Lyne MP Calls For Community Opinion Ahead Of Gambling Reforms

BY LIAM COLLINS

Proposed reforms on gambling advertisements has spurred Lyne MP Alison Penfold to call for community input. 

The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2026, introduced to the Federal Parliament on Thursday, is looking to ban gambling advertising during live sport broadcasts, on sporting uniforms and at sports venues, as well as stronger protections for children online. 

The bill comes three years after the landmark 2023 Murphy review, a parliamentary inquiry spearheaded by the late MP Peter Murphy which sought to research the harms of online gambling and make recommendations.

Alison Penfold released a survey to residents of her electorate, asking locals what they thought of the proposed reforms.

She said we have to be careful of gambling advertising around a younger sporting audience.

"I've heard stories from teachers where kids aren't talking about the footy teams that are playing, they're talking about the odds of who's going to win, and that has real concern," she said. 

So far, her survey has highlighted a majority support for the reforms from its over 500 responses across the Lyne electorate.

Ms Penfold said the clear, straight-forward responses to the survey were incredibly helpful.

"People have certainly got strong views on this... these are very important matters," she said. 

"I really appreciate people telling me their stories, their family stories, the pain and suffering that comes with someone who's been addicted to gambling."

The responses will be used to construct her arguments on the reforms, once it's debated in Parliament in mid-August. 

The survey is available online and is open until July 24. 

Lyne MP Alison Penfold. 

Liddell Power Station closure generates future energy debate

BY CONNOR MARSELOS

Today marks a major milestone in how the energy grid will be shaped for future generations.

After operating as a coal-fired power station since 1971, the Liddell Power Station finally shut down, as the last 500 megawatt generator switched-off.

The shutdown plays a role in the Federal Government's transition to renewable energy, mainly wind and solar power.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, says the closure of Liddell now puts the region into an uncertain period of energy insecurity through to 2027.

"Energy demand in Australia is still increasing significantly and is going to continue to increase while we do gear up for the renewable revolution." Mr Hawes said.

The plan to address the potential short fall Mr Hawes says, has to factor in large-scale commitments to compensate energy generation not just with Liddell, but the five remaining coal-fired power stations.

"We'll continue to work at the intersection of government, business, and investment to support the supply of reliable and renewable energy as we journey towards a renewable energy future".

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen has already indicated the size and scope of the transition now laid out for Australia.

The minister noted, in order to achieve Net-Zero by 2030, the energy grid would need to commission 40 wind turbines per month and 22,000 solar panels daily to meet the energy demand.

One source cited by the minister during these remarks, was the potential utilization of small, modular nuclear reactors.

Nationals leader David Littleproud is calling for a mature conversation with the government about the role nuclear energy can play in the transition.

"It can replace this big generator with two or three small modular nuclear reactors, that would keep the jobs here, give a future for the Hunter and the jobs that need to come back," Mr Littleproud said.

Image: Newcastle Herald

Second Stage of Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion to Begin in May

BY BLAKE QUINN

The second stage of the $43.8 million Newcastle Art Gallery expansion will begin next month. 

City of Newcastle unanimously voted to award the contract for the construction works to Hansen Yunken at it's meeting last night. 

The nationally significant infrastructure project will undergo its second stage transformation in May. 

It's set to elevate the gallery into one of international standing, helping consolidate the Hunter's reputation as an "active and vibrant centre for the arts and culture, providing a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW" according to Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes. 

The expansion will provide additional exhibition space to showcase Newcastle's historic art collection valued at $126 million, nationally recognised as one of the finest in Australia. 

As such, it will offer an opportunity to tell local stories whilst also inspiring new ones through displaying works of art which hold local, national, and international importance. 

The project will also deliver new shopping spaces, multi-purpose educational program spaces, as well as an international standard loading dock.

A spokesperson form Hansen Yunken says they plan to employ 130 local workers at the height of the expansion's construction works. 

The initial site establishment will commence in May, with the overall construction process projected to be completed in late 2024. 

Calls for bigger emphasis on Hunter bubs in bushfire response

BY BILLE KAAL

Red Cross Australia is encouraging residents with young children to begin planning for potential disasters, as the Hunter enters its bushfire and flood season. 

Although the Bushfire Danger Season kicks off on October 1 for the majority of New South Wales, some LGAs in the Hunter entered the period back in September. 

A survey conducted by the University of Western Sydney and the Australian Breastfeeding Association has found there are significant challenges faced by parents with young children when it comes to preparation and evacuation due to disasters. 

Younger children and babies have specific needs, and often places like evacuation centres can not always fulfil them. 

Red Cross National Resilience Advisor John Richardson has some advice for parents and guardians to consider when looking to plan for these potential disasters. 

''Think about what you might need particularly as a parent of a baby or a young child. Have you got wipes, nappies, comforters or the ability to sterilize?" he said. 

"The other thing we recommend is people make sure they have got identity documents. Things such as birth certificates and immunization records." 

Mr Richardson hopes better planning will help ensure that children's needs are not overlooked when faced with difficulty from potential disasters. 

Newcastle students to get creative about waste in art competition

BY BILLIE KAAL

Newcastle Council is encouraging school students to take part in an art competition with a focus on the circular economy. 

The Close the Loop Art Competition has been created to initiate important conversations about sustainability and resource recovery.

Students have the opportunity for their art works to be showcased on waste trucks and bins across the city.

The competition remains open to all students within the Newcastle LGA, with participating schools going in the running to win a workshop from GoCircular.  

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk says the competition is a part of a larger approach to educate and spark community feedback on the topic. 

"The competition is designed to encourage important conversations around sustainability and resource recovery, but also encourage broader community wide feedback on what we are doing with our Sustainable Waste Strategy at the city," she said. 

Students can enter the competition through Council's website, with entries closing on the 23rd of September. 

Cr Adamczyk at Our Lady of Victories for the launch of Close the Loop school art competition.

Lake Macquarie residents labelled top green waste recyclers in the country

BY RAVELLE EATON

Lake Macquarie residents have been labelled as some of the best green waste recyclers in Australia. 

Data released by Lake Macquarie Council has shown 44,000 tonnes of food and garden organics was collected by crews from over 85,000 households in the past financial year. 

Waste Strategy Coordinator Hal Dobbins says almost 60 per cent of household food waste is going into the green bin. 

"Treated timer, rocks, rubble, garbage, plastic bags and kitty litter are some of the items put into the green bin incorrectly," he said. 

Lake Macquarie residents had significantly lower rates of contamination when it came to placing items in the correct bin.

The council congratulated residents and hopes to get even more organics from the red waste bin into the green waste bin.

The food organics facility at Awaba.

University of Newcastle's Sport and Aquatic Centre Set to Reopen Following $7.8 Million Upgrade

BY LAURA WILLIAMS 

The University of Newcastle is celebrating the final milestone of the refurbishment of their Forum Sports & Aquatic Centre, with the pool taps turning on this week. 

The three-day pool refill is the final stage of a $7.8 million refurbishment of the 23 year old facility.  

University Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky says the refurbishment represents the university's dedication to providing world class facilities for students, staff and community. 

"When you have the right facilities you can attract events and activate the campus."

The scope of work included a restructure to include a disabled access ramp, touch pad timing for competition-level swim meets and a new elevator with improved accessibility. 

"Let's hope someone in the Hunter can set a world record here."

The project was fast tracked following the closure of the sports centre during COVID-19, allowing opportunity to begin construction with minimal community interruption. 

"The upgrades provided an opportunity for us to provide work to those who needed it during Covid, and have a ready-to-use facility in a post-Covid world," says Professor Zelinsky. 

The Forum Sports & Aquatic Centre is set to reopen June 15th and will be open to the community. 

Pictured: Vice Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky and NUsport CEO Deborah Wright commencing the pool refill