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." 

Newcastle Council launches free repair cafe

BY ANGIE DAVIES 

Newcastle Council has launched a new repair café at Lambton Library, operating on the final Saturday of every month.

The café aims to create a more sustainable community by teaching people new skills to fix broken or damaged items instead of throwing them away or replacing them. 

Councillor Margaret Wood says there is a huge unmet need within the local community to contribute to more sustainable outcomes. 

"This is a really practical way of people doing that, by bringing along their items, getting them fixed so they don't go to landfill and they don't have to buy a replacement item," Cr Wood said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from local experts including repairers, the Newcastle Toy Library and Upcycle Newcastle. 

"The café aims to create a more sustainable community with a focus on recycling, repurposing and helping the community really meet that unmet need and giving them the skills where they can carry on doing some of these things at home," Cr Wood said.

The next event will be held on Saturday 30 April, focusing on repairs for toys, clothing and bikes.

Further events will be held in May for textiles and clothing, and June for furniture, small hand tools, clothing and toys. 

The events are free to attend and no booking is required. 

Bicycle repairer Nick Grinpukel Councillor Margaret Wood and City of Newcastle Library Partnerships Facilitator Christina Robberds At Lambton Library.