New Federal Grants Program Brought in To Help Communities Left Out of Former Government Initiative

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Councils and community groups in the Hunter are being encouraged to apply for a new round of federal government grants.

The $600 million Growing Regions Program has been brought in to replace the previous government's controversial Regional Growth Fund. 

Federal Labor has accused the Liberals and Nationals of pork-barreling and ignoring communities like the Hunter, after it was revealed 96% of funding from the Regional Growth Fund went to Coalition-held electorates.

The government says all local councils and community groups looking to deliver critical regional infrastructure will be eligible under the new program. 

Expressions of interest are now open. 

NSW Premier Announces $100,000 in Funding Support for Families of the Greta Bus Crash Victims

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The state government is donating $100,000 to help people affected by the Greta bus crash. 

The injection will provide benevolent relief and support to survivors, victims, and their immediate families. 

A fundraiser set up by the Singleton Roosters AFL Club in support of affected locals has so far raised more than $120,000. 

Visiting the Hunter today, NSW Premier Chris Minns said the funds from the government will be put into a Rotary Australia-led fund which will support those in the community who have been directly impacted by the tragedy. 

"We will leave it up to Rotary and their governance process to distribute the funds, but we anticipate they will be used for funeral expenses for those who have passed," Mr. Minns said.  

Rotary expects the fund will raise more than $1 million in total. 

The Premier also took the time to thank emergency service staff and the Australian public for their outpouring of support for the Hunter community, and gave an update on those victims still in hospital. 

At this stage nine patients are in a stable condition at the John Hunter Hospital, two are in a stable condition at Singleton Hospital, and two are in a stable condition at the Royal Prince Albert in Sydney. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

NSW Coalition Promises $102 Million to Redevelop Scone Hospital

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The NSW Coalition has made it's largest pre-election funding commitment to date, with $102 million pledged to redevelop the Scott Memorial Hospital at Scone if re-elected on March 25.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole made the announcement this morning in the ultra-marginal seat of Upper Hunter.

Minister for Regional Health, Bonnie Taylor says the redevelopment will deliver a new state-of-the-art hospital building, consolidating services now at different sites across the hospital campus.

The commitment also includes an upgrade to worker accommodation. 

Image: Monument Australia

Edgeworth to Receive New Ambulance Station

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A new ambulance station in Edgeworth is on the way, thanks to the state government's record investment into health.

The new station will feature internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, vehicle wash facilities, logistics and storage spaces, an administration office, staff amenities, and multipurpose spaces to support staff education. 

It comes as part of the government's total 1.76 billion dollar investment, which is set to transform NSW ambulance services over the next 4 years. 

As part of the program, the government has also announced $835 million will be allocated to the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, $111.48 million will be handed-down to redevelop Cessnock Hospital, and 45 million will go towards Muswellbrook Hospital. 

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin, said the site for the Edgeworth station will be determined once further planning is completed with key stakeholders. 

Funding Announced to Repair Hunter Roads

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Major new road funding has been announced for a number of areas in the Hunter. 

The Mayors of Singleton and Muswellbrook met with Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway for the announcement this morning. 

$2.8 million has been allocated to fix the Allyn River Road in the Dungog Shire, and Victoria Street in Muswellbrook will be boosted by more than $700,000. 

Mr Farraway also announced $3 million will go towards repairing Hunter Road at Ellerston, and $1 million will be given to Singleton Council. 

"This is all about making sure we are repairing, not just filling-in potholes," he said. 

"We're doing heavy patching, and councils will have the support to repair those potholes and those roads that locals use every day, whether they be the roads to the shops, footy clubs or to school." 

Hunter Volunteer Centre to Remain Open Despite Reduced Federal Funds

 BY BELLA MIDDLETON 

Above: HVC CEO Tony Ross

Photo Credit: Newcastle Herald

The Hunter Volunteer Centre will remain open after preparing to close its doors for good on Wednesday, following the introduction of a new funding scheme announced by the federal government. 

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth announced $4 million in funding for volunteer management centres to recruit and train staff, in which 37 centres, including the Hunter Volunteer Centre, will be able to apply for a grant of up to $100,000 over two years.

HVC CEO Tony Ross, said the announcement is positive news, but it's less than previous years. 

"While it is a wonderful offer, it certainly doesn't seem to go far enough to keep place-based VRC's open," said Mr. Ross. 

Mr. Ross said the last federal government changed the funding model in mid 2021, allocating funding to each state's peak body to distribute based on expressions of interest, instead of directly funding each centre an average of $100,000. 

The HVC received their usual funding of $200,000 last year, which was dubbed as transitional funding before the new framework came into place. 

"This latest offer from the minister, collectively, is about a 50% reduction to VRC's. Here in the Hunter, it's actually a 75% reduction."

"I can't stretch $50,000 into $200,000," said Mr. Ross. 

Hunter Apprentices Given Federal Funding Boost

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The Federal Government has provided more assistance for apprentices and employers across the Hunter and the country. 

It comes in repose to significant skills gaps across the region, with recent data showing 47% of trade and technician occupations are in shortage, up from 42% in 2021. 

Under the new scheme, the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List has been expanded, giving more occupations access to government funding. 

It's been expanded from 77 to 111, to include occupations like vet nurses, travel consultants and swimming coaches, in addition to traditional trades. 

It will provide a wage subsidy of up to $15,000 to be claimed by employers in the region, and $5000 will be given directly to eligible apprentices. 

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, says holes in Hunter industries need to be plugged. 

"It's a big problem in the Hunter currently," he said. 

St John's Maitland Welcomes New Vehicle and Equipment

BY OLIVIA DILLON

St John's Ambulance volunteers in Maitland have welcomed the delivery of a new service vehicle and stretcher. 

The new equipment was purchased using two grants totaling $60,000, via the NSW Government's Community Building Partnership Program. 

The grants are offered annually in support of community infrastructure projects which yield social,  environmental or recreational rewards for the community. 

The 2021 round saw 19 local organisations across the Maitland region secure funding. 

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison, said she was honoured to recommend St Johns for the grant. 

"It was really exciting for them to receive this funding," Ms Aitchison said. 

"Community groups are working so hard in our community. It's nice to be able to help them with fundraising for projects to help them, help others."  

The funding comes off the back of recent flooding in the region, which saw volunteers going the extra mile to serve the community. 

Rather than transporting patients, the four-wheel drive vehicle will primarily be used to transport volunteers themselves to and from jobs. 

Ms Aitchison said recent events have demonstrated just how important local volunteers are. 

"The St John's Ambulance so an amazing amount of work in our community. During the floods they were based on Gillieston Island and that was over many days; they were actually sleeping on the island. They just do great work helping our other health and emergency services in times of emergency," she said.  

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison and Jim Klumpp from St Johns Ambulance.

NSW Government Funds Koala Protection in Port Stephens

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens Council has secured $845,000 from the NSW Government, to assist with the protection of koalas around busy roads. 

The grant funding comes after a state-wide investigation into vehicle road-strike hotspots, identified Port Stephens Drive as one of the worst koala road-strike sites in NSW. 

Council's Group Manager of Development Services Steve Peart said although the numbers are concerning, the study also identified efficient and effective solutions to the problem. 

"From 2010 to 2020, 89 koala records have been identified along Port Stephens Drive, including 11 vehicle strike fatalities, five vehicle strike injury rescues and 11 rescues," Mr Peart said. 

"This grant funding from the NSW Government is allowing Council to install 2km fauna-proof fencing on both sides of Port Stephens Drive, retrofit 850 metres of koala-proof fencing to the existing Horizons Golf Course fence, build a 20 metre long box culvert as fauna underpass near southern boundary of the golf course and add koala pavement painting and roadside signage indicating koala speed zones."

The funding also coincides with the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Port Stephens Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management. 

The plan has been adopted by Council since 2002 and is central to identifying and protecting local habitats and threats to koalas, as well as furthering conservation efforts in the area. 

Mr Peart said protecting this vulnerable population is a top priority for the community. 

"People have a really special affiliation with the koala; it's not every day you get to walk through a reserve, some bushland, or even along a beach and come across a koala either walking on the ground or up in a tree. It's a really important part of the identity of the people of Port Stephens," he said. 

Maitland Magpies score $2 million in Federal funds for field upgrade

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Federal Government has committed $2 million for the Maitland FC Magpies, to upgrade their facilities at Cooks Square Park.

The Stage One works will see a half-size training pitch expanded to full-size, in hopes to double the number of competition games being played. 

It's understood, the club is searching for further money, for a new two-storey buildings with canteens, storerooms, and female changerooms. 

Maitland FC President Ray Watkins says it's reassuring to see spending right across the region.

"One of our key targets to be able to get the message out to all of the youth of Maitland," Mr Watkins said.

"They don't need to travel into Newcastle to get the best facilities available. They can come right here to Cooks Square Park and achieve all of the resources and the development needs."

Labor's also announced, if it wins the Federal Election in May, it will match the Commonwealth's commitment on the project.

Club President Ray Watkins, Liberal Candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell, Senator Jim Molan, and Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold.

Federal Government Announces Funding Boost for Local Councils

 BY CHARLOTTE LLOYD

The Federal Government has announced a major funding boost as part of the 2022-23 Financial Assistance Grants Payment. 

This will see local councils across the Hunter benefiting from payments by the end of the month (April 2022) including Cessnock, Maitland, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Dungog, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens. 

This is in hopes to target local priorities and manage the impacts of both the recent floods and the ongoing effects of COVID-19. 

The grants being distributed are in the hands of the local Government and allow local councils to make local decisions on delivering vital services otherwise not available to them from a lack of resources. 

An outline of each councils Financial Assistance Payment:

• Cessnock City Council - $6,114,730
• Dungog Shire Council - $2,349,390
• Lake Macquarie City Council - $13,402,343
• Maitland City Council - $5,815,747
• Muswellbrook Shire Council - $3,115,017
• Port Stephens Council - $5,507,409
• Singleton Council - $3,302,190

Commonwealth commits more than $250 million for Muswellbrook bypass

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Federal Government has committed $268.8 million to build the Muswellbrook bypass on the New England Highway.

It's hoped the bypass will be a major speed boost for freight travelling through the Hunter.

It's estimated, between 11,000 to 20,000 vehicles pass through Muswellbrook every day, around 13 percent of which are heavy vehicles.

The project is expected to support 720 jobs directly and another 1,090 indirectly.

The investment is part of a new Energy Security and Regional Development plan put forward by the Commonwealth.

The NSW Government is set to contribute just over $67 million for the project, to split funding 80 to 20.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2023 and be completed by late 2027.

Art Gallery Loan Stirs Dissent in Newcastle Council Chambers

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle Council will seek an almost $23 million dollar loan to fund the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion, despite opposition from Independent councillors.

Six Labor councillors and the Greens' John Mackenzie backed Tuesday night's motion to pursue a 10 year loan with the Treasury Corporation, but Independents and sole Liberal Brad Luke opposed the move.

Cr John Church said ratepayers deserved to provide feedback on the plans, and other approaches to funding should have been considered beforehand. 

"The decision last night, I think was rushed," Cr Church said. "We didn't give the community a chance to say whether they want the council to take out a 10 year loan of nearly $23 million dollars." 

"And we didn't ask the second question - if we do want that money, is the Art Gallery the community's priority project?" 

Cr Church also suggested an incremental approach to the works with the money currently available could prompt State or Federal investment.

But Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes shot down the possibility, saying Cr Church's comments demonstrated "complete ignorance" about capital works projects.

"You cannot stage this project," Cr Nelmes said. "Instead of being a project that costs around $35 million dollars, staging it is likely to double."

The Newcastle Art Gallery also endorsed the move, citing historically low interest rates.

Cr Nelmes said it was a vote of confidence in arts and tourism.

"It has been on the books for over 16 years and there has been no State or Federal Government funding that is forthcoming," Cr Nelmes said.

"There is a pathway to ensuring this project is delivered for our community, at a very low cost to ratepayers, at 0.88 of a percent." 

Cr Church maintained the council was putting "the cart before the horse".

"The community should have been asked the question and had a chance to have their say prior to Labor rushing this decision," Cr Church said.

Image credit: www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Federal Funding to Fix 'Black Spots'

BY CHARLOTTE LLOYD 

The Australian Government's Black Spot Program is set to receive more funding in hopes to improve 97 dangerous crash sites on local New South Wales roads between 2021 and 2023. 

The funding received will make a beneficial contribution to deaths and injuries that have occurred along community roads within New South Wales and will aid in past investments within the state. 

Chair of the NSW Black Spot Consultative Committee the Hon Dr David Gillespie says the state will receive $34.4 million under the program as well as more funds being offered from the New South Wales Government. 

Some of the high-priority locations include Maitland, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Newcastle, Port Stephens and Port Macquarie. 

The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics has found that these high-priority locations have seen a total of 15 fatal and 584 crashes in the last 5 years which is hoped to be reduced by up to 30 percent with the new improvements. 

Funding set for local 'black spots' in NSW

Hunter Domestic Violence Support Organisations Set to Benefit From COVID Grants

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter organisations supporting victims of domestic violence have been given a helping hand in the latest round of a grant program supporting women through the pandemic.

A number of local groups have managed to benefit in the third round of the $8.6 million COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Infrastructure Grant Program.

Maitland's Carrie's Place is set to put the cash toward refurbishing their refuge with a new kitchen and facilities, as well as efforts to improve disability access. 

Upper Hunter Homeless Support, Samaritans Foundation, Port Stephens Family Family and Neighbourhood Services Inc., Family Support Newcastle and Survivor's R Us Incorporated have all also received funding for renovations, repairs, and new infrastructure.

Carrie's Place CEO Jayne Clowes says the funds will go a long way toward providing the best conditions for their clients.

"Your own environment and your own surroundings are important to you," Ms Clowes said. "We need to make sure that our women and children feel safe and secure." 

"So it's a fantastic opportunity for Carrie's Place to be able to use this funding to improve our services for the clients that we support." 

Grants to Help Multicultural Events Get Up and Running in the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Community organisations across the Hunter are being encouraged to apply to a new funding program to help get multicultural projects off the ground.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for individual events, and up to $40,000 to get bigger projects up and running as part of the Multicultural NSW Community Support Grants Program.

Eligible projects include English-language classes, migrant support groups, and art and sport programs, as well as multicultural and interfaith events.

Hunter Multicultural Centre CEO Annette Gebhardt says the funding would allow the fostering of greater levels of community engagement.

"It can be events that build stronger social cohesion, it can be programs that build greater levels of awareness and understanding. 

"Basically its about creating a sense of belonging regardless of peoples background, race, gender, religion, age and status," Ms Annette Gebhardt said.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin says he would like to see the funding go to some of the outstanding organisations and volunteers in the Hunter region.

Applications can be made until 5pm on Thursday 20th May at https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/.

Calls to Introduce Consent Classes in Hunter High Schools

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The NSW Government is facing calls to put forward $250,000 in funding toward an early intervention program discussing consent and healthy relationships in high schools across the Hunter and the State.

The issue was raised at a NSW Budget Estimates inquiry on Tuesday following reports of alarming rates of sexual assaults of students in Sydney.

Love Bites, a respectful relationships program offered by the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, requested the funding to help train more facilitators and expand efforts following increased demand from Sydney high schools.

Labor MP Trish Doyle, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, said communities should not have to resort to fundraising to help get these services off the ground.

"It's important that governments not only provide services to those issues, but that they also invest in primary prevention," Ms Doyle said.

"Let's pump some money into our schools, let's have our young people change this culture of violence and discuss what a healthy relationship looks like and what to do if you're in one that's not." 

Hunter Valley Zoo Secures Funding Life Line

BY ISABEL EVERETT

One of the Hunters most popular tourist attractions, Hunter Valley Zoo will receive a much-needed funding lifeline, with the Federal Coalition Government today unveiling a support package to help them get through the COVID-19 crisis.

This funding will assist zoos and aquariums like Hunter Valley Zoo with the fixed operational costs associated with the caring of their animals, while also helping to ensure they remain viable and ready to welcome visitors when restrictions are eased. 

Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie said the initiative would provide vital assistance for Hunter Valley Zoo that has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“This will be a lifeline for Hunter Valley Zoo who have had many of their revenue streams dry up during this crisis,” Dr Gillespie said.

“It’s absolutely crucial our iconic zoos, like Hunter Valley can still operate on the other side and play a major role in helping our tourism industry to recover from this.” 

A single lion needs about $250 in red meat per week or $13 000 of red meat over an entire year.

Hunter Valley Zoo owner, Jason Pearson today welcomed the funding saying it would help ensure his team could continue to provide quality treatment and care to their animals during this time.

“The closure has put immense pressure on our operating budgets, we have many ongoing costs like veterinary care and significant food costs with some animals requiring highly-specialised and exotic food,” Mr Pearson said.

“A single lion needs about $250 in red meat per week or $13 000 of red meat over an entire year.”

“While COVID 19 may be keeping visitors away, zookeepers, and veterinarians continue to play a lead role in wildlife recovery after the bushfires, from treatment and rehabilitation to the development of insurance populations.”

Eligible exhibiting zoos and aquariums will have access to a grant that contributes towards up to six months of its animal welfare operating costs.

 This includes animal feed, enclosure, health and other specialized care expenses, and utilities directly related to the housing and caring for animals.

                                Image Credit: Hunter Valley Zoo

Hunter Sports Clubs Urged to Submit to Inquiry into Sports Rorts Scandal

BY GEMMA FERGUSON

Hunter sporting clubs and organisations are being encouraged to share their experience following the Sports Rorts scandal.

An independent review by the Auditor General, into the Community Sports Infrastructure Grant program, found the Morrison Government had used the exercise to pork-barrel funding with the aim of winning seats in marginal areas.

The Labor held Hunter electoratse of  Paterson received $167,000 and Shortland was granted $277,113.

Meanwhile the Coalition seats of Lyne and Robertson were awarded a total of over $2.1 million from the $100 million dollar fund.

A select committee to further investigate the issue has been launched, with Newcastle MP, Sharon Claydon saying now is the time for locals to have their say.

Ms Claydon believes there were a lot of local organisations that were overlooked in their applications, and now is their chance to contribute to the discussion.

"These organisations have an increasing demand on their field and ovals, change-rooms, canteens and more," she said.

"They applied on what should've been a competitive, merit-based grants program, but they got completely by-passed by a very cruel and selfish focus from a Government just trying to win marginal seats. That is not okay, by anyone's measure."

Ms Claydon says the committee will look into the delivery and decision-making processes involved throughout the grants program.

She explains that the inquiry will put the program guidelines, the assessment process, and the requirements places on applicants under the microscope.

"It will also look at the role of senior Government offices, including that of the Prime Minister's own office, in hand picking winners in marginal seats," she said.

Ms Claydon is encouraging locals who applied for the funding to contribute to the committee.

She's hoping to get a lot of feedback from Hunter Valley sporting bodies and organisations before submissions close on 21 February.

The committee is scheduled to report in late March.

Ms Claydon urges anyone with further information about the program to get in touch with her office before then.

University of Newcastle Research Project Receives Special Seed Funding

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON

A research project involving antimicrobial resistance run through the University of Newcastle has been included amongst five groups to receive funding as part of a tertiary Impact program.

The initiative run by NUW, an alliance between the Universities of Newcastle, Wollongong and New South Wales, selects research projects every year to receive financial contributions that will aid in resolving problems faced by the broader community. This years recipients have received almost a total of $540 000 in funding to promote their studies.

Newcastle's own Antimicrobial Research Task force run by Professor Peter Lewis was included amongst the successful recipients.

"More and more infections are becoming resistant to antibiotics to the point where there are some infections that we now no longer have any antibiotics available that work against them. We've run out and we need more." says Professor Lewis.

"The funding enabled us to run a workshop where we had researchers from the three universities, and external experts from around the world and around Australia, and we used that opportunity to really try and identify the most common areas where we as a group felt we could collaborate in a productive and mutual way to solve this problem."