Walka Water Works to host holidaymakers in new-look future

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Walka Water Works is set for a $25 million revitalisation, with Maitland Council and the State Government signing a Memorandum of Understanding to put the site on the tourist map.

They're partnering with Reflections Holiday Parks in the hopes of securing a joint funding bid in the Regional Tourism Activation Fund.

The site's been closed for cleanup works since February, after asbestos was detected on the grounds.

While it's expected to reopen in the coming weeks, the site's slated for bigger changes beyond that date, including holiday accommodation and opening the heritage pumphouse to the public.

Mayor Philip Penfold says it's an exciting opportunity.

"It will be everything from glamping cabins to eco-cabins, to tent sites to caravan sites," he said.

"There'll be quite a variety scattered across the various locations of Walka, so as not to spoil that site."

The plan is also proposing to improve accessibility on the walking trails, redevelop the miniature railway station, and establish a centralised amenities building.

Under the plan, Council would work with Crown Lands to make the changes happen.

"The future of the pumphouse building can be many and varied," Cr Penfold said. "Certainly it'll be a fantastic opportunity for a function centre, opportunities for restaurants, cafes, and the like."

"It's a large building. It sorely needs some TLC and some work done inside."

"The understanding that we have with the Government will help us bring this back to life. It does need funding, but we do have some irons in the fire on that."

Hunter residents welcome new approach to cancer treatment

BY BILLIE KAAL 

Hunter residents are being encouraged to part take in a clinical cancer trial looking at testing new methods of treatment for men with localized prostate cancer. 

The NINJA trial is putting emphasis on making shorter schedules of radiation therapy available to regional communities in hopes of making treatment more accessible for all. 

The trial will place two different versions of radiation therapy head to head, looking at the effectiveness of fourteen visits versus five visits. 

The trial is now available to patients at GenesisCare in Maitland, with Professor Jarad Martin believing this will have a positive impact on men living in this community. 

"Regional patients often miss out on cutting edge clinical trials and it really takes effort to set these things up," he said. 

"We've really made it a priority to have such options available for men in regional centres because that's how you get the best outcomes." 

A man from Raymond Terrace has become the trial's 200th participant, completing his treatment at GenesisCare Maitland. 

The trial has now been running for three years, with Professor Martin saying the results have been positive.

He hopes this will continue now that more individuals have access to the treatment.

Country Shows Given the Green Light to Go Ahead Next Year

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Country shows across the Hunter have been given the green light to go ahead by the NSW Government from January next year as long as they abide with COVID-safe restrictions.

Shows will have to follow social distancing measures such as controlled entry points and the one person per 4 square metre rule, although larger venues will be allowed to host up to 5,000 attendees at any one given time.

Show organisers are also being asked to use Service NSW QR codes to assist with managing crowds and contact tracing.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said while it was a great opportunity to get tourism moving again, it was important that both shows and guests followed the rules.

"Regional communities have done the hard work and deserve to enjoy themselves, but it is crucial that both organisers and attendees follow COVID safe guidelines to guard against an outbreak in country towns," Mr Barilaro said.

"I encourage everyone from the city to get out there and immerse yourself in a country show and get a valuable insight into life in the bush."

The first country show of the new calendar year is scheduled to be held in Bowral on Saturday 9th of January - one of 192 annual shows held in small towns across regional NSW.

David Williams, President of the Singleton Show, said the Government's decision "was a great thing to happen" and would go a long way to helping regional economies get back on track.

"To get this back, it brings the community together again, it's a major event for the year, a lot of people put a lot of work into it to stage these events, and it's all done on a voluntary capacity," Mr Williams said. "That's important for our volunteers, and for the community as a whole."

But Wendy Franklin, Manager of Tocal Field Days, says the restrictions could still be a big financial obstacle for shows struggling to get back on their feet.

"For us, that would mean at least a 25 percent reduction in revenue from the gate, and then you've got to take into account the loss of revenue for exhibitors who might normally take eight sides but will only have enough stock to take two," Ms Franklin said. "That becomes the point, I guess, when you need to say, is it actually viable to run it?"

"When we lobbied the Government for support, that was the biggest thing, the loss to the local communities that these events run in and the financial bonus they are to those communities."

Image credit: https://www.singletonshow.com/

Calls to Support Local Council's To Save Struggling Regional Airports

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Concerns have been raised regarding the future of rural and regional airports, including Newcastle Airport, as the industry faces financial instability amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

Labor is calling for the NSW Government to provide more assistance to local councils who own struggling airports to secure their viability now and after the coronavirus has passed.

Newcastle Airport is owned by Newcastle City Council and Port Stephens Council, on land leased from the Department of Defence.

Shadow Minister for Local Government Greg Warren says it is the government's responsibility to step in and lend a helping hand to the councils who may still be reeling from recent drought and the bushfire season.

"We don't want to see these airports fold over," said Mr Warren. "We don't to see these costs incurred onto local councils that will ultimately land onto local communities."

The airline industry has already faced heavy turbulence over the past few months - and with Virgin Australia's collapse into voluntary administration, dozens more regional routes could be up in the air as well.

"Regional airports play a vital role around our regional communities and are huge job providers, that's no better displayed than in the Hunter," said Mr Warren.

"They are seriously struggling at the moment, and this will fall onto the laps of those who are under control of them - in this case, it's councils."

With twenty-six of the state's regional airports owned by local councils, Labor says the State Government must conduct an audit to ensure they meet the needs of regional airports and serviced communities on a case-by-case basis.

"They are a vital connection between the metropolitan and regional areas, all too often rural and regional NSW's get's over looked."

Newcastle Airport says they are remaining optimistic about their future after the pandemic.

                                Image Credit: Port Stephens Coaches

Community Urged to Show Their Support for Local Newspapers

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter Business Chamber is urging the community to consider taking out a subscription to show their support for struggling local newspapers amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

These calls come as Australian Community Media announces plans to shutter many of its regional publications until the end of June, including the Cessnock Advertiser, Hunter Valley News, and the Newcastle Star.

While dailies such as the Newcastle Herald and the Canberra Times will continue operating, a decline in traditional revenue raising methods such as business advertising has put heavy pressure on the industry.

Chamber CEO Bob Hawes says businesses and members of the community should now return the favour and lend a helping hand to local newspapers.

“Newspapers are the lifeblood of our local communities and do much to support business through editorial coverage, advertising opportunities and partnerships."

"They are a vital source of information, even though to many the digital format is a modern trend," said Mr Hawes. "But newspapers certainly fill a role both for businesses that wish to advertise and for communities that wish to get information."

Mr Hawes says it has been a "tough decision" for publications to make, but hopes the community will come together to help protect a valuable good.

“Trusted journalism has never been more important than it is now, in a time of global crisis, and we need local papers to be highlighting the needs, priorities and good news in their communities by telling local stories.”

Image credit: Hunter Business Chamber