Birds of a feather flock together for Lake Macquarie bird count

BY ALEXANDRA REES   

Bird lovers across the Hunter are being urged to flock to backyards across Lake Macquarie next week, to participate in the Annual Aussie Bird Count.

Starting on Monday, participants of the count will record both the number and type of birds spotted in any 20 minute period up until Sunday 23rd of October. 

Of the 55,000 birds tallied in last year's count, the Rainbow Lorikeet, Noisy Miner, Australian Magpie and Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, and Eastern Rosella were among the most commonly spotted.

This year's count is hoping to do even better.

Maya Guest with granddaughter Ellie, 2, spotting birds on her Warners Bay property.

Rally to use Tomaree Lodge to house the homeless

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens residents are invited to take part in a rally this weekend, to turn the former Tomaree Lodge into temporary housing for the homeless. 

In response to rapidly rising homelessness rates, participants are calling on the Department of Communities and Justice to consider using the Lodge, as well as the former Stockton Centre, as a temporary solution to the problem. 

The number of homeless residents in the LGA has tripled since 2020, and Port Stephens Family Neighborhood Services has already assisted over 900 people experiencing homelessness this year. 

United Services Union Organiser and Anna Bay resident Melissa Pond, said it's disheartening to see long-term residents of Port Stephens suffer. 

"We know there's people who are families, there's elderly, there's people who are sick, people with disabilities, and they're being forced out onto the street." 

Ms Pond said dramatic spikes in rental prices were a major contributor to the problem. 

"We're seeing people putting properties on the market more, and people are moving up here from Sydney now that they're able to work flexibly; they're getting out of Sydney and looking for a sea change, and that has pushed up prices for people, pricing them out of the rental market in Port Stephens."

She also expressed concern for vulnerable groups in the region. 

"There's a real spike in domestic violence-related incidents and we're seeing that people are staying in those situations which is really unhealthy," she said. 

We understand there are other interests for that site but I really believe that this supersedes them. There really is nowhere for people to go."

It's hoped the demonstration will ease pressure on support services which are already stretched to their limit. 

The rally will be held at 10am on Saturday at the car park near Tomaree Lodge. 

Image credit: https://trra.com.au/

Bus and Car Crash on Pacific Highway at Kahiba Road

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

A bus and car have collided on the Pacific Highway at Highfields.

The accident occurred at around 11 o'clock this morning at the Kahiba Road turn off.

One of the drivers has been transported to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.

It's understood a silver sedan rolled in the incident.

UPDATE: 

Traffic is now clear.

Air Unit Called to Hunter Pursuit of Disqualified Driver

 BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Two men have been charged over a dangerous pursuit through the Hunter over the weekend which involved the PolAir unit.

An 18 and 38-year-old man were arrested in Weston after the pursuit of a Mitsubishi Magna sedan which began on Sunday at about 10am in Rutherford.

Officers attempted to pull over the Magna, and took chase after the alleged 38-year-old driver, who was disqualified for life 20 years ago, failed to stop.

The pursuit was terminated by police over safety concerns.

Police say the Mitsubishi stopped near bushland south of Scott Street, Weston, with the driver and passenger fleeing into bushland and being picked up by a woman in a Toyota sedan.

PolAir helped police locate the pair at a Teece Street home, where they fled the scene causing police to pursue them on foot.

Police say the 18-year-old was arrested after trying to assault a senior constable. The other man was arrested after a short struggle.

Both were taken to Maitland Police station charged with offences including not stopping in police pursuit, driving while disqualified, using unauthorised number plates, dangerous driving, possession of suspected stolen goods, possession of a knife, and resisting officer arrest.

The older man was refused bail and faced Maitland Local Court this week.

The passenger was granted conditional bail to appear in Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 7 October 2020.

Police inquiries are continuing.

Three Hunter Venus Offering Healthcare Worker Discount Throughout September

BY TAHLIA HALE

Three Hunter Venues are thanking healthcare workers, by offering a 50 percent discount on food throughout the whole month of September.

The initiative launched on Monday, with the offer available at the Lemon Grove Hotel, the Maryland Tavern and The Delany Hotel to staff who show their Health Workers ID card.

 Lemon Grove Hotel owner Wayne Stewart, says the discount is a way to say thank you to healthcare workers for their tireless efforts in saving the lives of Australian's.

"It's a way to say thank you for everything that health care workers have done so we can open the doors, and not just our hotel, but all the others around the region. We're very fortunate," Wayne Stewart said.

"It's small thing we can do; a tiny bit of thanks. It's a half price of a meal that might make somebody smile and, in that case, we've done our job," Wayne Stewart said.

Wayne Stewart is challenging other pub, club, and restaurant owners to also offer a discount to healthcare employees.

"If everyone can jump on board here it'd be a really good way combining as a fantastic town to say thank you to these people, " Mr Stewart said.

The Lemon Grove Hotel
Image credit: The Lemon Grove Hotel on Facebook

Hunter Residents Encouraged to Donate Tents to Help Homeless

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter residents are being urged to search their garages and sheds for unused tents and donate them to a new Tents for Homelessness initiative to help the homeless get a roof over their heads.

Local agent Chad Dunn and Mulligan Property Group started the tent drive in an effort combat rising rates of homeless in the Hunter - around 2700 people are estimated to be homeless, an increase of 22 percent since 2011.

Mulligan Property Group is currently using their Nelson Street office as a local drop-off point for donations.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said while serious work needed to be done to manage the issue of homelessness in the Hunter, these efforts would help the homeless in the meantime until they could could find safe and secure long-term accommodation.

"Whilst the end goal of connecting people with the necessary services and support to ultimately be housed is a priority, for many there are nights spent rough sleeping until arrangements can be made," said Ms Hornery.

"It's a wonderful initiative, I really support it, and I'm hoping our local community goes and has a look in their backyards for tents or in their garages and sheds to see what they can find."

New or used tents can be donated at Mulligan Property Group's office at 108 Nelson Street, Wallsend.

Image credit: pixabay.com

Maitland Councillors Kept Accountable For Online Content, Member Comes Forward As Website Owner

BY TAHLIA HALE.

Maitland Council has passed a motion to ensure Councillors are kept accountable for the content they post online.

Councillor Ben Mitchell called for the motion to be passed, after he saw a rise in unofficial 'news' websites, some of which posted content criticizing fellow Maitland Council members, following the shutdown of a number of local news outlets.

"There's no names, there's no editors, there's no contact details on the sites. There's no accountability for the content on the sites at all," Cr. Mitchell said.

Cr. Mitchell suspected some of these "news" websites were operated by Council members anonymously.

"[These sites are posting] Selective facts, false information, virtually just propaganda to further Councillors political means. I'm trying to shed a light on who's actually behind it," Councillor Ben Mitchell said.

"They would say things they wouldn't necessarily say to someones face. In recent times I've seen the Mayor referred to as an 'out of touch b**ch', for instance, and that's just not on."

The new policy is designed to stop Councillors from posting anonymously with no accountability.

Councillor Mitchell's motion was voted in favor, "Unanimously, bar two Councillors," at Maitland Council's Tuesday meeting.

Councillors Mitchell Griffin and Sally Halliday tried to challenge the legality of motion, though Council's legal council advised the motion was legally possible.

The policy addition won't change the way Councillors post content online, however requires they disclose the websites they administer on a public register.

The new policy is already seeing results with some Councillors who supported the motion declaring for the first time they do run websites.

"That in itself means the intended impact of this motion has come partly to fruition already," Cr. Mitchell said. 

Maitland Councillor Ben Mitchell
Image Credit: Maitland City Council 

University of Newcastle Now Strongly Urging Staff and Students to Wear Masks

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The University of Newcastle is now strongly encouraging staff and students to wear masks while on campus.

Students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to use the face coverings on campus especially if they are medically ‘at risk’ or when in enclosed areas.

This includes classrooms, on public transport and in some class settings such as labs where students need to move around, and where social distancing is difficult. 

Students must use masks where they have been informed there is a professional/accreditation requirement (such as for nursing or medical practical classes). 

While students are typically required to provide their own mask, anyone who occasionally forgets can collect a disposable mask from Student Hubs or a library.

Staff and students can request a disposable mask in the following scenarios (although for sustainability reasons individuals are urged to purchase their own cloth masks):

•  Are a close contact of someone who is awaiting COVID-19 test results.
•  Returned in the last 14-days from an area of increased testing and surveillance area.
•  A staff member who is attending work but defined as medically at risk for COVID-19.

In a statement the University said "when social distancing is hard, the fourth line of defence is a mask. Masks may provide some advantage, and particularly act as a barrier should you be infected."

Staff are being encouraged to use a mask at any time while on campus, including in classrooms.

Staff should email;
 Health.Response@newcastle.edu.au to arrange a collection point.

Military Helicopters To Be Seen Flying Over Newcastle As Defence Conducts Training in the Area

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Military helicopters will be seen flying over Newcastle towards the end of July, with the Australian Defense Force conducting anti-terrorism training in the region.

Locals will be given the chance to see Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan multi-role helicopters in action, as they are used during training exercises. 

"The activity is part of regular, scheduled training, and is designed to ensure our ADF personnel are operating at the highest level of capacity to respond, where required, to support Australia’s national interests," the ADF said in a statement. 

Australian Army officer Colonel Brett Chaloner said ADF personnel were looking forward to the opportunity to train in the region.

“Defence does not get the opportunity to train in the Newcastle region very often,” Colonel Chaloner said.

“We are looking forward to using some of the facilities in the area, to assist our helicopter crews and personnel continue to build our world-class military capability.

“We acknowledge these activities may result in some noise disturbance for Newcastle residents, but it is essential to provide ADF personnel with realistic training environments,” Colonel Chaloner said.

The training will be conducted during the day and at night.

"The public should not be alarmed if they see or hear military helicopters, vehicles and military personnel carrying weapons. No ammunition will be used during the training," the ADF said. 

"People who see the training should not be concerned that any of the locations are under any form of actual threat."

All ADF personnel participating in the training will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before commencing the training.

“Defence will not take any risks with the health of Newcastle residents, and for everybody’s safety we ask that if you do see or hear the training, please maintain your distance.

Image Credit: Australian Aviation

University of Newcastle Researchers Receive More Than a Million Dollars to Address Mental Health Inequities

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Researchers at the University of Newcastle have been awarded $1.3 million in funding by the National Health and Medical Research Council to examine the capacity of community health services and preventative care for people with a mental health condition.

Professor Jenny Bowman, from the University of Newcastle's School of Psychology, will lead a team of researchers in a three year project which also includes experts from the University of Melbourne, Flinders University, and the Hunter Medical Research Institute.

Professor Bowman says a large number of potentially preventable risk factors, both social inequities and physical health conditions such as poor nutrition and low levels of physical activity, cause individuals with a mental health condition to die an average 10 to 15 years earlier than the general Australian population.

"Many folk with mental health problems experience social marginalization, isolation, are more likely to be of a lower socioeconomic status, less likely to be employed, be living under the poverty level, et cetera," Professor Bowman said.

"It's actually quite a complex range of those kind of factors that come into play."

According to Professor Bowman, clinical and structural issues such as inadequate time, low levels of clinician confidence, and a perceived lack of referral options contribute to a poorer provision of preventative care for people affected by a mental health condition.

Researchers are hoping to develop a new approach to mental health and encourage clinicians to incorporate preventative care strategies into their practice.

"This project, we hope, will at least provide people with an opportunity to have those lifestyle risk behaviours assessed, recognized, and then offered support in a way that is meaningful for them, feasible for them to take up, and is likely to work to actually help them change that behaviour."

Professor Jenny Bowman

City of Newcastle Commits to United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The City of Newcastle has joined a global movement to commit to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and build a better and brighter future for the Hunter Region.

The seventeen goals set out by the United Nations address complex global challenges from human rights and gender equality to clean energy and climate action.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says the goals will help guide local action and are a "wide-ranging roadmap of how we'd like the world to look in 2030".

Newcastle, the only United Nations city in Australia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a number of Hunter organisations, including Compass Housing, CIFAL at the University of Newcastle, Kumalie, Hunter Water, the Port of Newcastle, and Port Waratah Coal Services.

Cr Clausen says Newcastle is dedicated to achieving all of the goals within the next ten years and building on the city's current work in sustainability.

“City of Newcastle is already leading the local government sector on climate action, making great strides in the field over the past five years and becoming the first NSW Council to become powered by 100% renewable energy,” Cr Clausen said.

"Our 2025 Climate Action Plan, currently in development, will set our goals and priorities for the next five years to build on these achievements."

The City of Newcastle has also become the 11th city in the Oceania and Asia-Pacific Region to join the 2020 SDGs Cities Challenge - participating cities will work together with government, academic, and business experts in a 10-month action research project to identify the best approaches to implementing the UN goals.

Representatives of the Hunter Region SDG Memorandum of Understanding meet via Zoom.

City of Newcastle Set to Boost Economy by $275 Million with Coronavirus Relief Program

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The City of Newcastle's record $116 million capital works program is set to create 700 new local jobs and boost economic output by $275 million in an attempt to revitalize the local economy as it moves on from the COVID-19 pandemic.

While more than 41,000 people have lost their job or left the local labour force since February, the Council is confident their stimulus will breathe new life into the struggling community.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with the national economy in recession, it was more important than ever to "accelerate investment" and "uplift economic activity".

The city's infrastructure plan will deliver several programs over the next 12 months:

• $22.9 million for upgrades to local roads and footpaths 
• $17 million for waste management, with $9 million going towards an organics recycling facility at Summerhill and divert around 900,000 tonnes of food and garden organics from landfill 
• $14.2 million for suburban and city centre renewal, such as thee Hunter Street Mall works and local centres in Wallsend, Kotara, Merewether, Shortland, and Stockton
• $9.3 million for environmental sustainability projects, with $1.4 million going towards the rehabilitation of Ironbark Creek 
• $8.2 million for new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities 
• $7.3 million on storm water upgrades to address localised flooding
• $5 million to implement the city's Climate Action Plan 
• $5 million for new and improved cycleways
• $4.6 million for bridge reconstruction works, including Cowper Street and Nelson Street, Wallsend
• $1.5 million to plant new street and park trees

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said a $12 million loss in income would not affect their ability to deliver the program.

“The prudent financial management of City of Newcastle means we have the capacity to fund this COVID-19 stimulus budget, without borrowing," said Mr Bath. "Instead the $336 million budget will be funded from forecast income with a $23 million shortfall funded from existing reserves.”

Cr Nelmes said the program would continue the Council's track record of delivering great results for the local economy.

“Independent economic analysis shows that our investment in local infrastructure has sustained over 3,500 local jobs and increased economic output across Newcastle by more than $1.27 billion since 2015."

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

State Government Commits to Boosting Maitland Public Transport

By Samantha Cooke

Residents of Maitland can look forward to more efficient public transport with the NSW Government agreeing to review current transport activity, with plans to make available more and better bus routes for the local community.

As part of their election promise, the Government will introduce 14,000 additional weekly services across NSW, announcing the fast-growing area of Chisholm as part of their plans.

After writing to the Minister of Regional Transport and Roads on behalf of Chisholm mother-of-three Sandy Freeman - one of many parents in the area whose family desperately needs improved services, Maitland MP, Jenny Aitchison is happy with the Government's response, saying it is a great step forward.

“I’ve been advised by the office of the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads that the NSW Government has made a four-year commitment to introduce 14,000 additional weekly services across NSW, and enhancements to route 189 are part of that commitment,” Ms Aitchison said.

“That election promise is almost a year-and-a-half old now and it’s time for the Minister to deliver.”

Contacting Ms Aitchison in May, Ms Freeman, who is a mother of twins who have special needs, raised concerns that a bus trip required her children to face a long, difficult, distressing and dangerous walk halfway across Harvest Estate after school.

“My children have started at Metford Public School,” Ms Freeman said. “We are not entitled to any drive-to-school funding because their disabilities are not severe enough, and we aren’t funded by the transport subsidy because, as the crow flies, we are too close to the school.

“And that measurement does not take into account that there is a railway line between school and home with no pedestrian access.”

With more time passing from the election, Ms Aitchison pushed forward the case saying the Government had sufficient time to make preparations and the community now demands for action.

“The Government went to the last election promising extra services across the state if they were elected, and Route 189 was one of those listed for additional funding,” Ms Aitchison said.

“Maitland’s incredible growth rate demands that the NSW Government continually monitor and assess available bus services to ensure they are meeting the community’s needs”, she said.

There is no set time period given from the Government as of yet but Ms Aitchison said it is a great step forward to have them agree to get started.

                                          Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison with Sandy Freeman, and her Children Dylan and Taylah 

Hunter Water and Aboriginal Communities Release Children's eBook on Water Care this National Reconciliation Week

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter Water has teamed up with local Aboriginal and education communities to release an industry-first children's eBook designed to teach kids about the importance of water conservation.

Where's Our Water was launched today to coincide with National Reconciliation Week, and tells a story about native animals in the Hunter River by drawing on the traditional knowledge and practices of Aboriginal people in caring for land and waterways.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the book was more relevant than ever as regional communities move on from drought.

"It’s important we continue to teach our younger generation about the finite and precious nature of water,” Mrs Pavey said. “Where’s Our Water? is a valuable resource for our kids to learn about water conservation and the role we all have in protecting it now and in the future.”

Hunter Water worked with the University of Newcastle and local Awabakal and Worimi communities to develop the book over a six-month period - and with ten Aboriginal students from Newcastle High School, they created the story and concept through interactive workshops.

The book was also endorsed by the Muloobinbah Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.

Hunter-based Aboriginal artist Saretta Fielding said it was a privilege to help bring the project to life.

“I’m particularly proud that the story has been developed in two versions to incorporate
the traditional languages of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, demonstrating the shared value of this resource within our community,” Ms Fielding said.

Image credit: Hunter Water

Over 11 Thousand Hunter Workers Affected By Public Sector Wage Freeze

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Figures reveal more than 11,000 public servants in the Hunter Region will have their pay frozen, under the NSW Government's 12 month wage freeze. 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said while the decision was difficult, it was the fairest one for the people of NSW.

“Whilst we are recovering from the health consequences of the pandemic we have yet to come to terms with the economic shock. Job security is essential on our path to recovery,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The only way NSW will come out of this crisis in a strong position is if we all make sacrifices, and that’s what we’re asking our own workforce to do because we are all in this together.”

 

Public servants in the Hunter
Health workers	2,086
NSW Police Force	472
Teachers	2,924
Transport workers	74
General public servants	3,564
Total number of public servants	11,431
Percentage of total workers	11.7%

While the State Government insist the proposal has not been taken lightly and is intended to direct funds toward health services and preserve public sector jobs, the plan has faced serious criticism.

Shadow Minister for the Hunter Clayton Barr says it is "ironic" that the lowest paid workers are relied on most during the COVID-19 crisis - and the decision to keep their wages low is "shallow, short-sighted, and cruel." 

"Public servants across the Hunter make up an incredibly significant portion of our total economy," Mr Barr. "If you take money out of their pockets, then you're killing off large parts of the rest of the economy."

The 11,431 public servants at risk in the Hunter include thousands of teachers, health workers, police officers, and general public servants, and altogether make up more than 10 per cent of the Hunter's workforce.

Mr Barr says the State Government must take real action to jumpstart the economy in regional NSW.

"What the economy needs right now is money in people's pockets," said Mr Barr. "So that people can go out and spend money and keep others employed in the retail, hospitality and services industries." 

Image credit: pixabay.com

Hunter Health Researchers Receive More Than Ten Million in Grants

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Six Hunter researchers and their projects have received a combined total of $10.6 million in the latest round of grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

The three NHMRC Investigator Grants and three Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Investigator Grants will be led by affiliates with the University of Newcastle, the Hunter Medical Research Institute, and Hunter New England Health, and will address critical areas of concern in chronic disease prevention and community health outcomes

Associate Professor Luke Wolfenden will receive more than $2.7 million over five years to examine methods of promoting positive health behaviours such as physical activity, a healthy diet and qutting smoking.

Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin will receive more than $2 million over five years to examine mental health treatment and potential usage of technology in improving access.

Associate Professor Kelvin Kong will receive more than $1 million to study a telehealth ear, nose and throat (ENT) model in the context of metropolitan, rural and regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, focusing on improvement in Aboriginal children’s access to specialist care and a reduction in waiting times for treatment.

Dr Rachel Sutherland and Dr Nicole Nathan were each awarded $1.5 million to examine the effectiveness of chronic disease prevention programs within communities and schools.

Dr Vanessa Murphy was also awarded $1.5 million to fund research into asthma care during pregnancy and the implementation of this research into local, national, and international clinical practice.

University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Janet Nelson, said the funding success was recognition of the vital research being conducted across the Hunter Region.

“As we navigate a very challenging funding environment, it is incredibly encouraging to see our researchers continue to be recognised for their important work," Professor Nelson said. "While globally, there is a united focus on combatting COVID-19, it is essential that we continue to strive and invest in understanding and developing novel treatments for the vast array of health concerns that continue to affect our populations."

“I sincerely congratulate all our recipients of today’s announcement and I look forward to seeing the results of their impactful projects.”

Find out more about the research here.

                                      Image Credit: TOYBO Biotech

Hunter Man Charged With 21 Child Abuse Offences

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man is due to face court today charged with 21 child abuse offences, over alleged online child exploitation in the Hunter.

In September 2019, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from the Hunter. 

Police allege the man believed he was speaking with the 37-year-old mother of a nine-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations about acts he wished to perform on the child.

It is also alleged the man believed he was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in conversations about sex acts he wished to perform on the teenager.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested the 34-year-old man at a Hunter home just after 11am on Thursday 30th April.

Shortly after the arrest, a search warrant was executed at the home, where detectives seized a mobile phone and electronic storage devices.

The man was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with 21 offences including;

• use carriage service to groom under 16 years for sex,
• use carriage service transmit/publish/promote child abuse (x19),
• possess child abuse material.

He has been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Friday 1st May 2020.

Anyone with concerns about the suspected abuse or exploitation of children is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Detectives arrest a 34-year-old man in the Hunter accused of grooming a child for sex

Pedestrian Dies in Fatal Truck Crash at Kurri Kurri

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A pedestrian has died after being hit by a truck in Kurri Kurri this morning.

Just after 7am on Wednesday 29th April, emergency services were called to Lang Street, Kurri Kurri, following reports that a man had been hit by a truck.

The man, believed to be aged in his 70s, was unable to be revived and died at the scene.

The male truck driver has been taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have established a crime scene, with Lang Street currently closed between Mitchell Avenue and Greta Street.

The road is expected to be closed for some time as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam vision, is urged to contact police.

Concerns Hunter Private Hospitals will Close Without Government Funding, Amid Corona Virus Pandemic

BY SAMANTHA COOKE

Labor is calling on the Government to protect private hospitals across the Hunter and NSW from any possible closures, due to financial concerns caused by COVID-19.

In order to assist effectively with Corona virus patients, elective surgery procedures have now ceased. 

Labor is concerned these actions are causing financial strain on the hospitals, believing some will close their doors in a matter of weeks if the Government does not intervene.

Shadow Minister for Health, Ryan Park, is anxious to see Australia's hospital system stay strong during a time when all hands on deck are needed.

"The reality is private hospitals are at breaking point after the decision was made not to continue elective surgery," Mr Park said.

"They essentially became very quickly financially not viable to continue... and that's the last thing we want."

Accounting for 30 per cent of all beds in the health system of NSW, private hospitals hold valuable resources that are necessary during the outbreak. 

"We cannot allow private hospitals, in the middle of a pandemic, to sack front-line nurses and doctors, when we're going to need all the resources we can muster to fight this pandemic," he said.

"We want the NSW Government to urgently sit down with the private hospitals today with the Commonwealth and sort this issue out of funding." 

"It is absolutely paramount, on behalf of everyone in the community, the Government makes this a priority."

A spokesperson for Healthscope, the organisation which oversees Newcastle Private Hospital said;

“With the impending suspension of non-urgent elective surgery, we are doing everything we can to keep all our nursing staff employed and available to support the national COVID-19 response, across all of Healthscope’s 43 hospitals around the country. 

"We are in discussions with Federal and State governments on measures that will support private hospitals to adjust to the suspension of elective surgery, and ensure they remain available to play a role in the nation’s response to the pandemic."

Photo from https://www.hospitalsaccommodation.com/newcastle/newcastle-private-hospital.php 

Coronavirus Closes Churches While Councils Fight to Stay Open

BY MEGHAN RICHARDSON

As the Coronavirus situation continues to evolve, many local organisations and councils have been forced to review their regular programs and events.

The reshuffle follows after the federal government announced that "non-essential" gatherings of more than 100 people are banned.

Many religious organisations have said they will close their doors to keep their followers safe.

This includes the mosque at Wallsend which has suspended regular services until further notice.

Similarly, Catholic and Anglican churches reported they will also shutting down and temporarily stopping all Sunday services.

However, religious schools in the area are to remain open.

Catholic Schools around Newcastle and Maitland said they will stay open until the 9th of April.

While Anglican schools around the Hunter have stated they are currently open but continue to evaluate the situation daily.

The Coronavirus has also threatened to close many local community events and activities.

Newcastle council said Blackbutt Reserve's bushland will remain open, but services requiring staff to interact with the public are suspended.

Meanwhile, Maitland City Council has addressed the uncertainty and said all council facilities will remain open but public programs across the libraries, pools, and art gallery have been suspended.

The council also announced that the annual Street Eats event is still set to go ahead on April 3rd, but the event will be split across several sites in order to promote social distancing.