Will Dungog vote to merge this time?

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Just two weeks after councillors narrowly decided aginst merging, Dungog will meet again tomorrow to vote on the possible merger with Port Stephens.

A $15 million rescue package from the state government is at stake which could be put back on the table if the councils agree to merge voluntarily.

In the vote two weeks ago, councillors voted 5-4 against the move, but tomorrow's outcome could be quite different.

Since the vote, Councillor Tony Mackenzie has resigned on medical grounds and Mayor Harold Johnston has reportedly now changed his mind to vote in favour of the merge.

Deputy Premier, John Barilaro says he'll go into bat for the funding if council agrees to merge.

Image abc.net.au

Minister to open $13.1 million upgrade at Kurri Kurri TAFE Campus

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Hunter TAFE’s Kurri Kurri Campus will be home to the largest and most high-tech automotive training facility in Australia, officially opening the $13.1 million dollar upgrade today.

The upgrade to the Plant, Heavy Vehicle and Auto Electrical Training Centre, forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment to vocational education and training in the Hunter.

The upgrade has been designed in collaboration with industry professionals to replicate the modern workplace, giving students the best experience possible. It includes upgrades such as a new auto electrical training facility, expansion of a large equipment workshop, four additional classrooms and six laboratories.

The upgrade will be officially opened by the Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business John Barilaro MP who will be joined by a number of officials including Scot MacDonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast, Bob Pynsent, Mayor, Cessnock City Council, Clayton Barr, Member for Cessnock, Jon Black, Managing Director of TAFE NSW and Hunter TAFE Institute Director, Christine Warrington.