Source: Hunter New England Health
A new mental health respite program for the Hunter is taking the pressure off those looking after a person with a mental illness.
Under the Federal Government’s Mental Health Respite Program, respite funding is now available specifically for carers of people with mental health issues.
In October 2007, additional funding was provided to the Hunter Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre, a part of Hunter New England Health.
Mental Health Respite Coordinator Don Thorn said the increased funding is about people who care for a person with a mental illness the opportunity to live an independent life, while caring for a friend or loved one.
Article by Dylan Welch – SMH.COM.AU
A man killed this morning during a group bike ride south of Sydney was an up-and-coming solicitor who had taken up cycling only a year ago.
Dominic Mason, 33, died about 6.45am when his bike was clipped and he fell under the trailer of a truck also travelling north in the outside lane.
He had been travelling in a group of 19 cyclists – including one of the partners at his law firm, Harris Wheeler Solicitors – when the accident occurred.
Matthew Smith, one of the partners at Harris Wheeler, said he was called by the partner who had been on the ride and told of the crash.
"I went the hospital and spoke to his wife; it’s just terrible. He’s got two young kids, two and five, it’s just very, very sad," said Mr Smith, who raced with Mr Mason at the Kooragang Racing Club and trained with him on Saturdays.
Source: Newcastle City Council
Wickham’s eclectic character has been shaped by historical influences and the growth of inner Newcastle.
Current revitalisation of the adjacent foreshore is creating increased expectation of development in Wickham. Newcastle City Council last week adopted the Wickham Development Control Plan to ensure development in the area proceeds is a measured and organised way.
Given its proximity to Newcastle City Centre, Wickham needs to be developed with a strong urban character and reasonable residential density to capitalise on its urban village potential. It is critical future development provides for the retention or enhancement of amenity for existing residents and where possible, an improvement in the quality of streetscapes and public domain.
Source: Newcastle Jets
The Newcastle Jets have been defeated by Sydney FC 1-0 courtesy of an injury time goal to Steve Corica. The game was perhaps not one for the ages, but a 10-man Sydney side did enough to gain a valuable three points.
The Jets appeared to have an early penalty shout, however replays clearly showed that in the 8th minute Tarek Elrich was brought down in the box by a very good Robbie Middleby tackle. The former Novocastrian clearly won the ball in the challenge.
Opportunities were few and far between in the first half, with the travelling contingent of Jets fans having little to cheer about. They were brought to life by a piece of brilliance by Ante Covic in the 34th minute though, as the former Socceroo goalkeeper made a miraculous save from a Michael Bridges strike. Alex Brosque made a break down the left for Sydney and squared neatly for Bridges to finish, however Covic read the strike to perfection and somehow kept the ball out.
Source: Newcastle City Council
Building better roads, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, planting trees and shrubs, improving parks and playgrounds are just some of the highlights in Newcastle City Council’s Annual Report.
Acting General Manager GRAHAM CLARKE says the last financial year was extremely challenging but very rewarding and the 2006/2007 Annual Report provides a snapshot of Newcastle City Council’s activities and achievements for the past financial year.
"The year ended as it began, with a challenge to the administration to demonstrate ongoing efforts to reduce costs while at the same time maintaining the high level of services the community has grown accustomed to."
Source: University of Newcastle
Five University of Newcastle academics will today be dubbed among the best teachers in New South Wales.
Associate Professor Frans Henskens, Dr Tracy Levett-Jones, Ms Katherine Lindsay, Dr Josephine May and Dr Dianne Osland will receive the esteemed Quality Teaching Awards (QTA).
The awards are given to teachers who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and student achievement. They will be presented this evening by the State Minister for Education and Training, John Della Bosca.
The University teachers are being recognised for initiating a Gifted and Talented Program in engineering; influencing student learning in nursing; implementing new feedback mechanisms for assessment items in law; convening one of the largest first year history courses in Australia; and developing students’ understanding of the cultural and aesthetic values of literature.
Article by: Andrew Milliss
The Magic Million – is the Hunter Valley ready for a population of 1 million and more importantly do we want it?
The 2006 National Census revealed that the combined population of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens is in excess of 500,000.
With the current labour shortages particularly in the heavy industries in the upper Hunter Valley is it time that governments made it more attractive for people to leave the capital cities and settle in this great part of the world.
But with more people come more traffic and more stress on public services. Will a million people ruin the things that make the Hunter Valley such a great place to live?
Source: Australian Red Cross
There is no need to spend hours on end shopping for the perfect gift this year– head to your nearest Donor Centre or mobile unit and give blood. After all, it’s the ultimate gift – life!
With every blood donation helping to save three lives, you can give a special gift to those in need of blood or blood products over the holiday period.
According to Michelle Buxton (Nurse Unit Manager of The Newcastle Donor Centre), the need for blood doesn’t take a holiday:
“With fewer collection days due to the holiday breaks we need to ensure there is enough blood for those in need over Christmas.” Ms Buxton said.
Source: Hunter Valley Wine Country
Bimbadgen Estate is once again the toast of the town, having received top honours last Thursday night at the NSW Tourism Awards Gala Dinner held at the Star City’s Grand Harbour Ballroom, winning the prestigious ‘Tourism Wineries’ category.
The Tourism Wineries category is open to wineries offering a unique and outstanding tourism experience. It is not a wine award, but recognises a significant contribution to tourism through the provision of direct services to the general public. The annual 2007 NSW Tourism Awards highlight the best the state has to offer and celebrates business excellence in the tourism industry. The awards acknowledge tourism businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and success during the year.
Source: Hunter Business Chamber
Hunter Business Chamber has today invited the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, Greg Combet, to meet as soon as possible with defence related industry to identify ways the Hunter can expand its share of defence contracts.
Chamber President, Karen Howard, said the region was the home to two major defence facilities and some of the nation’s best contractors.
“We have had recent successes in army related contracts with Varleys and others and we are keen to see also a return to our position as a premier ship building and repair city.”
Mrs Howard said the region’s manufacturing culture, skills base and willing attitude to change were matters she wanted to discuss with Mr Combet
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