Health Services Union Members Rally To Keep The Wallsend Aged Care Facility Open

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Aged care workers are calling on the Hunter New England Local Health District to keep the Wallsend Aged Care Facility open and in public hands.  

68 of the facility's 98 beds have been left empty for the past two years, as the district claims recruitment issues are stopping them from hiring more staff.

Health Services Union members say they've seen no evidence the district has been working to recruit more staff at all.

Assistant Secretary Lynne Russell, says workers and residents alike are set to be affected if the service is closed.

"It beggars belief as to why you would use public hospital beds to accommodate our aged care residents, who really need specialised care in an aged care facility, yet close down a whole unit," she said.

"It doesn't make any sense." 

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery says she'd like to see the facility used for geriatric patients which are currently causing bed block at the John Hunter and Belmont Hospitals.

She says she's in discussions with the Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health to make better use of the facility.

Image: Newcastle Herald

Students Rally Behind Maitland Teacher Charged with Assault

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Students rallied in support of a Maitland Grossman High School teacher as he arrived at court today. 

62-year-old Michael Kable is charged with common assault, after police were called to the school on the 21st of March, on reports a student had allegedly been struck by a male teacher.

Supporters say Mr Kable was pushed to his limit and was regularly subject to taunting and abuse from students. 

His matter has been adjourned to the 27th of April while he seeks further legal advice. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

PKK Mining Equipment Workers Walk Off the Job, Rallying for Fairer Pay Deal

BY DANEIE GEDDES

Workers at PPK Mining Equipment at Tomago have walked off the job for 24 hours, rallying for a fairer pay deal.

Workers say they are fed-up with business owner, Dale McNamara, who ran as an Independent candidate in the seat of Upper Hunter at the recent state election.   

They say Mr McNamara froze pay at the beginning of 2021, promising to make it up to them once a big merger went through with Valley Longwall International, which has occurred. 

Vice President of the Australian Workers Union NSW Branch, Cameron Wright, said workers are now being asked to accept a deal which doesn't come close to matching the rising the cost of living. 

"Dale McNamara likes to claim he's a friend to workers in the Hunter but he has betrayed the trust of his employees at PPK," he said. 

"PKK workers won't accept a sub-par deal that doesn't give them a fair cut of the profitability they've helped create."

After rallying at Tomago Roundabout this morning, workers hope Mr McNamara agrees to get back around the table to negotiate a fair deal and a reasonable, comprised outcome. 

"I hate to say it, but if we can't do that, then we're likely to be out here at the Tomago Roundabout again," Mr Wright said.