, Newcastle at the time and saw the incident to contact police.

Pollee seek armed robber Police are appealing for information

following a spate of armed robberies in the Lake Macquarie area over the last month.

Between Monday, June 30 and Tuesday July 8, a man armed with a large knife held up petrol stations and newsagencies in Belmont, Cardiff, Freemans Waterhole and Rathmines.

During the incidents the man threatened staff with a knife and stole cash and cigarettes before running from the scene.

Detectives are continuing investigations and believe the robberies are linked.

They are looking for a man who has been described as being of Caucasian appear­ance, aged in his 20s, about 180cm tall with a thin build and blonde hair.

During the incidents the man has been described as wearing dark clothing, a balaclava and gloves.

the Government of timing the truncation of the line at Wickham with the holidays to avoid a public outcry.

"The people of the Hunter will have their vital rail service shut down while many are away or otherwise offwork," she said.

"It's clear that the Government times these events around the holiday season so

there is minimal public outcry and media exposure of the change."

Mr Baird said rather than being an attempt to avoid media and commuter scrutiny over the holiday period, the Christmas break provided a window to get work underway with minimal disruption for passengers.

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"Obviously over a holiday period it makes sense to compress [the work] as much as possible in terms of the disruption;' Mr Baird told the Post last Wednesday.

"It's clear we're doing everything possible to do it as quickly as possible, but I mean, we do need to do the work and that's some­thing we make no apologies for."

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PUBLIC NOTICES NAMING OF PUBLIC ROADS Notice is hereby given that Maitland City Council, in pursuance of section 162 of the Roads Act 1993 and Part 2 of the Roads Regulation 2008, proposes to name the following new roads:

Location: Off Riverside Street, Bolwarra

Proposed Name: Perrier Court Bollinger Cove

DA Number: 13-1430

The developer has proposed the above road names under the theme of types of Champagne.

Location: Off Whitewater Street, Chisholm

Proposed Name: Tigerhawk Drive, formerly Grasshawk Drive east of Whitewater Street

DA Number: 13-1373

Waterford County Estate established in its logo a 'dragonfly'. The names of the streets are all dragonfly species.

A period of 14 days from 16July 2014 is allowed during which persons may lodge with Council written submissions regarding these proposals. Any submissions made should be addressed to the General Manager and detail fully any objection to same.

NAMING OF PUBLIC ROADS NOTICE is hereby given that Maitland City Council, in pursuance of section 162 ofthe Roads Act 1993 and Part 2 ofthe Roads Regulation 2008, has approved the following new road name/s for gazettal:

Deposited Plan: DP1185776

Location: Off Porta bello Crescent, Thornton

Road Name: Lancaster Street Cornwell Street Harrow Street

The above road names have been advertised and notified. No objections to the proposed names have been received during the prescribed 14-day period.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

RIVERLIGHTS MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL SATURDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2014

Council wishes to advise that it has received an application to temporarily close the following street and road-related area in Maitland for the duration ofthe Riverlights Multicultural Festival:

• From 6am to 12 midnight Saturday, 11 October 2014: - St Andrews Street between High Street and river bank; - Riverside car park; - Stillsbury Lane (between Riverside car park and High Street).

Comments relating to the running ofthe event (not related to road closures or traffic management) should be made in writing, addressed to the General Manager, Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland 2320, endorsed 'Riverlights Multicultural Event - File 150/5'. The closing date for comments relating to the special event is 4pm Wednesday, 30 July 2014.

Public comments regarding the proposed road closure should also be forwarded in writing (addressed to the General Manager at the above address), endorsed 'Riverlights Multicultural Event - File 122/944'. The closing date for comments will be 4pm on Wednesday, 13 August 2014 .

The 2014 Cessnock Customer Service Awards will be presented at a gala dinner at Cessnock Leagues Club

• PAUL MONFORTE

Cessnock residents are being asked to highlight and formally recognise instances of outstanding customer service shown in the past 12 months.

Nominations for the 2014 Cessnock Customer Service Awards close on July 31, with locals asked to identify individu­als in any of eight categories: apprentice trainee, hospitality, retail, trade, profes­sional, community services, social media and business owner.

A panel of independent judges will decide winners and runners-up in each category with the announcement made at a Gala Awards Ceremony at Cessnock Leagues Club on August 29.

Nominations can be made online at www.cessnockcustomerserviceawards. com.au or on hard copy forms available

from most businesses in the Cessnock area. All persons submitting a nomina­tion will be entered into a draw to win a $100 Cessnock Dollars voucher.

Town Coordinator for Sustainable Cessnock, Ian Mackey said the voucher could be used at any Cessnock business. "We want to ensure that the money from the voucher stays in Cessnock to support local businesses:' Mr Mackey said.

Tickets for the awards ceremony dinner are $60 and can be purchased at www. cessnockleaguesclub.com.au

Meanwhile, work has commenced on the upgrade of the Broke Road / McDon­aIds Road intersection at Pokolbin.

The work involves the construction of dual roundabouts and reconstruction of road approaches and is expected to be completed by June 2015. Traffic manage­ment plans have been put in place to minimise disruptions.

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I encourage you all to take the

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BOB PYNSENT Cessnock City Council Mayor

all council matters: cessnock.nsw.gov.au

Our Performing Arts Centre is seeing so many shows

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MAITLAND MATTERS

Premier Baird Joins the ranks in Ministers Park

It was wonderful to have NSW Premier, Mike Baird visit Maitland last week and I was thrilled that he accepted my invitation to plant a tree at Ministers Park.

Premier Baird follows in the footsteps of his father, Bruce Baird, who planted two trees in the park in 1989 and 1992, during his time as Minister for Transport.

Seeing his father's name amongst the illustrious list of former and current state and federal ministers who have left their mark on Maitland by planting a tree in Ministers Park was a special moment for the Premier.

This year alone we have been lucky enough to have Member for Maitland, Robyn Parker, Member for Upper Hunter, George Souris and Member for Ballina, Don Page take time to plant a tree in this beautiful park.

I hope to welcome more current and former ministers to take part in a tree planting ceremony in the near future.

If you haven't already I encourage you all to take the time to visit Ministers Park, which is located on the corner of the New England Highway and High Street Maitland, alongside the Maitland Visitor Information Centre.

I also want to take this opportunity to invite you to take part in Maitland City Council's 'Let's talk less waste' engagement program.

Council is seeking community input into the development of a 20-year waste management strategy which will allow Coun­cil to better plan and dedicate resources and identify priorities for accessing grant funding.

Managing Maitland's waste into the future is a big challenge and Council has spent considerable time investigating options for future waste management, in line with regional, national and global trends.

To find out more information about the 'Let's talk less waste' program or to participate in the online survey and discussion forums, visit maitlandyoursay.com.au.

CESSNOCK MATTERS

Exciting events aplenty in Cessnock

o The Art Gallery is hosting the Dheo-ka exhibition of contemporary aboriginal art. It runs to August 3 and gauging from the enthusiasm at the opening its worth viewing. It was great to welcome Father Chris Riley to Cessnock as part

of 'Youth of the Street.' The youth program gained $280,000 in funds from the Greater Charitable Foundation which will assist young people in our area. o Our Performing Arts Centre is seeing so many shows

coming and going through its doors, especially during the school holidays. Peppa Pig has been one of the most popular, with three sold out shows.

I had a blast watching the Incredible Book Eating Boy. Those stage props were excellent, and the kids loved every moment ofit! o Our annual School Leaders Day is coming up on

Wednesday, August 6, and we have invited our schools, their principals, leadership teams and their relatives to join us for a breakfast at the CPAC, which will be followed by a talk from guest speaker, Sam Cawthorn.

Sam is an inspirational youngman. He's a state winner for the Young Australian of the Year and has recovered from a major car accident, defying all of the odds. I believe our students will enjoy listening to Sam and also having the chance to speak with him and gain some great life tips on how to conquer goals. o Many of you will be happy to hear that the Spring Awaken­

ing Festival is back! The Spring Awakening Festival will be held in the grounds ofCessnock TAFE on Friday, September 12. The event starts at 6.30pm when flaming sculptures, fiery street performances, and artistic light shows will set the Cessnock Local Government Area aglow.

The event will follow the highly successful format from 2012 with opportunities to get involved in pre-event workshops and expanded opportunities to engage with Council departments and services at the event.

Watch out for free lantern making workshops at the end of August!

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Your local printing experts

WH'3LESALE APPLIANCE SUPPLIES

HEALTH

Understanding the risk of type 2 diabetes • MELISSAH COMBER _ @melcomber

Over two million Australians are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a Newspoll survey has found.

The survey showed that nearly 80 per cent of Australians did not believe they were at risk of developing type 2 diabe­tes, despite evidence to the contrary.

"What many don't realise is that type 2 diabetes doesn't just affect older people or those who are overweight or obese," Diabetes Australia CEO, Professor Greg Johnson said.

"Type 2 diabetes can affect anyone." One person who knows this all too well

is Lorn's Anne Robinson, who was diag­nosed in 2006, and believes her condition is hereditary.

"My mum was diabetic, and my sister is pre-diabetic," Ms Robinson said.

"There may be others in the family as well."

Ms Robinson said that her diabetes is controlled by medication, diet and exer­cise and that staying active probably held it off.

"I've always enjoyed walking," she said. "I think staying active like that prob­

ably held off the diagnosis for a while." Ms Robinson said the hardest part of

Type 2 diabetic, Anne Robinson

managing her diabetes was the lack of education for non-diabetics.

"I have to be very aware of what I'm eating," she said.

"I do get pressured into eating some things sometimes.

"There's not enough support and understanding from non-diabetics."

Type 2 diabetes is the focus of this year's National Diabetes Week, which runs until July 19.

To check your risk of developing type 2 diabetes visit www.checkmyrisk.org.au.

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fl) State Budget: Maitland won't be short-changed on funding

• MELISSAH COMBER _ @melcomber

Chair of the Hunter Infiastructure and Investment Fund, Peter Blackmore has assured locals that the fund is not Newcastle-centric.

The fund received a $100 million top-up during June's State budget, boosted by proceeds of the lease of the Port of Newcastle.

''Unfortunately, there could be a concep­tion that Newcastle seems to get this money, but other people need money, that's what it's all about," Mr Blac1anore said.

"We want to make sure it's an even distribution - the whole of the Hunter, not just a focus on Newcastle."

The Maitland Mayor sat down with

Premier Mike Baird last week to discuss the fund, saying that Mr Baird was supportive of the board spending the money how they see fit.

"There's no pressure, which is good," he said. "If someone is handing out the money they are sometimes, 'how about looking after certain areas,' but, no, there's no pressure at all.

''He just offered any assistance that Infra­structure NSW could give as far as when we start looking at projects."

Mr Blac1anore said there would no rush to spend the cash.

While in Maitland, Mr Baird also planted a Crepe Myrtle tree in Ministers Park, follow­ingin the footsteps ofhis father, Bruce, who planted two trees in the parkwhile Minister for Transport.

G Maitland's Mattress Muster Maitland City Council will hold its next Mattress Muster on Saturday 26 July. The drop off will be held at council's Works Depot, Metford Road, East Mait­land from 8am to 12 noon.

Each household in the Maitland local government area has the opportunity to recycle up to four items as a part of the Muster.

Cot mattresses, innerspring mattresses and ensemble bases will be accepted however a mattress with an ensemble base will be counted as two items.

"By participating in this Muster you

will ensure that components of your old mattresses are recycled instead of being disposed of to landfill," Council's Manager of Development and Environ­ment, David Simm said.

"You will also ensure that valuable space is not taken up in landfill by recyclable materials".

Participants will be required to provide proof of residence in the Maitland local government area in order to drop off items on the day. Maitland residents, to date, have recycled 10,745 mattresses in previous collections.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

DAVID STEIN Owner & Manager of Fitec

Ask yourself how you feel

A recent 'Science Daily' report showed that regular exercise can reduce the risk and symptoms of more than 20 physical and mental health conditions just for starters, and can also slow down how quickly your body ages.

A review of research, which summarised the findings of 40 papers published between 2006 and 2010, found that exercise improves conditions including cancer, heart disease, dementia, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity and high blood pressure.

Exercise is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful ways to improve your health.

Exercise slows down the rate of aging itself, providing perhaps the closest example of a real life fountain of youth as we will ever find.

Don't be the clown who says 'why bother, you have to die from something' ... normally as they are shoving a hot dog or cigarette in their mouth. Yes they will definitely die, and sooner rather than later.

But in the meantime, for those of us that want a good quality of life and enjoy being active and healthy, know that exercise is a huge source of major health benefits.

Many are proven but there are a whole lot more we don't even know about.

The best thing I can recommend is for you to do the research yourself, and then go out and do a half hour of some kind of activity you enjoy that's at a fairly intense level for you.

After you have finished ask yourself, how do you feel?

Dr TONY ISAAC MBBS RACGP Kotara Family Practice

Take action on diabetes

This week is National Diabetes Week, an excellent opportunity for us all to reflect on this disease and identify ways we can avoid it.

Having diabetes means that someone has too much glucose in their blood. Normally our pancreas produces a substance called insulin, which helps to regulate the amount of glucose. However, in diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the insu­lin does not work properly, leaving the glucose to build up in the blood, causing problems. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, affecting about 85-90% of all people with diabetes. It is also the most easily preventable form of the

disease. It is often called a "lifestyle disease" because it is usually triggered by lifestyle factors such as obesity (especially central obesity around the waist), inactivity, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. It mostly affects middle-aged (and older) adults, but

there is an alarming trend towards young people and even children being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Unfortunately, diabetes does not have a cure and ifleft untreated, or treated poorly, it can result in some very serious medical complications such as kidney disease, eye damage, heart disease, sexual dysfunction, and nerve and blood vessel damage to the feet causing ulcers and infections. There are some excellent treat­ment options available for managing the symptoms of diabetes and delaying the progress of the disease .

JOE MONAS Store Manager Rezzie Betta Home Living

Self-cleaning ovens

•

My name is Joe Monas and I am a store manager at Rezzie Betta Home Living store at Rutherford. This column will give you information on the latest products in the appliance and electronics industry.

Cooking shows have inspired people to get back into their kitchen. We have an increasing amount of people upgrading their kitchen appliances. Most are a little confused with the choices and the big words thrown at them by sales people - catalytic, pyrolytic, oleophobic cleaning etc. I am talking about different self-cleaning options ovens are equipped with. Today's ovens do not just differ by fuel types, but rather by how many recipes are built in and the self-cleaning options they possess.

Catalytic cleaning - Catalytic liners absorb grease and dirt, then burn it off at around 200°C. When run at around 200°C or higher, residue and grease is oxidised, leaving you to only have to wipe the bottom of the oven.

Pyrolytic cleaning - The oven heats to a temperature approaching 500°C and carbonises grease and food residue to a fine ash which can be easily wiped out with a damp cloth. At such a high temperature, the door automatically locks for safety while most good brands' doors remains safe to touch.

Oleophobic cleaning - or rather oleophobic (oil and dirt repellent) enamel was introduced by Kleenmaid. The Oleophobic EzyKleen enamel releases the soiling ready for collection with a damp cloth after only 30 minutes at a low 270 degrees Celsius.

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For further information visit heritageparc.com.au or contact:

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Sam Budden 0423 333 976 Mick Haggarty 0408021 921 Robinson Property 02 4902 7222 First National Maitland 0249335544

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TRADES & SERVICES

GUTTERING

ABC SEAMLESS GUTTER DISCOUNTERS

All Types of Gutters Installed Factory Direct • Comprehensive Warranties * Metal Roofing * leafguard Products

<oJ * Rainwater * Tanks Roof Restoration ~ Reliable Service & Competitive Prices co

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ACE GUTTERS .. ~

Manufacturers & Suppliers Quality Rainwater Products

• Nu-Line • Half Round • Mini-Line • Roundline • Square-Line • Steel Fascia • Quad • Fascia Cover

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

NOVA PEST MANAGEMENT $165 - 3/4brm average size house

• Flea Treatment End of lease $145

Ph: 0412 075 158

ROOFING

• Leak Detection ~ Hu::,"~:':- • Roof Repairs ~' .,.,

• Roof Painting • Roof Cleaning

• Guttering • Metal Roofing

• Leaf Screening (for your gutters)

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NOVA PEST MANAGEMENT $165 - 3/4brm average size house • Flea Treatment End of lease $145

Ph: 0412 075158

PLASTERING

.- Gypco Inte,io" ~ ~ A brilliant plasterboard service by Gypco. ~ ! Specialising in small, large and insurance jobs •

~ Paul Gauci 0411961 519

RUBBISH REMOVAL

SO & L RUBBISH REMOVAL ALL RUBBISH

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FINANCIAL PLANNING

Specialising in: • All types of Residential and

For a free, no obligation assessment of your existing or proposed lending requirements please contact your local specialist lender Commercial lending

• Business lending Barry Sims • Refinancing existing loans Dip Fin Services

• Credit impaired lending • Lo Doc Loans

Phone: 0409 896 541 97 Lawes Street, East Maitland NSW 2323

• Motor Vehicle & Equipment Finance www.jblending.com.au

For a limited time 7cmx24cmad for only $111 (min 6 weeks) Total cost $666! Limited spots available

CLASSIFIEDS CARRIERS&' REMOVALS"---__

AT www.hgwsremovals.net Ph: 4929 6763. Newcastle. 5 ton truck. POlite, fit & experienced. Satisfaction guaranteed

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

COMPUTERS &. ACCESSORIES

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

EDUCATION &. TRAINING

ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT RESUMES 25yrs experience. Resumes, Letters and all Application Criteria. Marilynne: 0438 154 882 mpV@mpvas.com

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FIREWOOD BEST IN THE HUNTER

2m Local = $260 2m Premium = $290 2m Vintage = $320 2m Iron bark = $350

All pricing includes delivery 6 days del service Yard service 6 days Smaller quantities avail

in yard service 17 Kyle 8t Rutherford 4932 6850

www.woodgalore.com.au

Advertise Here Phone Gary 403Z 8151 today!

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What is this medicine for? Have you asked yourself that question? If so talk to our pharmacists today about a medicines review. It's FREE and full of great information.

Terry White Chemists, Hamilton Tel: 49611269 4

Joan van Rotterdam Chiropractor Massage &

Acupuncture

20 Bayview Ave Blackalls Park

Phone 4950 5003 For Appointments available

Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons and evenings

PEST CONTROL

CALL JOHN AT ACQUIRE PEST CONTROL 0408 496 084 All types of pest control including Termite work.

POSITIONS WANTED

HANDYMAN Painter, interior, exterior. Wallpaper removal. Need work. Prompt Service. Ph: Mick - 0408 298 994.

LAWN MOWING Clean up garages. Pensioner Discounts. Ph 4971 6172 or 0412 663 339.

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MOBILE WELDING & REPAIRS No job too small! Ph: 4975 1892

Seasoned Bush Timber $95.00 per cubic metre

FREE delivery Newcastle and East Lake Macquarie

PH: 4953 0311

Timothy's Lawns Local friendly service ph 49615505

GUTTER CLEANING Leaf and bird proofing

Small repairs, Free Quotes Phone Terry 4954 0309

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MARKETS

6 JULY - Christmas in July

3 AUGUST - Horse's Birthday

7 SEPTEMBER _ Father's Day Carnival

5 OCTOBER - Harvest Celebration

19 OCTOBER - Spring Fair 2 NOVEMBER - Spring Racing Carnival

16 NOVEMBER - Yule tide

7 DECEMBER - Santas Visit 21 DECEMBER - Free Children'S Day

phone 496a ssaa maitlandmarkets. com. au No dogs allowed on the grounds

POSITIONS VACANT

~sout e n cross

Disability Care Workers x 10- New Lambton

NSW Southern Cross is seeking Support Workers to provide care to a 16 year old male who has a Spinal Cord Injury and an Acquired Brain Injury and living in the family home. Duties include but not limited to: Full assistance with personal care & daily living, domestics, peg feeds & therapy exercises including hydrotherapy

Various Shifts Available:

e Monday to Sunday: 7am to midday, 7am to 3pm, 3pm to 6.30pm, 3pm to 11 pm & 11 pm to 7am (active overnights)

eHoliday and sick relief

Essential Requirements: 6 months full time experience providing care, NSW drivers licence & willingness to drive a modified van.

Full training and support provided with skills sign off.

To apply please go to www.scch.com.au and follow the application process

Part-Time \York School Crossing Supervisors - Work with your community Permanent Part-Time position - New Lambton Public School New Lambton (000031 DB)

An important person in a child's school life is the School Crossing Supervisor, who ensures they cross the road safely. The role requires minimal hours out of your day and gives something worthwhile back to the community.

The hours are usually 8.00am to 9.30am and/or 2.30pm to 4.00pm Monday to Friday during school terms. The base rate is $20.24 -$24.47 per hour.

All the qualifications you need are community spirit, good communication skills, an alert and professional attitude to work and a reliable personality. The casual hours and school holidays would suit a parent or grandparent, a retiree or anyone wanting meaningful work - but not full-time.

T raining for your key responsibilities of directing traffic to stop at the designated crossing and giving clear instructions to infants and primary school students to cross the road safely, will be provided. You may be required to attend a health assessment. Appointment is subject to a Working with Children check clearance. Roads and Maritime Services is an equal opportunity employer.

For further information on this exciting opportunity please contact your School Crossing Supervisor Coordinator Melissa Brady on (02) 4924 0612 or go to www.rms.nsw.gov.au/careers

Applications close 20 July 2014

. .. . .'1*1-•• 1 Transport For further mformatlon VISit <ilL, Roads & Maritime I NSW s . www.rms.nsw.gov.au careers GOVERNMENT ervlces

ecare Community Support Workers - Newcastle

Australian Home Care (Multiple Sclerosis Ltd) is one of the largest private providers of in-home care, delivering a range of services for people living in the community with a disability, or for those who are frail aged. AHC provides a range of personal care,

welfare checks and domestic services.

The Role: Our clients living in the Newcastle area require reliable and flexible community support workers to assist with personal and homecare needs. A variety of care shifts are

available. Duties include; manual handling, community access, personal hygiene and respite.

Shifts: Available Monday - Sunday various mornings, evenings and active sleepovers. Shift times and duration vary.

Requirements: Current National Police Check, First Aid and CPR certificate, a Certificate in Disability or Aged Care along with a current driver's licence and a reliable vehicle.

AHC: Values their employees and offer penalty rates, ongoing training in a supportive team environment, salary packaging and an employee assistance program.

To Apply: Please email yourresumeandcoverletterto: jobs@ahcs.org.au

Further enquiries please call Recruitment on: (03) 98359124

AHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer www.ahcs.org.au

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BOAT LICENCE 4 1/2 hr course -

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SPORT

Newcastle reigns

University of Newcastle's Jake Sylvester In action

• PAUL MONFORTE

The home city advantage for the University of Newcastle has helped contribute to the local educational institution

dominate the gold medal tally at the 2014 Eastern University Games last week.

University of Newcastle's Jake Sylvester (men's shortboard) and Celia Waterfield (women's bodyboard) were successful in the Australian University Championship for Surfing which was held concurrently with the Games.

Other local winners were the women's football, open golf, men's and women's hockey, open lawn bowls, mixed Oztag,

open squash, open tenpin, women's touch and mixed ultimate frisbee teams.

The women's football team defeated the Australian National University 2-0 in the final. The men's hockey team triumphed 2-1 over the University of NSW with the women's team proved too good for Macquarie University 5-1. The open lawn bowls team overcame the University ofNSW in the final.

Eastern University Games project coordinator, Rob Sheekey declared the tournament a success. "It's great to see a competitive edge partnered with sports­manship across the teams. We hope to see similar behaviour at the upcoming Australian University Games held in Sydney later this year," Mr Sheekey said.

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the hunter post" www.ihehunterpost.com.au

Bennett leaves on his terms Knights coach cuts contract short after being "embarrassed" by results in 2014

• PAUL MONFORTE

The Knights' search for a new coach is on in earnest after Wayne Bennett announced he will cut short his four­year contract with the club and depart

at the end of the 2014 season. Bennett said he had been "embarrassed" by

results this season, his third in charge of the Knights. "If 1 was in my first year here, or my second

year, it might have been different;' Bennett said. "But it's my third year now and I'm most disappointed in what we've done.

"I think it's time to give someone else an opportunity to come in and show what they cando.

Current NSW Cup coach, Rick Stone is sure to figure prominently in discussions for another chance at the top job after taking over from Brian Smith late in 2009 and continuing on through the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Others in the mix include NSW State of Origin mentor, Laurie Daley, former Canberra and North Queensland coach, Neil Hemy, current Knights halves coach, Kevin Walters and Garth Brennan, currently in charge of Penrith's NSW Knights coach Wayne Bennett announces his decision to leave the club at the end of this season

ANY STYLE ANY LOCATION ANY CONDITION

Cup but who has coached extensively in the Newcastle lower grades.

Bennett spoke openly to the media last week when announcing his decision and said he accepted full responsibility for the disappoint­ing results this season despite several major distractions, such as the jailing of Russell Packer and the injury to Alex McKinnon being essentially out of his control.

"I didn't expect us to be leading the competi­tion with everything that has gone on, but 1 didn't expect us to be where we are;' he said.

"I believe it will take a number of years to reach an acceptable position and that is what 1 am unable to commit to. A longer term coach is crucial for future success?'

Knights CEO, Matt Gidley said the club would not rush into appointing a new coach and would follow a systematic process to fmd the best person for the job.

"It's a relief that the speculation is now over;' Gidley said. "It seems like there has been speculation around Wayne's role from the moment he arrived?'

Speculation has also intensified over the future of Knights fullback, Darius Boyd whose contract contains a get-out clause allowing him to leave the club if Bennett is not coach.

PHONE CARL 0411 702 817 1