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Hunter hit hard Fitzgibbon blasts tough federal budget's impact on local families

• AMELIA PARROTT W @amelia_parrott

In his maiden budget speech, Treasurer Joe Hockey called an end to what he called "the age of entitlement," asking every Australia to make a shared contribution to decreasing the

country's nearly $50 billion deficit. But the tough changes laid out in the 2014-15

Federal budget will leave many Hunter residents giving more than they are getting, with amend­ments to the Family Tax Benefits A and B, increas­ing fuel prices and a levy on visits to the doctor and prescriptions to hit families particularly hard.

Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon said fami­lies in his electorate would be hardest hit by the Liberal Party's broken promises.

"This Federal budget represents a number of clear broken promises by Tony Abbott to the people of the Hunter," he said.

"Families in the Hunter who are already strug­gling to make ends meet cannot afford to pay to take their sick child or elderly parent to the doctor.

"Tony Abbott has broken his promise that there will be no new taxes, with a $7 GP tax - a tax that will cost Hunter families $5,682,173 in out of pocket costs to visit the doctor next year alone."

The introduction of the $7 Medicare co-contri­bution, capped at 10 payments a year for children under 16 and concession card holders, will go towards funding one of the budget's good news stories, a new $20 billion medical research fund.

Story continues on )) p. 5 Treasurer Joe Hockey has come under fire for the Government's tough budget changes

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the hunter post EDITOR'S DESK paul.monforte@newcastlepost.com.au 19 Pearson St. Charlestown NSW 2290 PO Box 2321 Dangar. NSW 2309 P (02) 4961 0310

o www.thehunterpost.com.au ~ www.facebook.com/thepost

Editorial: edltorlal@newcastlepost.com.au

Federal budget anger is sure to linger for quite a while yet

Advertising: enqulrles@newcastlepost.com.au

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Editor: Paul Monforte' Journalists: Stephen Bisset (TE). Amelia Parrott. Melissah Comber Production: Alex Blackham· Dan Phelan Sales Manager: Steve Watt· Sales: Glenda Peate • Gary Scott (Trades). Dan Hawkins (Tn Bruce Sherwood (Hunter). Lynne Hardy. Alison Hislop (Hunter). Patrick Fisher Administration: Lauren Pollard Accounts: Susan Ward

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How many of you would put your hand up to swap jobs with Tony Abbott, Joe Hockey or Federal Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann at the moment?

Maybe they would be better off saying noth­ing and let the budget heat die off naturally. Of course, governments wouldn't do that as it would give the opposition too many free shots at them.

Mr Hockey's comments last week to ABC reporter Chris Uhlmann when trying to play down the impact of the new $7 co-payment to see a doctor will probably just make people angrier: "One of the things that quite astounds me is some people are screaming about a $7 co-payment. You can spend just over $3 on a middy of beer, so that's two middies of beer to go to the doctor."

Yes, $7 doesn't sound like a lot of money on it's own, but surely Mr Hockey can understand that starting to charge for something that has been free for so long is always going to draw a lot of criticism.

I agree with Bill Shorten's opinion that Tony Abbott won't call a double dissolution election if the budget measures are not passed by the Senate.

I'm certain the government knows the budget has not been popular with the vast majority of Australians and that an election right now would be political suicide.

Mr Abbott said he expected the opposition to pass all aspects of the budget. He may end up

PAUL MONFORTE Editor

An election right now would be political suicide

"

getting some or most of them through, but there is certainly going to be some fun and games in parliament for the media to sink their teeth into.

As I wrote in a previous column, the first budget in government is politically the best one to get all of the bad stuff out of the way. This government certainly has done that.

Let's hope that we've seen the worst of it and the next couple of budgets can start putting some money back in our pockets.

o Now to budgets on a smaller scale. The Australian Bureau of Statistics have

released data showing that national household debt is $1.84 trillion, which equates to $79,000 for every person in the country.

This is higher than at any time in the past 25 years. Predictably, the large majority of that debt was found to be borrowing for housing.

The start of the Global Financial Crisis in 2007 has seen the rate of increase in household debt slow to an average of 2% between mid-2007 and the end of 2013. Prior to that, the rate ofincrease had been at 10% for the previous six years.

The data also showed that since the late '80S, household debt has been increasing at almost double the rate ofthe value of household assets.

However, the report points to relatively low interest rates as an important factor in Austral­ians being able to keep their debts from getting completely out of control.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Is the money still coming? Councillor Meskauskas seeking answers over lack of progress on CCTV for Maitland

• MELISSAH COMBER

A Maitland City Councillor wants a definitive answer on funding for CCTV in some of Maitland's shopping centres.

Councillor Henry Meskauskas has called for a meeting between Council, State Member for Maitland Robyn Parker, Federal Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin and Federal Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon to discuss proposed funding for CCTV in Rutherford Shopping Centre and the Herit­age Mall, which is still to eventuate.

Shortly before the 2013 Federal election $86,660 was promised from the former Labor Government to install cameras in the Rutherford Commercial Precinct, and almost $100,000 was allocated from the 2013/14 Budget to install a wireless CCTV system in the mall.

The funding was placed under review by the Abbott Government in November, with no clear word on whether the cash would be coming.

Cr Meskauskas said the Council needs to know for certain, so it can be planned into the mall redevelopment.

"Not having cameras to watch over our investment is ludicrous," Cr Meskauskas said.

Cr Henry Meskauskas wants CCTV Installed In the mall

"With this new mall due we need an answeraboutwhetherwewillgettheCCTV."

Cr Meskauskas said the cameras would stop graffiti and malicious damage, as well

as help police prosecute those caught engag­ing in the acts.

"In areas where there is CCTV the vandal­ism is very minimal," he said.

Maitland Town Hall Sunday May 25 • 10am-3pm

"If they see the camera it's a deterrent straight away."

Council's General Manager David Evans said that a meeting could be arranged.

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Concern co-payment will lead to service cuts • MELISSAH COMBER

Maitland Neighbourhood Centre Manager Naomi Rees fears that changes to the Pharmaceuti­cal Benefits Scheme and the

impending GP co-payment will impact the services they can provide.

The changes will see a $7 Medicare co-contribution, capped at ten per year for concession card holders and children under 16, incurred for every visit to the GP and out-of-hospital pathology and diagnos­tic imaging services, and general patients charged an extra $5 for medicines that are subsidised for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and concessional patients charged an extra 80 cents.

Treasurer Joe Hockey said that health care always had a cost.

"Health services have never been free to taxpayers so patients are being asked to make a modest contribution towards their cost," he said.

Ms Rees, however, disagrees, saying that money is tight enough for the close to 3000 families they have on file as it is, with the majority of them already living below the poverty line.

"In real terms, I don't know what it is going

to mean for our people," Ms Rees said . "The problem with the PBS is that our

people won't be able to pay for their prescriptions so they won't get them filled -our fear is how are we [the centre] going to manage that?"

Ms Rees said that for a lot of their families, $7 is a significant part of their income.

"I think it's quite easy to dismiss these amounts as nothing, but it's not nothing to these people - $7 sometimes has to feed a family."

Fourth year University of Newcastle medi­cal student and former executive member of the Australian Medical Students' Assoca­tion, James Lawler believes that the fee will only push the burden of health care further onto hospitals.

"I spent two years sitting in GP offices, and the idea that people overuse GP services is ridiculous," Mr Lawler said.

Mr Lawler said that he thinks it will reduce GP use, but not necessarily the cost of health care because it was just drive people into hospitals and in the end, it won't make people healthier.

"It's an economic person's solution, not a doctor's solution," he said.

"Now it won't be the doctors and patients deciding if someone is sick, it will be the market making that decision."

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University of Newcastle medical student James Lawler

MR LAWLER COUNTED HIMSELF AS lucky he was able to study medicine half an hour from his Rutherford home, but is concerned that the deregulation of

university fees, which allow the universities to set their course fees, will compromise the quality of education. MR HOCKEY SAID THE REFORMS will build a sector that is more diverse, innovative and responsive to student needs, with some additional tuition revenue to be used to fund scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. "WITH GREATER AUTONOMY, UNIVERSITIES WILL be free to compete and improve the quality of courses they offer," he said. MR LAWLER BELIEVES THAT THAT will not be the case, and jumps in fees will further impede people who have already struggled to get into tertiary education. "PEOPLE GO TO UNIVERSITIES WITH NAMES, so universities without names are just going to drop their prices to get students through," he said. "IT'S A DISADVANTAGE TO THESE students from low socio-economic, indigenous and rural backgrounds because they don't have the social capital to back them up, so a lot people could just go back to low-paying jobs so they can keep the debt there without having to pay it back." HEeS LOANS WILL STILL BE available, with no repayments necessary until the students are earning over $50,000 per year.

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Give and take for apprentices as loan program announced • MELl55AH COMBER

Last week's budget was a mixed bag for apprentices.

Both the Tools For Your Trade and the Australian Apprentice­

ships Access Program have been axed, but a Trade Support Loans program has been introduced, which gives apprentices access to loans to allow them to pay for tools and training costs, with a 20 per cent discount on their loan at the completion of their apprenticeship.

The new program will cost $439 million over four years with funds sourced from the Department of Industry and the Australian Tax Office.

Hunter Valley Training Company CEO Sharon Smith said she was concerned about the axing of the programs, with the Tools For Your Trade program providing up to $5500 for the costs of training and purchase of tools, and the access program providing pre-vocational training in skilled employment to job seekers.

"For almost 15 years, these employee incentives have played a part in address­ing financial disadvantage and helping

"We are already faced with a growing youth unemployment issue and a wide range of national skills shortages.

"We fear that the decision made in the Federal Budget may further fuel the fire."

Treasurer Joe Hockey however, said that the decision was about providing financial equality with those undertaking tertiary education.

"We give young people loans to help them complete a university course, so it is only right that those completing a trade qualification get the same fair go," he said.

"Along with supporting young people learning a trade, we want to build a coun­try that values all levels of education.

"This will deliver the best skills for the task ahead."

Third year apprentice auto-electrician Jordan Cashmore said he might apply for a loan as he will now not receive the rest of his tools payment, paid in instalments.

So far he has received $2800, but was counting on receiving another $1500.

"I've probably spent close to $3000 on tools," he said.

"It would have helped a lot because tools aren't cheap."

many young people to remain in their Apprentice auto-electrician Mr Cashmore said that he isn't sure if he

will be better or worse off under the new system. apprenticeships," Ms Smith said. Jordan Cashmore

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Story continues from )) p.1

MR HOCKEY SAID WITHIN SIX YEARS this fund would become the largest medical research endowment in the world.

"Australians are always prepared to make a reasonable contribution if they know their money is not wasted," Mr Hockey said in his budget speech.

"I can think of no more significant benefit from community contributions in health than to invest in cure and discovery research by our people for our people."

Youth will also be hit hard by the 2014-15 budget, with the deregula­tion of university fees set to increase tuition costs for students and a 20 per cent reduction in the Commonwealth contribution to course fees that will mean students pay more towards their tertiary education.

Young people seeking dole payments will now have to wait six months before receiving assistance under a new six-months-on-six-months-off dole system that will come into effect from January next year. Participation in the Work for the Dole program will be a requirement for payments.

Mr Hockey said Australians under the age of 30 "should be earning or learn­ing" rather than embarking on a "life on welfare".

The $850 Seniors Supplement has also been abolished and mechanisms introduced to slow the rate of increase to the pension.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Levee work to start in June Heritage lamps find new homes in preparation for construction

• MELISSAH COMBER

After 25 years lining the Maitland Heritage Hall, the replica herit­age lamps gifted to the city during the 1988 bicentenary

will be moved to several new homes, with work on the first component of the Levee project to commence on Monday, June 2.

The lamps, as well as the shade struc­ture near Best and Less, were put up for expressions of interest after it was decided they would not be included in the mall redevelopment.

Ten letters were received expressing an interest in the lamps. Eight were success­ful.

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland­Newcastle and two resident submissions which each pay $100 for the 20 lamps they will share, with the Maitland Reper­tory Theatre, Millers Forest Progress Association, Morpeth Museum, Maitland Rotary Clubs and Grossman House, as not-for-profit associations, will not be charged for their lamps.

Although 39 lamps were originally on offer, a redesign of the development boundaries saw an extra three lamps be earmarked for removal which will be gifted to the Maitland Rugby Club, after a

Maitland Repertory Theatre vice-president Heidi Bush with one of the lamps

PUBLIC NOTICE NAMING OF PUBLIC ROADS

mail-sorting error saw their expression of interest be lost. They will also receive the shade structure.

The Morpeth Business Association had applied for 12 to 14 lamps with the inten­tion of placing them in various public streets and parks around the town.

However, Council decided not to provide lamps to applicants who were intending to install them on public roads and parks which would result in a cost to Council for maintenance.

The lamps gifted to Morpeth Museum will be placed on Council-owned land, but this was allowed given that they will be located within a fenced area.

Work will commence in a week and a half on the first component of the project, a shared vehicle and pedestrian zone.

The contract for the work, held by Sydney-based company Landscape Solutions, is worth $6.7 million and will include stone paving in the shared zone with asphalt intersections at Elgin and Bourke Streets.

The work is expected to be completed in early 2015.

At last week's meeting, Council also approved the borrowing of $5 million for capital works related to the project, bringing the total amount borrowed to $10 million.

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

location: Off Avondale Drive, Thornton

Proposed Names: Simpson View, Nek Street, Hamilton Street, Dunstan Street, Burton Street, Lone Pine Parade

DA Number: 08-524

The developer, Defence Housing has proposed the above road names as recipients ofthe Victoria Cross who served in Gallipoli and the battlefields of Gallipoli.

A period of 14 days from 21 May 2014 is allowed during which persons may lodge with Council written submissions regarding this proposal. Any submissions made should be addressed to the General Manager and detail fully any objection to same .

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HEALTH

It's burgerlicious • AMELIA PARROTT _ @amelia_parrott

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has confirmed what some have known for years - men love a

good burger. In fact, according to a recent ABS study

into the nation's eating habits, on any given day one in four teenage males are chowing down on a burger, compared to just one in 14 for the whole population.

It also uncovered a love of soft drink, particularly among young males, with 51 per cent of teenage males (aged 14-18 years) and 44 per cent of young adult men (19-30 years) who participated in the study reported they had drank soft drink on the day before the interview - compared to less to 30 per cent for the rest of the population.

26-year-old Alex Barnett works full-time in a chain burger restaurant and admits he eats a burger five days a week.

Adam Jolley, Gerard Price and Alex Barney enjoy a burger

He wasn't surprised the burger and soft drink combo was popular among young males.

18-year-old, Adam Jolley said he normally opts for a healthy burger.

"Most people who come into the store you can up-sell them chips and a soft drink fairly easily."

"Unless I have a hangover, then it's the greasy fast food."

"The three just go together."

As well as highlighting a love of burg­ers among young males, ABS director of health statistics, Louise Gates said the

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study also found that teens and young adults were not eating enough fruits and vegetables.

"The report also recorded that rates of consumption of fruit and vegetables for teenagers and young adults were relatively low," she explained.

"Across these age groups, around 40 per cent of males and 50 per cent of females consumed fruit compared with 60 per cent for the whole population."

She said potatoes, including chips, made up almost half of teen and young adult vegetable consumption.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Developer raises issue of contribution inequity

The Steam Street housing development under construction in Central Maitland

• MELISSAH COMBER

The equity of developer contribu­tions to local infrastructure was called into question at last week's Council meeting, after

a developer asked for a reduction in payable fees.

Currently, Council is waiving the Roads and Traffic Component of Section 94 contributions of the Maitland Citywide Contributions Plan 2006, for the devel­oper of an affordable housing project in Central Maitland's Steam Street to satisfy a funding agreement with the Federal Government.

The funding, awarded under the Building Better Regional Cities Program, saw the city receive $11.3 million for the upgrade of Athol D'Ombrain Drive to stimulate housing development in Central Maitland, and also requires 260 dwellings delivered by the end of June 2016, split evenly between Council and private land.

The Steam Street development, which is nearing completion, will see 36 units constructed on private land near the Athol D'Ombrain Drive precinct. Council has already waived the $121,000 Roads and Traffic contribution on the proviso that the savings are passed on to purchas­ers of the units. Councillors engaged in debate about the equity of reductions following a request from David Hughes of Williams River Development that they be required to pay less as they were not

receiving the rebate that is available to those who build affordable housing on Council land. "What we're looking for is some equity here," Mr Williams said.

"These projects are difficult at the best times -whatI'm seeing here is the Federal Government on board, the State Govern­ment on board, but the local government does not seem to be supporting it."

Councillor Bob Geoghegan said that he could foresee problems with the appeal of building on private land if the same rebates weren't available and moved an amendment that would keep the door open on possible future reductions.

"I can't see how we're going to encour­age people to buy private land and compete against Council land,' he said.

Councillor Ken Wethered agreed and supported Cr Geoghegan's amendment.

"I believe the amendment is trying to bring it to a level playing field ... other­wise it's totally unfair," he said.

The amendment was not carried though, with Councillor Peter Garnham saying that Section 94 contributions were required for a reason.

"If we give this money away there won't be any playing fields, because that's what this money is for,' he said.

"If [the development] didn't have legs to start with it wouldn't have been built."

The original motion was carried, which specifies savings from the Roads and Traffic component of the contributions plan be the only reductions given.

Section 94 contributions are required from developers to fund public ameni­ties and services.

G Don't forget showerhead exchange offers Maitland. residents have ten more days to exchange their showerheads for free, with the Showerhead Exchange Program running until the end of the month.

The program, operated by Maitland City Council in conjunction with Hunter Water, aims to provide residents with the opportunity to save water.

"The Showerhead Exchange Program aims to encourage residents to replace their old, inefficient showerheads with models that use less water," Council's Manager Development and Environ­ment, David Simm, said.

"By making the exchange they may

also save money on their water bills." To participate in the program, residents

need to bring their old showerhead to one of city's libraries or the Hunter Water customer service desk, located in the Council Administration building in High Street, Maitland. Residents will then be able to swap their showerhead with a free Flexispray Bermuda II showerhead, valued at $69, or pay $50 to upgrade to Methven Satin jet, valued at $199.

For more information and to download the application form that must be lodged at the time of exchange, visit www.hunt­erwater.com.au/showerheads.

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Police snapsbot :-:-: Kurri Kurri carjacking A man has been arrested after allegedly carjacking a taxi in the Hunter region. About S.40am on Saturday, a 41-year-old man was driving to collect a male passenger from Wormald Street, Kurri Kurri, who wanted to be taken to Newcastle. The passenger asked to be driven to a cara­van park in Maitland to collect money for the fare. When they reached the caravan park, both men exited the vehicle and entered a cabin. It's alleged at this point, the passenger produced a knife, kicked the taxi driver in the head and took his wallet. The passenger then allegedly forced the taxi driver into the passenger seat; cut the wires to the taxi meter, radio and CCTV system; and started speeding north on the Pacific Highway. About 7.30am, officers from Taree Highway Patrol detected a taxi driving at an alleged speed of 18Skm/h on the Pacific Highway and and commenced a pursuit. Other police de­ployed road spikes, and the taxi was stopped on the Pacific Highway at Johns River. The 28-year-old driver was arrested and taken to Taree Police Station, where a breath-analysis test returned an alleged reading of 0.106. He appeared in Port Macquarie court on Sunday charged with offences including car jacking and assault. The taxi's owner was taken to Manning Base Hospital for treatment of swelling, abrasions and bleeding to his face, and a broken nose.

Fatal crash· Aberdare Police are investigating the death of a

woman following a crash in Aberdare last Wednesday morning .

Leila Billett, 79, was reversing from the driveway of a club on Aberdare Road, when the vehicle suddenly accelerated and drove onto a bowling green. In the process, Mrs Billett was thrown from the vehicle and run over by it. She suffered major injuries and died a short time later. Mrs Billett's sister, Nancy Langworthy was sitting in the passenger seat at the time and was also thrown from the car. She was not seriously hurt.

Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command are investigating the crash and will prepare and a report for the Coroner.

Tenambit drug arrest A 23-year-old Tenambit man has been

charged after police found him allegedly in possession of a small amount of cannabis after originally stopping him for riding a push bike without a helmet. The helmetless rider will now be attending court.

Drug arrest in Rutherford As part of ongoing investigations, police

came across a 26-year-old male acting suspiciously in Brook St, Rutherford. The man was subsequently searched and a quantity of cannabis was located. The man will be attending Maitland Court.

Possession of stolen truck A 43-year-old East Maitland man has been

charged with having possession of a stolen truck. The truck was stolen from Morpeth in late March. It is alleged the man also drove the vehicle whilst being a disqualified driver as well as five other traffic related offences. He will be attending Maitland Court.

CR PETER BLACKMORE Maitland City Council Mayor

all council matters: maitland.nsw.gov.au

These people do not volunteer for recognition;

they do it out of generosity and a love forourdty

MAITLAND MATTERS

What would we do without volunteers?

I often wonder where we would be without all our wonder­ful volunteers.

Here in Maitland we are never short of people willing to put their hand up and help out. It was heartening to see so many people share their appre­

ciation for all the wonderful work our volunteers' do, during National Volunteer week, which was held during 12-18 May.

These people do not volunteer for recognition; they do it out of generosity and love for our city_

Their efforts no matter how big or small truly make a differ­ence and it is important that we continue to celebrate the contribution they make to our community.

Another proud moment for me as Mayor of Maitland was attending the official opening of the Rural Fire Service's new brigade stations at Thornton and Lochinvar last weekend.

This $830,000 project was jointly funded by the Rural Fire Station and Maitland City CounciL The wonderful people of the Rural Fire Service do a fantastic job protecting our fami­lies, neighbours, friends, community and way oflife and I am thrilled that they now have these brand new facilities to work out of. Fittingly, the RFS Lochinvar celebrated their 50 year milestone during last weekend's opening. Congratulations to Jeffrey Jackson, Shirley Hooper, Trevor Kedwell, Adam Flannery, Brendan Gazzard, Peter Drain, Keith White and Deborah White, who were all presented with Long Service Medals.

Before I leave you for another week I wanted to mention that Morpeth Courthouse was highly commended at the 2014 National Trust of Australia (NSW) Heritage Awards, in the category Adaptive Re-use (Government and Corporate).

Originally built in 1862, this space was first officially used for the administration of justice. For many years the Morpeth Courthouse has been operating as a museum and has recently undergone significant renovations to restore it to its original condition.

TM

Jill WISEBERRY - HERITAGE

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david@ fitec.com.au

Humans can live off

any type of diet fora length of time but that doesn't

make it a good diet

HEALTH

What's the right "healthy diet"?

I often receive questions on diet, but I wanted to include the following one from Kylie M this week, as it covered a few ofthe main areas.

Hi Dave you have the best column in the world and you're obviously the best trainer ever! Okay, I made that part up, here is the real question.

We are curious as to your definition of a 'healthy diet' as ours differ, vegan versus meat eater.

I'm the meat eater and find that I can sustain my ideal weight eating lots of meat, I'm 59kg and 166cm tall but with unwanted stomach fat, and I walk 10,000 steps per day. I have a vegan boyfriend who has the metabolism of a Bengal tiger and has lost tkg and now weighs 65kg. He runs and does weights at the gym. Who's right?

I'm assuming that the weight you're at is a healthy one for your frame.

With any diet it really relates to the individual. A human body is capable of making do with almost any diet for a length of time, but that doesn't mean it's a good diet. Always take your own results as the main guide. If someone on a vegan diet lost 7kg and is ravenously

hungry all the time, I would wonder if they are getting enough nutrition.

For instance, getting complete protein and vitamin B12 are always a challenge to vegans. He's doing weights at the gym but is he gaining muscle mass?

Do his energy levels or say, his run times, improve from workout to workout?

With a high meat diet sometimes carbohydrates are forgotten. Getting enough fibre and micro nutrients from good fruits and vegetables may become an issue.

How is digestion and elimination? I recently attended the ACNEM Conference in Queensland, and even the top professors in medicine all agreed how important a good diet was for reducing or preventing pretty much all forms of sickness.

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Phone: 4948 5100 I

DR TONY ISAAC MBBS RACGP Kotara Family Practice

admin@ kotarafamily practice.com.au www.kotarafamily­practice.com.au 49560888

• ~+~ kotarafamilypractice

They are an

invaluable part of every patient's

health care team

MEDICAL

Highlighting our hardworking nurses

Last week the world celebrated International Nurses Day. We know the amazing job nurses perform in the hospital

system despite often working with limited resources. Fortunately General Practice is also lucky enough to have

many highly skilled nurses working alongside doctors to provide fantastic care and health education to their patients and community. More than 60% of General Practice teams include at least one nurse - that accounts for more than 10,500 nurses working in General Practice in Australia. Nurses in General Practice playa very important role, caring for patients right across the age spectrum, from newborn babies to the very elderly. A General Practice nurse is often involved in lifestyle education and health promotion, men's health and women's health, mental health, pregnancy planning and antenatal care, baby and child health checks and immunisations, wound care, aged care and supporting patients with chronic disease (such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and asthma).

Nurses in General Practice also perform crucial tasks such as heart tests (ECGs), lung function tests (spirometry) and assisting GPs with surgical procedures. Nurses also have the wonderful opportunity to promote disease prevention, help­ing GPs keep our communities healthy. They have the skill to educate patients about disease and help patients work towards their goals and targets for improving their health.

Seniors benefit too from the time nurses can spend advising, supporting, and caring for elderly patients, helping to keep them independent and healthy for as long as possible.

Nurses are great listeners and excellent do-ers and they work tirelessly to improve health outcomes. Many nurses are highly trained individuals with a passion for learning more and improving patient care. In my experience, General Practice nurses are highly respected by their patients and the GPs they work with. We could certainly not do without ours! They are an invaluable part of every patient's health care team. So, thanks to all the nurses out there for the effort and care you give your team, your patients and your community.

cstudios Art Gallery

INVITATION TO ARTISTS Expressions of interest welcomed from emerging

and midcareer artists to exhibit. Newly opened gallery, 738 Hunter St, Newcastle has small and

large walVfloor space available for bookings in 2014 -15.

This is a light filled venue which would compliment all art forms

For information go to www.cstudiosartgallery.com.au

for the 'exhibitor enquiry' form

Open: 12-4pm Tuesday to Sunday P: 40238927 E: info@cstudiosartgallery.com.au

Director: 0407107053 WW9404

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Corlette $490,000 COMFORTABLE AND AFFORDABLE The property boasls four bedrooms with bui~-ins and master with ensuite. Relax in the oversized bath in the renovated bathroom. Located on a large block w~h room underneath for storage. Other attributes this home offers are large pergola, double lock up garage, reverse cycle air cond~ioning and window shutters.

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Nelson Bay $350,000 WHAT A RED HOT LOCATION North facing 2 bedroom unit with excellent views, undercover parking, open plan living, opening onto balcony overlooking the water. Newly renovated kitchen, internal laundry and just a short stroll to Nelson Bay marina, restaurants, shops and beaches. Owners of this property no longer utilise and are highly motivated. CONTACT ANDREW DOUGLASS M: 0418974262

Salamander Bay $335,000 SOUGHT AFTER CUL DE SAC This 3 bedroom home is a must view, backing on to reserve makes this home even more private! Single garage, open plan living, separate kitchen, dining room & under cover pergola. Owners want a quick sale.

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Nelson Bay LITTLE BEACH DELIGHT WOW! Great size, wrap around balcony, freshly painted. Location - Location. Two (2) good size bedrooms, open living, separate kitchen, laundry and lock up remote control garage with internal access to stairwell. Come see for yourself.

(;

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Shoal Bay BEST OF THE BAY Luxury unit in the best location. Sitting high above Shoal Bay beach, this stunning unit must be seen. Won't last long at this price. Owner relocating overseas and wants it sold now. Make an offer and live the life.

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Shoal Bay $280,000 QUICK SALE NEEDED NOW Situated on Shoal Bay beach and in arguably the best resort in town, this comfortable one bedroom, serviced apartment. Reap the rewards of holiday rental income with the opportunity to relax and enjoy your weekender at any given time. Very solid and steady rental returns.

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~~~

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KIA'S STUNNING PRO_CEE'D GT has caught the eye of the jury to be awarded an Australian Good Design Selection accolade.

The decision by the jury means the pro_cee'd GT is now eligible for a prestig­ious Good Design Award when the final winners are announced at a gala affair in Sydney later this month.

The jury members were taken by the pro_cee'd GT's sharp styling _ "the designers have found an elegant balance between beauty and aggression in the overall styling, the end result is a car that looks fast even when standing still" _ its functionality _ "this car easily lives up to the GT nameplate, performance and handling is spot on for a car of this size and market positioning" _ and its quality _ "fit, finish and materials (both interior and exterior) exceed expectations".

The Good Design Awards is Australia's longest standing national design award and promotion program, and one of the few forums for professional Industrial Designers and manufacturers to showcase their design expertise to national and international audiences.

As a result of more than 50 years of design benchmarking, the program has focused on progressively raising the standard of design and innovation in Australia.

Today, the Good Design Awards are highly regarded by business, industry, academia and government for their important role in setting a benchmark for the design profession and for driving competitiveness in Australian business.

$14,990

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SPORT CROQUET

State honours issued • MELISSAH COMBER

TWO Maitland croquet players have been recognised for their achievements in representing the State.

Maitland Croquet Club's Pam Gentle and Trevor Black last week received NSW Government State Representative Awards from Member for Maitland Robyn Parker for playing in the Interstate Golf Croquet Shield last year.

Ms Gentle and Mr Black were part of the eight person team that came in fourth after five long days of competition.

"It's very tiring," Ms Gentle said, of the days that can last up to eight or nine hours.

"You're on the court all the time." Each day involved playing against a

different state, with the aim of being the first team hit their ball through every hoop. "The idea is to get through every hoop, but also stop your opposition getting through," Ms Gentle said.

John Compton was also recognised for the State Representative duties.

Nominations for the awards are accepted year-round.

More information can be found at: www. dpc.nsw.gov.au/programs_and_services/ nsw...governmenCawards

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SOCCER

Carney sticks with Jets THE NEWCASTLE JETS HAVE RE-SIGNED DAVID CARNEY to a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of 2015/16 A-League season.

The versatile 30-year-old, who has been capped 48 times for the Australian national team, joined the Jets late last season after a stint playing for New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

Carney follows Joel Griffiths as the second member of the Jets' 2013/14 A-League squad to re-sign with the Club following the appointment of Phil Stub­bins as head coach last week.

Carney said he was excited to have secured his future in Newcastle for a further two seasons.

"I've really enjoyed the vibe since I've been in Newcastle and I'm happy to have signed on for a couple more years," Carney said.

"I'm confident we can go into next season and have a good crack at it and give this town what it deserves, which is a team that not only makes the playoffs but is able to achieve even more than that.

"I was really pleased when I had the chance to sit down with Phil and discuss his plans for the team.

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"I think with the new coach and the squad we're building, there are some really exciting times ahead for the Jets."

Carney made seven appearances for the Jets last season, playing primarily as a left-winger and contributing three goal assists.

"I think in the last few games of the season I was just starting to get myself really fit and find some good form," Carney said. "I'm focused on working hard during the pre-season and hope­fully myself and the rest of the lads can start the year with a bang."

Newcastle Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said re-signing a player of Carney's cali­bre was a big positive for the club.

"There were a number of clubs both in Australia and abroad that showed inter­est in David, so we're delighted that he has opted to re-sign with the Jets for two more seasons," Middleby said.

"David has a wealth of experience having previously played at the high­est level in Europe and representing Australia on the international stage at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

"David is excited to be part of the Jets' future and is looking forward to making a big impact in the A-League next season with a full pre-season under his belt."

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SPORT Wed ••• day21 May 2014

the hunter pastil www.thehaaterpost.com.all

Tapine·s handles NRL initiation Knights rookie forward overcomes nerves to impress in first grade debut against Panthers

• MATT LOGUE NEWCASTLEKNIGHTS.COM.AU

Joseph Tapine had heard all about the footy tenn 'engine room', but he reckons he didn't fully understand its context until his NRL debut in round 9.

In the wake of his maiden top grade appear­ance against Penrith, Tapine admitted he now had a true appreciation for his role as a forward.

''Well now I know why they call it the engine room;' Tapine said.

''It's a big step up from the 20S and playing in the middle and it's a lot faster than I thought it would be, it's tough as.

''All of the Panthers players were solid, so I was happy when they went wide to Idris so he didn't run through the middle at me." It may have been a tough initiation for Tapine,

but the Kiwi-born forward showed plenty of class in his 30 minutes on the field.

He concedes he was battling plenty of nerves before the game, but got through thanks to the help ofa few seasoned campaigners.

''I can't explain the nerves," he said. ''I've never been that nervous in my life.

''I'm not a nervous person, but when I came to the stadium watching the 20s it hit me.

Joseph Taplne (left) putting In the hard yards at Knights training

"All the older boys came up to me and it helped though. Guys like Willie Mason and Jeremy Smith and they said, 'just get a touch of the ball early and play your game and you'll be right'.

''I'll get a lot of confidence playing against those professional people?'

Tapine's debut match was also a special occasion for his mother Leigh Strom, who was flown over from Wellington in New Zealand

by the club to watch her son's NRL debut on Mother's Day.

"That's the reason I am here to play is because of mum and I'm just thankful she is here;' he said.