Hunter residents urged to have a go at volunteering

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The Hunter Volunteer Centre is putting a call out to all residents in the region to give back to their community. 

The call comes after the pandemic saw a significant drop in volunteer numbers across the region. 

As a result, a number of local MP's and organisations have joined the appeal, asking people to give back in any way they can. 

Hunter Volunteer Centre CEO Tony Ross, said while the pandemic changed many things, it did not change the need for volunteers.  

"People don't seem to be stepping forward to volunteer and I guess there's a feeling with some of the messages that are out there, that by volunteering you might put yourself at risk of contracting COVID. What we really want to say is that volunteering is still a safe activity; it's a safe thing to do," Mr Ross said.  

The centre is seeking volunteers across all sectors, with a particular focus on transport, aged care, community conservation and retail. 

Mr Ross noted the benefits of volunteering, and said it can be just as rewarding for the individual, as for those they're helping. 

"It's a great thing to do, not only for the individual, with social connections, employment pathways, training pathways,  and the opportunity to meet new people and do new things, but it's also obviously great for the community because organisations themselves are looking for more volunteers," he said. 

Mr Ross said anyone with time to spare can call the centre, or register their interest on their website. 

"It's fun to volunteer, it's safe to volunteer, and the opportunities that come from volunteering are more than ever before," Mr Ross said. 

"In essence it leaves a legacy. It makes our community, makes your community stronger because you're actually in it; you're participating." 

The Hunter Volunteer Centre is seeking volunteers in the region.

Last chance for Hunter to grab free flu jab

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter residents are reminded, the NSW Government's free flu shot scheme will finish at the end of the month. 

Residents have until this Thursday 30th June to take advantage of the program. 

Free flu shots are available at GPs for anyone aged 6 months and over, as well as at pharmacies for everyone aged five years and over.

Many GP's and pharmacies in the region are still taking walk-in appointments and are encouraging locals to help stop the spread. 

Hunter New England Health public health physician, Dr David Durrheim, said it's not too late to protect yourself. 

"We've certainly seen an increase in the number of people who've been jabbed during June which is fantastic, but there's still opportunities for people to grab the vaccine in these last couple of days to get the whole family protected," Dr Durrheim said. 

He also reminded residents not to forget about COVID, with the rise in flu cases. 

"We've seen in the last three months, already over 6,200 Influenza A cases in the Hunter New England region, which is an enormous number. Two thirds of those cases have been in the last three weeks; there's plenty of flu about, you're going to encounter flu, so it's a really good idea to be protected as maximally as possible." 

"Anybody who hasn't had their flu jab should get their flu jab as soon as possible. Anybody who's due for either their third dose or their winter booster of the COVID jab, really don't delay any longer," he said.  

The flu vaccine will remain free for vulnerable individuals and high-risk groups, including children aged six months to under five years, Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people aged 65 years and over, and those with diabetes, serious heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, immunosuppression and obesity.

Hunter residents have until tomorrow to get their free flu shot. 

Second Man Fined Over Argyle Super Spreader COVID Outbreak

 BY IAN CROUCH

A second man has been fined over a COVID outbreak at the Argyle House Nightclub in Newcastle.

Officers from the Port Stephens Hunter District received information from NSW Health concerning a 20-year-old man who'd been directed to self-isolate at a Rutherford property from Wednesday the 8th of December as he was a close contact of a positive COVID case.

However he attended the Argyle that night and subsequently returned a positive COVID test - he's now self-isolating.

Police spoke with the man yesterday and issued a $5000 fine for failing to comply with a COVID-19 Direction Notice.

Another 20-year-old man who attended a boat party in Sydney was earlier fined $10,000 for ignoring a direction to self-isolate and attended the Argyle last Wednesday and a home at Adamstown on Saturday.

He's also self-isolating after contracting the virus. 

The Argyle Nightclub outbreak has since been linked to hundreds of cases.

 

 

Cambridge Hotel Listed As COVID Venue Of Concern

 BY IAN CROUCH

NSW Health has advised another popular Newcastle pub is a COVID venue of concern.

Anyone who attended the Cambridge Hotel in Newcastle West between 6.30pm last Friday and 2.30am on Saturday is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 7 days.

All household contacts of close contacts should also be tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received by everyone in the household.

The Cambridge was visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19, and it's likely some of those have the Omicron variant.

It follows a spike in cases linked to the Argyle House Nightclub, a medical ball at NEX on Friday night, and another high risk exposure at Finnegan's Hotel on Darby Street.  

 

NSW Health has listed The Cambridge Hotel as a venue of concern

Omicron Covid Case Confirmed In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

NSW Health says there are now 24 people with COVID-19 linked to the Argyle House nightclub in Newcastle and one is likely to have the Omicron variant.

Health authorities say a young woman who returned from the UK has been self-isolating in the Hunter since becoming infectious, along with her close household contacts.  

It's believed she's not inked to the Argyle cluster.

It's prompted an update to the health advice - anyone who was at the nightclub between 9pm last Wednesday and 3am on Thursday is now a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 7 days if fully vaccinated or 14 days if not.

680 people visited the venue during this time.

Public Health Physician DR David Durrheim says it's likely more cases with the Omicron variant will occur.

"We should probably prepare ourselves that we are going to get more Omicron cases coming in from overseas with open borders and it's very important therefore that we don't ignore even the mildest of symptoms," he said.

 

Newcastle Records Small Spike In Latest Round of COVID cases

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle has topped the list in the latest round of confirmed COVID cases in the Hunter New England Health District.

Of the 32 cases in the entire health district, 16 are from the Hunter

Ten cases were confirmed in Newcastle on Saturday night, with three each in Maryland and Wallsend and another two in Jesmond.

Elsewhere, Lake Macquarie recorded two cases at Windale and Maitland, Singleton, Cessnock and Port Stephens recorded one each.

Individual cases were recorded at North Lambton, Hamilton, Rathmines, Darlington, Thornton, Kurri Kurri and Raymond Terrace.

Statewide, 176 people were recorded in Sunday's update and there were two deaths in Sydney hospitals.

Currently 192 people are in  hospital, with 32 in ICU.

Vaccination rates hit 94.4% for first dose and 91.8% fully vaccinated for people over the age of 16. 

 

Upper Hunter Store Worker Bashed By Non Mask-Wearing Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court next month accused of bashing an Upper Hunter store worker after refusing to wear a face mask.

Police say a man entered a food store on Mayne Street at Murrurundi at about 4.15pm on Tuesday and became verbally aggressive towards a male employee who'd offered him a mask before leaving the store.

It's alleged the man returned a short time later and walked behind the counter before assaulting the worker and repeatedly attempting to drag him from the store while threatening him.

Customers went to the aid of the injured employee and the man left the store.

The 30-year-old worker was treated at Murrurundi Hospital for cuts and bruises to his face and swelling to his left eye.

Following inquiries, Police attended a home in Rosella Street, Murrurundi and arrested a 53-year-old man.

He's been granted conditional bail to face Scone Local Court on November 18 charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Vaccination Clinic Open Today At Newcastle University

BY IAN CROUCH

A free vaccination clinic is open today (Wednesday 6 October, 2021) at the University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus.

The on-campus medical centre is offering Pfizer and Astrazeneca shots.

There's no need for anyone to be a patient at the clinic, but you will need to book.

People can book by going to www.hotdoc.com.au   and search by the postcode 2308.

Spots are available from 9.40am this morning.

Meanwhile walk-in Pfizer clinics will be open at the Finding Yellow Hall at Weston on  Friday and the East Maitland Community Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

The clinics are open to everyone over the age of 12, with priority being given to indigenous people, those with disabilities or significant health issues and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

A vaccination clinic is opening today at the
University's on-campus medical centre
Picture:theguardian.com

BREAKING! Police Break Up Protest At Adamstown

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have been called to a protest demonstration at Adamstown.

Police say about 50 people gathered outside The Foundary building site off Brunker Road just before 7.00am.

It's believed the group were members of the CFMEU protesting over their claim for a 15% pay rise from a Canberra-based formwork company.

Officers arrived a short time later to break up the group - it's not known if any arrests have been made.

Earlier, police dispersed another group of CFMEU members at Huntington Waterfront Apartments site in Honeysuckle - another project being undertaken by the Canberra-based company.

Business Hunter Calls For Clear Guidelines On Re-Opening From Lockdown

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter's peak business group is calling for certainty when it comes to re-opening the region from Lockdown.

With less than a week to go until Freedom Day, Business Hunter says there needs to be clear guidelines on how businesses can re-open safely.

CEO Bob Hawes is welcoming a concession which allows staff in regional areas with only one vaccine dose to return to work as long as they can provide proof a second dose is coming. 

However this concession does not apply to workers in the health, aged care, education sectors or police.

Bob Hawes says businesses need simple, evidence-based resources for visitors to refer to at points of entry so that the terms of entry are clear. He says the Service NSW app needs to be updated by October 11 to support check-in and vaccination status.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes

Hunter Records 5th Covid-Related Death: Man In 40's Dies At Home

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter has recorded its fifth Covid-related death in the current outbreak, with a Lake Macquarie man in his 40's dying on Monday.

News Limited reports Hunter New England Health has confirmed the Arcadia Vale man, who was not vaccinated, was found dead in his home after contracting the virus last week.

He was receiving care in the community from Hunter New England Health.

The death has prompted a warning from health officials for anyone who is isolating in the community with COVID-19 to call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates, including the onset of breathlessness or dizziness.

The death will be included in Wednesday's official figures from NSW Health.

Two Hunter Schools Closed After Positive COVID Cases Confirmed

 BY IAN CROUCH

Mount Hutton Public School and West Wallsend Public School have been forced to close immediately after positive COVID tests were returned by members of the school communities.

It comes after Choice Pharmacy at Cameron Park was named an exposure site on Friday afternoon for a 10 minute period between 2.45pm and 2.55pm last Friday, 10 September. Anyone who attended the pharmacy at this time is urged to get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

The Department of Education has confirmed both schools have been closed for deep cleaning and contact tracing.

All staff and students have been directed to self-isolate in line with health advice.

EXCLUSIVE! Nelson Bay Man Fined $10K For Breaching Health Orders Twice On Same Day

BY IAN CROUCH

A Nelson Bay man has been slapped with $10,000 in fines for breaching the COVID Public Health orders.

Health officials advised the 29-year-old on Wednesday he had tested positive to Coronavirus and Police attended his Donald Street home on Thursday morning for a compliance check.

Police say 10 minutes after they departed a neighbour reported the man had left his home - he was found out-and-about about 90 minutes later and handed a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notice.

It's further alleged he left his home again after returning there and was issued a second $5000 fine when patrolling police spotted him at about 3.30pm.

Police have considered seeking a Section 62 order from NSW Health to have the man placed under guard in hotel quarantine.

However, Police carried out a subsequent compliance check and found he was self-isolating. 

Former Knights Star Cops Hefty Fine For COVID Breach

BY IAN CROUCH

Former Newcastle Knights star, Robbie O'Davis has copped a big fine for breaching the COVID-19 Public Health Order.

News Limited reports the 1997 Clive Churchill medalist has been fined $5000 for failing to remain at home after being deemed a close contact of the Lake Macquarie Costco outbreak last month.

Police say they went to the 48-year-old's Boolaroo home on August 26 to make sure he was self isolating and found he was absent from the premises.

They later returned and spoke to the man - he'd left home with a female occupant to attend a facility at Gateshead.

Robbie O'Davis Picture dailytelegraph.com.au

COVID-Infected Bulk Carrier Being Assessed Off Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

NSW Health is accessing a ship off Newcastle which has COVID-positive crew members on board.

11 of the 21 workers on board the bulk carrier Spirit of Ho Ping have contracted the virus.

The ship has come from the Philippines and hasn't docked in Australia - it's currently sitting about 60km off the coast of Newcastle.

Health authorities are to decide whether to bring the ship into Newcastle Port, escort it to a Navy site or leave it at anchor and allow the virus to run its course.

Dennis Ooutram from the Newcastle Branch of the Maritime Union of Australia says there are procedures in place to ensure the protection of wharfies if the ship does dock.

"We've had very few (COVID-infected ships) in Newcastle. To my knowledge they have to self-declare if there's any illness - so that's not COVID, that's anything concerning the health of their crew," he said.

 

The bulk carrier Spirit Of Ho Ping is sitting about 60km off the coast of Newcastle Picture balticshipping.com

 

Sydney Arborists Hit With $30K In Fines Over COVID-19 Health Breaches

BY IAN CROUCH

A group of arborists have been hit with more than $30,000 in fines for breaching Public Health Orders in the Lake Macquarie area.

Inquiries revealed the group had been canvassing for business in the area on Wednesday and had been travelling to and from Greater Sydney.

It's alleged the 27-year-old owner of the business obtained a permit to enter Regional NSW based on untrue and inaccurate information, while the 25-year-old co-owner of the business did not have a permit.

Police say other employees did not have a COVID-19 test prior to leaving Greater Sydney as required by the Public Health Order.

As a result, police issued seven men – aged between 25 and 61 – PINs totaling $33,000 for the offences of:

* Leave Greater Sydney for prescribed purposes without a permit

* Fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to s 7/8/9 – COVID-19

* Not comply with requirements for testing – workers leaving Greater Sydney

* Not ensure true and accurate information provided to Service NSW

All seven men were directed to return to their homes in Greater Sydney.

Police say investigations into other reports from the community are ongoing.

A separate investigation is under way after another Sydney company sent tree loppers to the region, going door-to-door looking for work from mid to late August. Several of the workers subsequently tested positive to COVID-19.

Cessnock Gaol In Lockdown Amid COVID Fears

BY IAN CROUCH

Cessnock Gaol has been placed into lockdown after it was revealed several prisoners had mixed with inmates at Sydney's Parklea Prison who have since tested positive to Coronavirus.

Staff at the gaol were advised of the situation yesterday and  are now wearing full personal protective equipment when dealing with inmates.

It's understood a total of 12 inmates were in a non-quarantine area of Parklea along with infected prisoners before being sent to Cessnock.

The Acting Corrective Services Commissioner has ordered an investigation into how the Parklea prisoners, who were not fresh arrivals, contracted the virus.

Cessnock Gaol is on high alert for COVID-19

Authorities Tracing Steps Of COVID-Positive Man From Windale

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are working with health officials to track the movements of a man diagnosed with COVID-19 which forced the hard lockdown of a Windale apartment complex.

The 52-year-old was fined $1000 on Sunday for breaching the public health order after travelling to Blacktown to visit a friend, where he contracted the virus.

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital on Tuesday after Police found his condition had deteriorated during a compliance check.

Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim says it's feared the man may have had contact with people in the local community while infectious. 

"We are working with Police and with the case to better understand any community exposures that there may have been," he said.

Dr David Durrheim

Man To Face Court Over Incident At Jesmond Pharmacy

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Thursday 26 August, 2021) accused of becoming aggressive towards staff at a Jesmond pharmacy.

The 54-year-old attended the Blue Gum Road chemist just before 5.00pm last Friday to receive a COVID vaccination and was initially refused entry because he wasn't wearing a face mask.

He returned a short time later with a face covering but it's alleged he became verbally aggressive towards staff when they tried to obtain personal details.

Police say he picked up a bag of bottles and began swinging it at staff and customers before finally leaving.

He was arrested at a Jesmond home on Wednesday and has been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today charged with affray and failing to comply with public health order.

Australia Post To Hire More Staff As Parcel Deliveries Surge

BY IAN CROUCH

Australia Post is set to hire more staff and ramp up weekend parcel deliveries across the country as residents in Lockdown move to online shopping.

More than 4000 new team members are being recruited including 3500in delivery roles - 350 of those in regional areas.

The hiring effort also includes 1000 drivers.

More than 9 million Australians shopped online in the past financial year, with Australia Post's 2021 Inside Online eCommerce report revealing almost 32 per cent growth year-on-year.

Weekend deliveries will remain in place until the end of the year, with up to half a million parcels being delivered every weekend from now until Christmas.

Australia Post is hiring more staff to cope with a surge
 in parcel deliveries Picture startsat60.com