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. 

Hunter Sports Centre Set to Attract World-Class Athletes

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter Sports Centre has welcomed a series of new upgrades, placing it among the world's top sporting facilities. 

The $2.7 million project was jointly funded by the Australian Government, The NSW Government, and Lake Macquarie Council, and has included the construction of a new four-lane running track, warm-up areas for field events, and new state-of-the-art athlete testing facilities. 

There's also plans to extend the venue further, with planning underway to add a new Trampoline Centre of Excellence, as well as a three-storey sport and community centre. 

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, said it's an exciting time for local athletes and clubs. 

"We know the Hunter Sports Centre has been the place for all sporting events, and this will elevate it for the national and international athletes," she said. 

"We're going into the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, and it's really important that Lake Macquarie can play a part in that." 

Image: Lake Macquarie City Council

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.