Welcome to the "new and improved" Wine Country

BY RACHEL STORER

Already one of the most popular wine regions in the country, the Hunter Valley is welcoming developments from local council and federal government that will help increase tourism and exports.

The multi-million dollar upgrade to Broke Road and Hermitage Road was unveiled yesterday after 12-months of construction and includes improvements to the road surfaces, a tourist information bay and a 10.6 kilometre cycleway.

The joint venture between Cessnock and Singleton Councils was funded by a successful bid for $16.7 million from the NSW Government "Resources for Regions" program.

The wine region is also welcoming a share in the Australian Government's $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package.

The funding will be spread throughout regional wine areas and aims to increase wine exports and international tourism.

Among the program $3 million grants will be made available to smaller wineries looking to branch into the export market while other funding will also be given to develop regional wine tourism and cellar door experiences.

Cessnock City Mayor, Bob Pynsent believes the Hunter is well deserving of new infrastructure and funding.

"Improving the roads in the vineyards precinct is so important to the amenities for tourists and the inclusion of a cycleway certainly gives diversity to the activities tourists can do," he said.

Cr Pynsent said Cessnock City Council is committed to doubling the overnight accommodation numbers by the year 2020 and believes all these initiatives work together to assist in attracting tourists to our area.

(L-R) Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon, Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnson, Singleton Mayor Sue Moore and Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent test out the new cycleway. (Image: Cessnock Advertiser)

Over 2,000 years of service among some of the Hunter's best RFS firies

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Some of the Hunter's longest serving Rural Fire Service volunteers were recognised at a ceremony last night.

85 volunteers were presented with Long Service Medals for an impressive combined 2251 years of service.

Acting Regional Manager Chief Superintendent Jayson McKellar noted six of the recipients last night have given 60 or more years each in service to their communities. Of particular note was Alan McDougall from the Albano/Bowmans Brigade who has an impressive 75 years of service.

"I was talking to his son who is actually getting an award for 40 years service and he was saying that he's still a member, in his nineties, but I think he's involved more behind the scenes now," Chief Superintendent McKellar.

Chief Superintendent McKellar also made mention of the fact if he could award medals to the families of the fire fighters he would -

"I also make mention of the family, you know the partners and the children and the parents in some cases of these people who have, in the case of Mr McDougall, supported him through all of his years of service."

Man To Front Court After Violent Confrontation With Police At Toronto

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court accused of assaulting police at Toronto last night.

A male and two female police officers noticed a Toyota Kluger run a red light on The Boulevard at about 8.00pm and attempted to stop the car before it pulled into a nearby Caltex Service Station.

When they went to speak to the driver they noticed alcohol on his breath but they say he refused a breath test and tried to walk away.

However, when they tried to restrain him it's alleged he started throwing punches and pinned the male officer to the ground.

A female probationary constable used capsicum spray to subdue the man but it took a second crew to restrain him

The 48-year-old has been charged with refusing to submit to a breath test and breath analysis, resist officer in execution of duty, assault police and resist arrest and is due to face Toronto Court on the 3rd of October.

His licence has also been suspended.

Police say a 10-year-old boy was also in the car.

The male police officer suffered only minor injuries in the incident.

Power unions forced to lift bans on overseas training

BY MARISSA ALEXIOU

Power unions have been forced to lift a ban on training overseas consultants hired by electricity distributor Ausgrid, planning to replace 35 workers from Newcastle to Sydney. 

The Fair Work Commission threatened to issue orders against the United Services Union and Electrical Trades Union if the bans were not lifted immediately. 

According to the United Services Union, Newcastle and Hunter workers will be the worst affected by the plan's early stages. 

General Secretary of the United Services Union, Graeme Kelly said 25 people will be first affected by the overseas training, with an additional 77 over the next 6 months.

“This whole decision by Ausgrid is disgraceful and appalling, I cannot think of anything worse in Industrial Relations where Australian workers are forced by their employer to train overseas contractors to do their jobs in India," he said. 

The ETU secretary, Dave Mckinley added the outcome of the case was clear evidence that Australia's industrial law were stacked against the interest of working people. 

Graeme Kelly said they are appalled at the heavy handed tactics by the senior officers of Ausgrid that have forced their members to do this.

"The Federal Government opposed the sale of Ausgrid to a very wealthy overseas buyer because of the sensitive nature of our electricity networks."

It is understood the work contracted out to India would enable access to Ausgrid’s Geographic Information System, providing overseas contractors access to the mapping of poles, wires and underground cabling in Australia according to the unions. 

The Unions are calling on the new private owners of Ausgrid, AustralianSuper and IFM Investors as well as NSW Energy Minister, Don Harwin to intervene to the save jobs of Australian workers. 

Source: https://www.usu.org.au/

Two historic Newcastle buildings given heritage status

BY JESSICA ROUSE

There's yet another state heritage listing for Newcastle with the Hydraulic Engine House and crane bases in Carrington now added to the list.

Built in the 1870s, the engine house on Bourke Street Carrington used hydraulic cranes to lift coal onto ships.

Hydraulic Engine House Image Newcastle City Council

The northern coal fields, of which Newcastle was the port, accounted for around 70 per cent of the state's coal production between 1880 and 1930.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says it represents the most complete example of a coal loading system, predating conveyor belts, still in existence in Australia today.

"The Hydraulic Engine House was an Australian first and industrial wonder for its time," said Scot MacDonald.

The listing comes after a historic house in Hamilton with links to the early days of mining was given state heritage status by the state government.

The Australian Agricultural Company Mine Manager's House on Denison Street was built in 1849 and was formally responsible for the colony's most technologically advanced coal mine.

"The Australian Agricultural Company House is significant not just to the people of Newcastle but to NSW as a representation of the social and economic development of its era," said Scot MacDonald.

Australian Agricultural Company Mine Manager's House
Image Newcastle City Council

UPDATE Police on the hunt for knife-wielding man in Mayfield

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are chasing a man who threatened a 34-year-old Mayfield man in the carpark of the Mayfield Ex-services club last night.

At about 1am police say the victim was approached by the man in Hanbury Street who was wielding a knife and demanded he hand over cash and his phone.

The pair allegedly got into a physical confrontation before the victim ran away and called police.

Newcastle detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from the area as investigations continue.

Maitland Independent Mayoral candidate wants to breathe new life into Walka Water Works

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Maitland Independent Mayoral Candidate Philip Penfold is planning to breathe new life into Walka Water Works should he be elected on September 9.

He wants to see council put together a DA and approach the state government for funding to refit the cafe and re-open the small museum which once operated on the site.

"Walka Water Works is a fantastic asset to the city of Maitland, though unfortunately the pump house has been let go for far too long. So my proposal is for council to prepare plans, costings and a DA to have a project shovel ready to convert part of it into a cafe."

Philip Penfold says the site is already heavily used by the people of Maitland - there's a park run every Saturday and it's teeming with families on the weekend so having the appropriate amenities in place would only be of benefit.

"I think families will greatly enjoy a cafe or restaurant out there on Walka Water Works for the people of Maitland."

Walka Water Works Image David Threlfo Twitter
@David_Threlfo

Morale very low among Newcastle's bus drivers

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Transport operator Keolis Downer has only been operating in Newcastle for six weeks and already they're being blamed for mistreating and underpaying their workers.

Morale is reportedly very, very low among Newcastle's bus drivers as they deal with the frustration of allegedly being given incorrect wages, shift penalties and superannuation payments which has left them out of pocket for over a month.

Shadow Minister for the Hunter Kate Washington says the company is also blaming bus drivers for services being cancelled when in most situations it has been the company's fault alone.

"Six weeks in and we've seen 170 services cancelled and those cancellations have been blamed on the drivers. Drivers who aren't being paid for the hours they're working and that's just not on,"

Image showbus.com

"I've heard from at least three different drivers but I understand it is across the workforce and there are systemic problems in the system that Keolis Downer is trying to implement. Morale is very, very low amongst all the drivers, they don't feel like they're being given respect," said Kate Washington.

In a statement, Keolis Downer say there have been no cuts to services across Newcastle's public transport but they have had a lot of drivers unable to work due to the terrible flu season.

They say they are in the process of recruiting more drivers to make up for those unable to work and even though it's inconvenient for customers, they'd rather them be healthy and safe and not catch the flu from sick drivers.

Already they've welcomed eight new drivers to their Newcastle fleet in the past week.

But Kate Washington wants answers to the claims of mistreatment and she's written to the Transport Minister demanding support.

"It just feels like Newcastle has been the guinea pigs in all of this. And the government now needs to revise and review its plans to further privatise public transport elsewhere, there are plans afoot for Sydney and that needs to stop now."

Man Confronted By Knife-Wielding Bandit At Mayfield

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been threatened by a knife-wielding man outside a Mayfield club.

Police say the victim was confronted in the car park of the Mayfield Ex-Services Club in Hanbury Street just before 1.30 on Wednesday morning and was ordered to hand over cash and his mobile phone.

However, he managed to escape unharmed and fled to a nearby home where he called police.

Parkville Home Goes Up In Flames

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has engulfed a home at Parkville in the Upper Hunter.

Firefighters arrived at the property on Alfred Brown Lane  just before 11.30 on Tuesday night to find the unoccupied home well alight.

RFS crews are still at the scene mopping up hot spots.

Police have set up a crime scene but they don't believe the fire is suspicious, although an investigation will get under way this morning to determine how the fire started.

Police Search For Suspicious Man Seen At Cardiff High School

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are appealing for help from the public after a man was seen loitering around the toilet block at Cardiff High School.

Students noticed the man at about 9.30 yesterday morning and notified teachers who called police.

Police are investigating whether it's the same man who exposed himself to school girls in the area in the past couple of weeks.

The man is described as being of a medium build, with an olive/tanned complexion, about 175 cm tall, with dark coloured hair, and unshaven.

He was wearing a grey jumper, black tracksuit pants, and prescription glasses.

Police are urging anyone with information about the man to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Lake Macquarie Council Give Go-Ahead for New Boat Ramp at Same Location

BY NIKOLA JOKANOVIC

Proposed plans for a new and improved boat ramp in Pelican have finally been approved by the Lake Macquarie Council.

Councillors at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 28 August endorsed recommendations to rebuild the ramp in the same location with a new design at a $1.2 million dollar pricetag.

The Pelican boat ramp has been closed since October 2015 after being left in disrepair by tidal erosion over time and damage caused by the super storm in April of that year.

The new ramp aims to address these issues by being positioned in a protective alcove slightly inland from the current site.

Protective rock groynes will also be installed on either side of the ramp, as well as a pontoon for public safety.

A number of other sites and designs were considered before this final decision, including a protested initial proposal to build the new ramp in a popular beach area south of the original site.

"Council staff have worked hard to develop a solution that not only meets the community's needs but also suits the water conditions in that part of the lake," says Mayor, Kay Fraser.

"I am pleased that the voice of residents and Pelican foreshore users has been heard and that boat users will have a new and improved ramp next year."

Some remain concerned that the new boat ramp will meet a fate similar to its predecessor, particularly following state government recommendations to build the new ramp elsewhere to avoid damaging water flows.

With the new design expected to last 25 years, Mayor Fraser says there is little to worry about.

"That's why we're doing a different type of boat ramp. It's actually going inland, which means it'll be like a bit of an alcove, so it'll be protected by being inland, and rock groynes will protect either side of the boat ramp. Having a pontoon in the middle will be good for safety and ensure that it'll be there for the long term."

Police on the hunt for man on outstanding warrants

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are on the hunt for a man in Newcastle who is wanted on two outstanding warrants for property and fraud offences.

37-year-old Ben Lenton is known to frequent Hamilton, Lake Macquarie, as well as other areas throughout Newcastle.


He's described as being of Caucasian appearance with a thin build, brown eyes and ginger/red hair, about 180cm - 185cm tall, 65kg - 70kg

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Hamilton Fire Victims to Reap the Benefits of Op Shop Week

BY LAUREN KEMPE

After a large fire destroyed a number of Hamilton units earlier this year, the St Vincent de Paul Society is urging the donation of furniture, clothes and volunteers to help out those dealing with the aftermath of the incident.

"We really need volunteers, especially in the Hamilton area. We need some good quality furniture and a whole heap of people willing to volunteer. We especially need help in the local city area,' said St Vincent de Paul Events and Engagement Coordinator, Jennifer Barrie.

St Vinnies is just one of the charities participating in the sixth annual National Op Shop Week in Newcastle from the 27th August to the 2nd September. The week promotes vintage fashion, op shop bargains and recycling in the Newcastle area.

Vinnies' Corporate Mobile Donation Station will launch in Islington this Wednesday, as part of the week's celebration, aiming to also increase revenue for Vinnies stores and improve the quality of clothing donations across the Hunter.

The Maitland/Newcastle Central Council provided $2.55 million worth of assistance last year in educational support, bills, rents, food vouchers and medical costs, and the charity aims to continue supporting those in need through mobile donations and encouraging more volunteers.

Image Credit: http://www.govnews.com.au/barnett-to-wipe-out-illegal-dumping-at-charity-bins/

Ms Barrie says the stations will reduce the amount of rubbish donated, and ensure those in need have access to quality donations.

'There used to be too much dumping of rubbish into the bins, so the [stationary] bins are starting to disappear. We're asking people to take their rubbish to the tip, and get better quality second-hand goods throughout our shops.'

Ms Barrie says independent business involvement with the charity will really help increase the quality of donations.

'Asking businesses to have a mobile clothing bin will increase the quality of clothing in the stores and raise revenue to be able to provide support and assistance to families in financial need.

'We want nice quality to be able to give to people going through hard times.'

John Paul Young pianist Warren Morgan will be performing at the event on Wednesday afternoon at 1.30pm to promote the launch and the rest of the week's festivities.

Home invasion in Weston overnight

BY JARROD MELMETH

Police are on the hunt for three men following a home invasion, where a shotgun was fired overnight at Weston. 

The men with their faces covered and reportedly armed with a machete and a shotgun forced open the front door of a home on Fourth Street, at around 10:30pm on Monday night.

The men confronted a 69-year-old male resident inside the home and demanded money before assaulting him. A 52-year-old woman in the home was also assaulted during the incident.

After leaving the premises with a small amount of cash, the men discharged the shotgun into the front door, narrowly missing the female resident.

The three men were last seen leaving the scene in a small silver or dark-coloured hatchback.
The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for a bruised eye and a swollen jaw and nose, while the woman received cuts and bruises to her face.

Both did not require hospitalisation and are seeking further medical treatment today.

Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command established a crime scene and have commenced investigations into the incident which is believed to be targeted.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers.

Hunter Street light rail construction to start next month

BY JARROD MELMETH

Light rail construction on Hunter Street will start from September 12 between Auckland and Darby Streets.

Works will include relocating essential services such as water, gas, electricity and telecommunications, civil construction work including road reconfiguration and laying light rail track on the road.

Traffic will be temporarily diverted around construction zones during the build, Honeysuckle Drive, Wharf Road and King Street will be available for road users to get around the city centre.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says the construction area will be closed to ensure the safety of the construction personnel.

"It's also to ensure that we get through the zone as quickly as possible, we have elected to put diversions in place for traffic and will close that section of the road down.

On what is next for the light rail construction Mr Cassel says the project will progress through all of Hunter Street and Scott Street throughout the next 12 months.

"We are very cautious not to set very tight deadlines because as we have always said we are subject to weather and what we find in the ground and they are always challenging. We have worked hard to make sure the traffic diversions will work well; we have worked very hard to ensure there is ample parking for people who wish to drive into the city, but we are also improving public transport to give everyone an option.

"The light rail team has spent over a year laying the groundwork to ensure light rail construction will run as smoothly as possible. This includes creating new pedestrian and vehicle access points between Hunter Street and the harbour. It’s now time to get on with installing light rail tracks," Mr Cassel said.

Mr Cassel also reiterated the steps being taken by Revitalising Newcastle, to help surrounding businesses through the construction.

"We are ensuring that footpaths remain open and the entrances to all businesses remain open throughout the construction period. We are also putting on lots of planned activities to draw people back into the city, as well as lots of information and updates regularly on the best ways to move around the city," Mr Cassel said. 

Work in the Auckland and Darby Street construction zone is due to be completed by the end of 2017.

Light rail construction works at Auckland & Darby Streets Newcastle.

Buladelah man flown to John Hunter after fall

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter is currently flying a 60-year-old male from Buladelah to the John Hunter Hospital after falling 3-metres from a ladder.

The man was using a power tool, when an electric shock knocked him off the ladder causing him to fall a couple of metres. The cord was caught up around his lower leg causing a severe laceration. 

He is reportedly in a stable condition.

300 homes still affected by power outages in Beresfield and Tarro

BY JARROD MELMETH

UPDATE

Power has been safely restored to most homes and businesses around Beresfield, Woodberry and Tarro, after a fault on protection equipment at the zone substation.

Ausgrid is thanking affected customers for their patience.

EARLIER

Emergency crews from Ausgrid are still working to get power back to about 300 homes and businesses in Beresfield and Tarro following almost 3,000 homes and business suffering power outages just after 10am.

Power outages occurred in Ashtonfield, Beresfield, Black Hill, Buttai, Hexham, Lenaghan, Minmi, Stockrington, Tarro and Woodberry.

An Ausgrid spokesperson says "crews are investigating what caused the interruption to the zone substation at Tarro. Once they identify the cause and location of the fault they will work to get the power back safely as quickly as possible."

Power is expected to return to the remaining homes and businesses by 12:30pm today. 

Power outages earlier today.

Power outages as of 11am today.

Exercise could be the key to a good nights sleep

BY JESSICA ROUSE and TYLER FARDELL

We all love a good nights sleep, but often it can be hard to find.

But better sleep could be just around the corner and it could be easier than we think.

The University of Newcastle is holding a nationwide clinical trial, called the REFRESH Study, aiming to find whether or not regular exercise can help insomniacs get a good nights sleep.

The study is looking to recruit around 300 people aged 40-65 who have poor quality sleep, but don't have a sleeping disorder and do less than 90 minutes of physical activity each week.

Associate Professor Mitch Duncan from the Hunter Medical Research Institute's Cardiovascular Program says the trial is as much about improving sleep as it is fitness.

"It's important that we try to improve both physical activity and sleep quality because they both have profound benefits not only on our physical health but also on our mental health as well."


Half of the people who report poor sleep health often fail to get enough exercise, which increases their risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety. Not only that work productivity is impacted costing the global economy $680 billion annually.

Mitch Duncan says the results could change the way people view sleep and exercise.

"But what we haven't really tested yet  in studies is the exact benefit that enhancing physical activity and providing a dedicated physical activity intervention has on sleep relative to a traditional approach which doesn't emphasise the increase of physical activity as much."

The study will also use a smartphone app called "Balanced" and researchers will compare the effectiveness of a sleep plus increased physical activity intervention with a sleep-only intervention.

Anyone interested in participating in the study can take part in a short eligibility survey at
http://tinyurl.com/refreshstudy

Rio Tinto Fined Over Dam Wall Collapse At Upper Hunter Mine

BY IAN CROUCH

Mining giant, Rio Tinto has been fined $50,000 over the collapse of a dam wall at it's Mount Thorley Warkworth Mine near Singleton.

Hundreds of thousands of litres of water escaped from the dam when the incident occurred in January last year.

The company blamed the collapse on several days of heavy rain.

The Land and Environment Court ruled that while harm from the incident was insubstantial, the failure of the dam was both forseeable and preventable.

SES "Unprepared" For 2015 Dungog Storm Disaster

BY IAN CROUCH

The inquest into the super storm and flash flood which wreaked havoc in Dungog in 2015 has heard the State Emergency Service was unprepared for the disaster.

Just six volunteers were available to respond to the torrent of water which inundated the town.

Four homes were washed away and three people lost their lives.

The inquiry also heard there was no local plan for flash flooding in the area.

The storm has been described as a one in a thousand year event.

One Of Four Homes Washed Away. picture dailytelegrapgh.com.au

Hornery Case Could Be Dismissed

BY IAN CROUCH

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery could have her case for electoral roll misuse dismissed.

She's pleaded not guilty to gaining unauthorised access to the electoral roll to write to someone outside her electorate - charge which carries a $22,000 fine.

However, the prosecutor told Downing Centre Local Court yesterday, the case may be dismissed because it was very technical in nature.

The matter has been adjourned until September 25.

Teen Arrested After High Speed Pursuit Through Lake Macquarie

BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager is due to face Children's Court today accused of leading police on a pursuit through Lake Macquarie last night.

Officers responded to reports of number plates being stolen from cars near the McDonald's Restaurant on Main Road Edgeworth just after 10.30 and noticed a Honda Integra without plates on Neilson Street, but the car sped away when they attempted to pull it over.

They followed the car through Edgeworth, Barnsley, Holmesville and West Wallsend at speeds allegedly reaching 110 kilometres per hour in a 60 zone before it crashed into a gutter.

The driver, a 17-year old male, was arrested after a short foot pursuit and taken to Toronto Police Station.

He was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, drive unregistered & uninsured motor vehicle, unaccompanied learner, stealing, goods in custody, and other miscellaneous offences.

The teen was refused bail to appear at a children’s court today.