Former Charlestown MP Richard Face Dies, Age 80

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Former Hunter Labor MP and State Government Minister Richard Face has died at the age of 80. 

The Former Charlestown MP reportedly passed away last night after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. 

He held the seat of Charlestown for 30 years, which is believed to be a record for any state or Federal MP in the region. 

Mr. Face also served as the Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development, which is now known as the Minster for the Hunter. 

He was instrumental in the establishment of the Glenrock State Recreational Reserve, and was a staunch advocate for the construction of the West Charlestown bypass, and the redevelopment of McDonald Jones Stadium. 

Stress on Housing Crisis for Homeless Women

BY LAURA D'AMICO


Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison is raising concern in regards to the housing crisis many women are facing.

Yesterday Ms Harrison gave a Notice of Motion to address the government, asking for long-term housing solutions for the ever-growing number of homeless women in the Charlestown electorate.

"These women have led conventional lives, raised families, worked part-time or in unpaid roles," Ms Harrison said.

"Many of these women are unable to maintain private rental as the high rental prices can consume practically all of their income - they are left without the financial security to care for themselves."

The rate of women who are homeless is increasing at a concerning rate, with considerable concern for those aged over 46.

With 0.01% of houses in the private rental market being affordable to women claiming a Newstart allowance, there has been an ever-present increase of women sleeping in cars and 'couch surfing'.

The worrying increase in the number of homeless women in the hunter has seen local not-for-profit support services stretched thin, and Jodie Harrison says the government needs to be doing more to fix the problem.

"The Berejiklian Government needs to stop pouring billions of dollars into rebuilding new sports stadiums in Syndey and put the money where it is needed most."

Residents Rally for Hillsborough Road

BY SAM ISAAC AND LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Hillsborough and Warners Bay residents will gather at Hillsborough oval today at 9am, calling on the state government to release funding in the upcoming NSW 2018/19 budget for improvements to Hillsborough Road.

They'll share stories about accidents or near-misses along the stretch, with representatives from Lake Macquarie Council and Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison to also address the crowd.

It's understood the RMS has been invited to attend but is yet to deliver an RSVP.

The busy arterial road runs through Warner's Bay and Cardiff South and has been a source of controversy for years.

Daily congestion means many residents struggle to enter and exit their own homes, often costing them 15 or 20 minutes in the morning.

They're also concerned about the dangers the road poses to motorists and pedestrians alike, following the tragic 2015 death of 15-year-old Jade Frith.

Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison says the government promised her a study on the road's problems and ways to remedy them back in 2015 but no upgrades have since been completed.

Hillsborough resident, Michael Nolan organised the meeting and says everyone living in the suburb has only two main entrances and exits, so Hillsborough Road needs to be de-congested.

"We've been petitioning the state government for five and a half years to release the Roads and Maritime report [the Lake Macquarie Network Study] to identify the problems along the Road and the solutions to those traffic issues...

"We've now got a draft copy of that report, which identifies that traffic lights will be put at the Chadwick Street and Hillsborough Road intersection," he continued, "so now we're hoping they'll act on the draft plans before...the next election."

Anyone passionate about the cause who can't make it to the meeting is urged to contact the office of Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison or write to the office of Roads Minister, Melinda Pavey.

Flowers mourn the death of a 15-year-old girl on the busiest section of Hillsborough Rd, 2015.
Image: The Herald.