State support package to help Hunter businesses stay the course

BY DAKOTA TAIT

It's hoped a new support package announced by the State Government will help Hunter businesses push through tough conditions and low consumer confidence in the Omicron surge.

Local businesses are being urged to apply if they're eligible.

The program includes a number of measures, including:

• Businesses with a turnover between $75,000 and $50 million who suffered a 40 percent downturn in January and are projected to do the same in February can apply for payments up to $5000 a week
• The Small Business Fees and Charges rebate program has been extended to $3000, and can also include 50% of the costs of acquiring rapid antigen tests for the workplace.
• Commercial landlord relief has been extended until March 13.
  

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes is welcoming the package, but says it could be coming too late for some businesses.

"This is going to help some businesses, but we're concerned that some have probably already gone too far," Mr Hawes said.

"Particularly going through the summer period, where a lot of businesses traditionally would have made money to put away for quieter times have missed out on that trade."

"I just hope winter isn't too severe and I just hope that when the community feels confident, and that it is very soon, that they get out there and spend."

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has echoed those sentiments, arguing the eligibility requirements are too narrow.

There's concern the program doesn't address the impact on Christmas trading late last year.

Performing arts support has also been included as part of the package.

Eligible venues, as well as producers and promoters of performances, are able to apply for funding, dependent on average ticket prices and sales.

The State Government announced the measures as part of a response to declining case numbers.

But Mr Hawes says while the COVID situation is definitely improving, we're not out of the woods yet.

"I think there's still a way to go," Mr Hawes said. "There's a lot of things that have to turn out way to get us back to the recovery pathways that we all anticipated that we were going to be on in late 2021."

"It's not just about the community perceptions about being concerned about going out while the virus is so prevalent."

"It's also some of this dislocation that we're seeing in supply chains, we're still seeing difficulties in the labour market, businesses being able to get labour."

Paterson Liberal Candidate Advocates for Port Stephens Koala Funding

 BY OLIVIA DILLON

Federal Liberal Candidate for Paterson, Brooke Vitnell, has announced this week she will advocate for Port Stephens to receive its fair share of the government's latest investment into the country's koala population. 

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley announced on Saturday, a $50 million package focused on improving health and habitat outcomes for koalas. 

The money brings the Morrison Government's commitment to koala conservation to almost $75 million since 2019. 

A volunteer and member of Port Stephens Koalas herself, Ms Vitnell said funds directed to the Hunter region would be dedicated to community-led initiatives and large-scale activities.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to secure much-needed funds to support Port Stephens-based projects that help preserve our beautiful koalas."

"We have terrific organisations in Port Stephens like the Port Stephens Koala Hospital that would certainly benefit from these funds."

Ms Vitnell also noted impact of recent bushfires on koalas in the Hunter region, and said specialist bushfire trauma training for local vets could prove vital in increasing survival prospects for the animals.

"My view is that we can't do enough to ensure the long-term recovery and health of our beloved koalas in Port Stephens, and I will certainly be advocating for Port Stephens and the Hunter to receive our share." 

Image: portstephenskoalas.com.au

Two COVID deaths in Maitland

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded 1,193 new COVID cases today and four deaths.

465 of those cases were from PCR tests and 728 were from RAT tests.

Sadly, a man and a woman from Maitland have passed away with the virus.

One was in their 70s and one was in their 90s.

This brings the region to 73 cases in hospital, with seven people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 13,026 new COVID cases and 27 deaths.

This brings the State to 2,779 cases in hospital, with 185 in intensive care.

39.4 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Government promising big things and big investment in the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

It's a been a big week when it comes to investment in the Hunter this week, with the Federal and State Governments promising millions of dollars for projects in the region.

On Monday, the Commonwealth agreed to increase their spending on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace to $1.6 billion.

It's hoped the 15 kilometre, two-lane extension will bypass congestion pinch-points at Hexham and Heatherbrae.

The Deputy Prime Minister was in the Hunter on Friday for another pair of announcements.

The Federal and State Governments agreed to meet the final $10 million in funding needed for the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project. 

They'll split the cost equally between them.

It means the Gallery will close for two years from Monday, as work on the almost $40 million project gets underway.

A Telstra box will need to be moved and mines underneath the Gallery grouted before major expansions to floor space and a new cafe can happen. 

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce told reporters it's a proud moment for Newcastle.

"It allows a lot of those paintings that are sitting back in the dark corners of the dark storage room of Newcastle to brought out so people can see them and enjoy them," Mr Joyce said.

"This is incredible, when you think about it - Rupert Bunny, Dobell, Brett Whitely, John Olsen, at Newcastle Gallery."

"It's a reaffirmation that the city of Newcastle is not an appendage to another place to the south - it's a place that stands on its own two feet, it's a growing place, it's culturally growing."

New South Wales and the Commonwealth also came to a similar arrangement to fund redevelopment works at Maitland Gaol. 

Another $10 million will be split equally between them and invested into an upgraded entry, a new cafe, and boutique accommodation in a pair of residences on the historic site.

Maitland Council are also hoping to open up the guard towers and bring in private investment for a new hotel next door.

Mr Joyce also announced another $8 million from the Federal Government toward street beautification in Scone.

The Deputy Prime Minister announced the spending at Newcastle Art Gallery on Friday morning.

Left to right: Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin, Lyne MP David Gillespie, Liberal Candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Deputy NSW Premier Paul Toole, and Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold.

Four deaths across the Hunter amid low COVID cases

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded 1,357 new COVID cases today and four deaths.

430 of those cases were from PCR tests and 927 were from RAT tests.

Sadly, three men have passed away in Lake Macquarie and one in Maitland. 

 

One was in his 70s, two were in their 80s and one was in his 90s.

This brings the region to 60 cases in hospital, with seven people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 13,333 new COVID cases and 35 deaths.

This brings the State to 2,737 cases in hospital, with 189 in intensive care.

36.4 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Maitland Gaol In Line For Major Redevelopment

 BY IAN CROUCH

Maitland Gaol is about to get a major revamp with the announcement today of $10 million in state and federal funding.

The money will allow Maitland Council to transform part of the gaol into boutique accommodation, open up the guard towers to visitors for the first time and upgrade the entry to a reconfigured destination cafe.

The redevelopment is expected to create 30 jobs during construction.

Council hopes to attract private investment to develop a hotel next to the site.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Deputy Premier Paul Toole will announce the funding on Friday.

Maitland Gaol will become a major tourist destination

Newcastle Art Gallery Redevelopment To Start Immediately After Federal & State Funding Commitment

 BY IAN CROUCH

After more than a decade of lobbying and broken promises, work on Newcastle Art Gallery's $39 million redevelopment is due to begin on Monday thanks to a $10 million funding commitment from the state and federal governments.

It means the gallery will close for two years while the work is done.

The new-look building will have an extra 1600 square metres of exhibition space, more storage, a secure loading dock and a cafe.

The project cost has doubled since the Gillard government pledged $7 million in 2011 on the condition the commitment was matched by the state government, which refused to do so, with the federal funds forfeited as a result.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Deputy Premier Paul Toole will announce the joint funding in Newcastle on Friday morning.

$10mil in state and federal funds means the Newcastle Art Gallery redevelopment can go ahead immediately

Steady COVID cases across the Hunter, but two deaths in Lake Macquarie

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded 2,048 new COVID cases today and two deaths.

1,090 of those cases were from PCR tests and 958 were from RAT tests.

Sadly, a man and a woman from the Lake Macquarie area have passed away.

One was in their 70s and one was in their 80s.

This brings the region to 55 cases in hospital, with seven people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 17,316 new COVID cases and 29 deaths.

This brings the State to 2,722 cases in hospital, with 181 in intensive care.

36.2 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Singleton councillors in doubt after online voting error

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Singleton could be headed back to the polls later this year, after an online voting stuff-up locked out thousands of voters.

The Electoral Commission says the iVote system crashed at the December 4 elections, though the outcome for most councils wouldn't have changed.

But in Singleton, as well as Kempsey and Shellharbour, it's possible things could have turned out differently.

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore says her position is safe, but councillors are understandably concerned.

"Not only anxiety with that, but the cost of what they've already laid out for elections, potentially having to redo that cost again," Cr Moore said.

"Not to mention the cost of council having to pay for another election, effectively meaning ratepayer money paying for another election."

It's understood the Supreme Court will hold a hearing on February 4 to make a decision about whether to call the affected elections void.

But for the time being, Cr Moore says they'll just get on with the job.

"In the meantime, the councillors that we have now have been declared," Cr Moore said.

"We've had induction day, we've got our first meeting on the 1st of February, so we're going to play on unless the court or otherwise tells us."

Blown Headlight Leads To Man's Arrest At Morisset

 BY IAN CROUCH

A blown headlight has brought a San Remo man undone as he prepares to face court on theft, driving and drugs charges.

Highway Patrol officers spotted the man's Mitsubishi ute on Dora Street Morisset  just before 10.00pm on Wednesday and pulled him over to alert him to the problem.

Checks revealed the 32-year-old was disqualified from driving til July and a search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered camping and 4WD gear believed to be stolen, $2670 in cash, 4 grams of methlyamphetamine and a machete next to the driver's seat.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today, Thursday 27 January, 2022. 

UPDATE! Trio Arrested Over Alleged Armed Robbery At South Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested three people over an alleged armed robbery at South Maitland overnight.

Police say around 11.00pm on Wednesday, the trio walked into a service station on Les Darcy Drive and threatened a staff member with a knife, stealing several drinks before leaving.

Officers and the dog squad searched the area and found a group of males in a nearby park who fled when police arrived.

Two boys aged 16 and an 18-year-old man were arrested after a foot pursuit and taken to Maitland Police Station.

The 18-year-old has been charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon and refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court later today (Thursday 27 January 2022).

The two teenage boys were both released pending further inquiries.

 

Man Arrested Over Alleged Armed Robbery At Cardiff Hotel

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court next month accused of holding up a popular Cardiff pub earlier this week.

Police say two masked men entered the Iron Horse Hotel on Main Road just before 12.30 on Tuesday morning and threatened a male and female employee with a handgun and meat cleaver before taking off with a cash register.

The workers were shaken but not injured.

Inquiries led to a series of late-night raids at Wallsend, Maryland and New Lambton, with Police seizing a blue Ford Falcon, a motorcycle, ammunition, a small amount of the drug ice and a firearm part.

A 32-year-old man was arrested at Wallsend - he's been refused bail to face Toronto Court on February 1.

Inquiries are continuing.

New Site Announced For Myuna Bay Sport & Recreation Centre

 BY IAN CROUCH

Almost three years after the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre was suddenly closed without warning, the state government has decided on a new location for the facility.

The former centre was closed in March 2019 amid concerns lives would be put at risk if the ash dam wall at the nearby Eraring Power Station failed.

Sports Minister Stuart Ayres will join Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper on Thursday this morning to unveil the new site at Morisset between the Hospital and Bonnells Bay Public School.

A site previously proposed by power station operator, Origin Energy at Eraring prompted concerns from local residents about noise, traffic and environmental impacts.

The Myuna Bay Sport & Recreation Centre was suddenly closed in March 20219 Picture: NBN

Major Grant Announced For Tomago Hydrogen Energy Manufacturer

 BY IAN CROUCH

A major boost for the Hunter's emerging hydrogen energy industry with a Tomago company awarded a significant state government grant.

Lavo Hydrogen Storage Technology will use the $5 million dollar grant to mass produce one of the world's first solid state hydrogen energy storage devices.

The project is expected to create up to 250 jobs and will supply the devices to Australian and International markets.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole will visit the facility on Thursday to announce the grant.

Lavo Chief Executive Alan Yu Picture Lavo.com.au

Novocastrian women recognised at the Citizen of the Year awards

Newcastle council has paid tribute to female Novocastrians at the Citizen of the Year awards on Monday. 

The ceremony recognised a number of achievements, including Young Citizen of the Year, which was awarded to University student Ashley Harrison for her advocacy against online violence and abuse, in particular, victims of revenge porn and phishing.

The Community Group of the Year was awarded to the Hunter Peace Group for their work in re-affirming Newcastle as a nuclear free city, a declaration first made in 1982.

Jan Chamberlin was given the Senior Citizen of the Year award for her work in reducing negative attitudes towards social housing in the community.

The 2022 Citizen of the Year Award was handed to silver medalist and three time paratriathlon prizewinner Lauren Parker.

Image credit: Newcastle Council

Newcastle council unveils new truck in electric fleet

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle council has unveiled the very first truck in its new electric fleet on Tuesday morning.

The medium rigid Hino truck will take the place of a diesel vehicle used by the Parks and Recreation team.

It's estimated to reduce the City of Newcastle's carbon emissions by 20 tonnes a year.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says it's important for the city to lead by example.

"This is a really important step, in terms of the real action that the city is taking to address climate change," Cr Clausen said.

"We're seeing more and more Novocastrians move to electric with their own passenger vehicles."

The move is part of a push to reduce carbon emissions from council vehicles by 100 percent over the next ten years.

Cr Clausen says sustainability is key to future-proofing Newcastle.

"Making available new electric trucks means that we're creating jobs, particularly locally," Cr Clausen said.

"In terms of the skills that are used to service electric vehicles and helping make it that much easier for other organisations, and for the general public, to adopt electric as well."

"This is a really significant win for the city."

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and the Parks and Recreation team.

COVID cases steady across the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded 1,867 new COVID cases today and one death.

1,108 of those cases were from PCR tests and 759 were from RAT tests.

Sadly, a man in his 80s from Tamworth has passed away.

This brings the region to 81 cases in hospital, with seven people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 18,512 new COVID cases and 29 deaths.

This brings the State to 2,943 cases in hospital, with 183 in intensive care.

33.8 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Federal Government commits $1.6 billion to M1 motorway extension to Raymond Terrace

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Federal Government announced another $80 million for the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace on Monday, bringing the total investment to $1.68 billion. 

The extension will feature two lanes in each direction from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace.

It's hoped the long-awaited road will bypass congestion pinch-points at Hexham and Heatherbrae.

Between Newcastle and Maitland, it's estimated 25,000 vehicles each day will benefit from the project.

James Thomson, the Nationals' candidate for Hunter, says it's exciting to see real steps toward the works.

"It's great for families who commute," Mr Thomson said. "It's fantastic for people who drive on the M1 for business each and every day."

"For anyone going on a holiday, this is going to save ten minutes - you're going to get to your destination quicker, you're going to spend more time with your family, and enjoy more of your holiday." 

The NSW Government is also contributing an additional $420 million toward the $2.1 billion project.

It's expected around 2,700 jobs will be supported during construction.

NSW Minister for Roads Sam Farraway says the project is a "game-changer".

"We're going to have the tender process in a matter of the next four to eight weeks, with a six month process," Mr Farraway.

"We're going to start to see construction well and truly on site here in 2023, with traffic open to all this new piece of vital road infrastructure by 2028."

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Nationals Candidate for Hunter James Thomson, and NSW Minister for Roads Sam Farraway.

New event to reflect on Indigenous history on the eve of Australia Day

 BY SIOBHAN HARVEY 

The University of Newcastle and Awabakal Ltd with support from the City of Newcastle are launching a new event on the eve of Australia Day to reflect on Australia's Indigenous history.   

The Ngarrama event hopes to engage the community in meaningful reconciliation through truth telling and historical acceptance.

It will celebrate the rich culture of all First Nations People, with emphasis on the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, the traditional owners of the land of which Newcastle stands.

The word Ngarrama translates to 'to sit, listen and know', and it's hoped the event will be a time for peaceful and quiet reflection. 

Ngarrama will be held at King Edward Park and will include a welcome to country, a smoking ceremony, music, dance, storytelling and knowledge sharing. 

The University of Newcastle's Indigenous Strategy and Leadership Pro Vice-Chancellor, Mr Nathan Towney says he hopes the event will start conversations surrounding what life is like for First Nation Peoples both past and present. 

"There is generational impact that has occurred and we as Aboriginal people still feel that and see it in a lot of things that happen around the community, and in our lives as Aboriginal people," Mr Towney said.

"It is not just something that impacted those people hundreds of years ago, it still impacts Aboriginal people today." 

The inaugural Ngarrama event on January 25 offers opportunity for the Newcastle community to come together to reflect and celebrate the richness and resilience of First Nations Culture. 

Mr Towney says the University understands the importance of truth telling and education about First Nation Peoples. 

"At the University of Newcastle, we believe we are all enriched by cultural knowledge and a connection to country," Mr Towney said. 

"As a place of learning, we know we have an important role to play in engaging our wider community through knowledge sharing."

Ngarrama is a free public event and will run from 7pm - 9pm on Tuesday 25 January at King Edward Park. 

Source: The University of Newcastle 

 

Whitehaven Proposal Gains Planning Approval

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Whitehaven Coal's underground Narrabri mine has received planning approval for its proposed extension. 

The proposal will see the mine's longwall operations extended, and the life of the site will be prolonged by 13 years until 2044. 

The company says the move will be a lifeline for hundreds of jobs in the region, while also allowing royalty payments to the NSW government to continue for more than a decade. 

However, opponents of the project, including the Lock the Gate Alliance, say the extension will also be responsible for nearly half a billion tonnes of carbon emissions.

National Coordinator for the Lock the Gate Alliance, Georgina Woods, said the expansion of the Narrabri mine will make the site responsible for the highest volume of direct and indirect carbon emissions of any coal project regulated by the Independent Planning Commission. 

"We simply can't afford to lock in further methane and carbon dioxide emissions in the form of a coal mine expansion on this scale, especially when people in Australia are suffering the really terrible consequences of extreme climate change," she said. 

Ms Woods also expressed concern for farmers in the region, noting the impacts of drawn-down groundwater on the surrounding area. She said there is expected to be "at least eight or nine" farm bores affected by the coal mine, however local farmers believe this number to be much higher. 

"The underground mine also goes beneath the Pilliga Forest, which is a really crucial habitat refuge for threatened species, and because the longwall panels are so wide and so long, it's going to cause significant disruption on the surface and require clearing in the forest," she said. 

The project will go before a public hearing of the state's Independent Planning Commission on February 14. 

"We are now relying on the Independent Planning Commission to review this mining project in detail and hear from the local community, just how poor a record Whitehaven Coal has. They need to reject this coal mine expansion, not just in the interest of preventing climate change, but also to safeguard the groundwater resources that farmers in the Namoi rely on for their livelihoods," Ms Woods said. 

Image: Whitehaven Coal website

 

No new deaths to report in Hunter New England

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded 1,512 new COVID cases today and no deaths.

722 of those cases were from PCR tests and 790 were from RAT tests.

 

Sadly, four men passed away in Sunday's reporting period.

This brings the region to 92 cases in hospital, with five people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 15,091 new COVID cases and 24 deaths.

This brings the State to 2,816 cases in hospital, with 196 in intensive care.

33.5 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Supercars postponed in Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Newcastle 500 has been postponed, due to COVID-19 concerns around hosting a street circuit in the CBD.

Newcastle councillors and community groups last week voiced concerns around the management of the virus at the event.

The Sydney SuperNight is set to open the championship instead, but it's hoped the Newcastle race will happen later in the year.

Image credit: www.supercars.com

Three COVID deaths across the Hunter, amid record NSW numbers

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded 2,738 new COVID cases today and 3 deaths.

1,745 of those cases were from PCR tests and 993 were from RAT tests.

 

Sadly, two men and one woman have passed away with the virus.

Two were from Newcastle and one was from Singleton.

One was aged in their 60s, one in their 70s, and one in their 90s.

This brings the region to 100 cases in hospital, with six people in intensive care.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 25,168 new COVID cases and 46 deaths.

This brings the State to 2,743 cases in hospital, with 209 in intensive care.

30.3 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

 

Pharmacists say RAT tests nowhere to be seen

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter pharmacists say their stock of rapid antigen tests is vanishing into thin air before it even hits the shelves.

There's some concern the tests are being stopped in Sydney for the Government stockpile.

Anthony Piggott of Piggott's Pharmacy says nine out of every ten phone calls are customers looking for RATs.

But as to the whereabouts of the missing tests, he can't get a response. 

"For example, I've ordered a semi-trailer load that arrived into Sydney ten days ago, and now it's gone missing," Mr Piggott said. 

"And no one's going to tell me where they've gone. It's just gone silent."

"I have to just keep waiting for an order that may turn up at any time."

Pharmacists say they can't secure enough tests to supply people who qualify for free RATs on concession cards, let alone the general public.

Mr Piggott says pharmacists are desperately trying, but the public needs to be patient.

"All of it is just hush-hush," Mr Piggott said. 

"It's just something that happens behind closed doors and disappears."

Three Lake Macquarie men pass away from COVID

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded 2,911 new COVID cases today and 3 deaths.

1,645 of those cases were from PCR tests and 1,266 were from RAT tests.

This brings the region to 92 cases in hospital, with five people in intensive care. 

 

Sadly, three men in Lake Macquarie have passed away due to the virus.

One was aged in his 60s, one was in his 70s and, one was in his 80s.

 

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 30,825 new COVID cases and 25 deaths.

This brings the State to 2,781 cases in hospital, with 212 in intensive care.

29 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

BREAKING! Employee stabbed in armed robbery in Morpeth

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man's been wounded during an armed robbery at a Morpeth grocer early Thursday morning.

Three men entered the Swan Street store around 5:15am and began to rob the tills.

A 47-year-old employee challenged the men, and was stabbed.

He's been taken to the John Hunter, suffering wounds to his abdomen.

The three men fled the store in a white sedan.

Police are continuing their inquiries.

94-year-old man dies after horror crash on the M1

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A 94-year-old man has died after a crash on the M1 near George Booth Drive at Killingworth yesterday afternoon.

The man's car and a truck collided around midday.

The 33-year-old truck driver was treated at the scene and taken to the John Hunter Hospital, suffering shock.

He'll undergo mandatory testing.

Police say they're investigating the crash.

Former Cessnock MP Stan Neilly passes away at 79

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Former Cessnock MP Stan Neilly has passed away this week at the age of 79.

Mr Neilly was born in Abermain and joined the Labor Party in 1959, the same year his father was elected as the state member for Cessnock. 

He later served as the state member himself from 1981 to 1988, and then again from 1991 to 1999.

Current Cessnock MP Clayton Barr commemorated the loss in a Facebook post, writing that Mr Neilly had served the region his whole life.

"Nearly everyone around here has a story about Stan doing them a favour, or helping them sort out a problem," Mr Barr wrote.

"He gave his time to dozens of local groups who needed some advice or needed someone to run an eye over the books."

Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon described him as a "smart, effective & hard working MP".

"Stan Neilly's passing is a very sad loss for the community," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

"He was a person always helping others, but never sought any credit or thanks for his work."

3,189 new COVID cases across Hunter New England

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter New England Health District has recorded 3,189 new COVID cases today and 1 death.

1,986 of those cases were from PCR tests and 1,203 were from RAT tests.

This brings the region to 100 cases in hospital, with six people in intensive care. 

Sadly, a man in his 90s from Tamworth has passed away.

Across New South Wales, health has recorded 32,297 new COVID cases and 32 deaths.

This brings the State to 2,863 cases in hospital, with 217 in intensive care.

27.8 percent of adults have now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Man stabbed in neck during domestic incident in Muswellbrook

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man has been arrested in Muswellbrook on Wednesday morning, after stabbing another man in the neck in a domestic incident last night.

About 9.20pm on Tuesday night, emergency services were called to Brooke Street, Muswellbrook, following reports a 47-year-old man had been stabbed to the neck.

The injured man drove himself to Muswellbrook Hospital, before he was moved to the John Hunter, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

After investigations, police attended Hunter Terrace, Muswellbrook and arrested a 53-year-old around 2am. 

He's also been taken to the John Hunter for treatment, under police guard.

Inquiries are continuing. 

Newcastle councillors elect Deputy Lord Mayor for entire council term

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Declan Clausen has been elected as Newcastle's Deputy Lord Mayor at a council meeting last night.

He came ahead of Liberal contender Jenny Barrie to score the job, nine votes to four. 

Council also voted to extend the Deputy's term for the full length of the council's, meaning they won't vote again until the next election.

Mr Clausen was originally voted in as the city's youngest-ever deputy in 2017.

Greens councillor John Mackenzie pushed unsuccessfully to reduce the length to just six months.

He says a rotating roster for the position would set a more collaborative tone in the chamber. 

"It's a really low stakes gesture towards showing that we're actually making an effort to cross the political divide, to get good outcomes for the City of Newcastle," Dr Mackenzie said.

"You're also building up the skills of councillors to take on some of these larger community roles during their time on council."

Ms Barrie, as well as independent John Church, also backed the proposal, but the move was shot down by the Labor majority, who argued the chamber needed stability.

Image credit: www.nuatalinelmes.com/declan