Urgent demand for blood donations in Maitland

BY JAMES CARTER

Maitland blood bank is calling for donors as the impact of COVID-19 is straining blood supplies. 

The Australian Red Cross's Lifeblood division requires an extra 200 volunteers over the next fortnight, with hospital demand for blood at the highest in nearly a decade. 

Lockdowns, changes in movements and lifestyles and general social anxiety has been attributed to one in six donors cancelling their appointments at the Maitland Donor Centre 

Spokesperson for Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Jemma Falkenmire says record high demand is why the organisation is calling for Hunter residents to roll up their sleeves.

 "Our donor centres are very safe places to be, we have extra cleaning processes in place, temperature checks, social distancing, so there is absolutely no risk to you coming into a donor centre to give blood," Ms Falkenmire

One in three Australians will need blood or blood products during their life, with blood needed somewhere in Australia every 24 seconds. 

Existing donors are being encouraged to consider increasing the frequency of their donations and new donors are asked to come forward. 

"We still do have high numbers of surgery patients, women in childbirth, emergency presentations in hospitals right now.

 "Those blood donations are really important and Novocastrians have been incredible throughout the pandemic and we have been really lucky we haven't seen the shortages as in other countries but we really do need some extra effort to meet that need for blood,"  Ms Falkenmire said. 

To book a donation please call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the free Donate Blood app.

Homelessness Week highlights lack of housing solutions in Port Stephens

 BY JAMES CARTER

Port Stephens Council is encouraging the community to get involved in housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness.

There are over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Australia.  

Hume Community Housing provides homes and services to people in Port Stephens. The number of people accessing temporary accommodation in Port Stephens through Hume last financial year was 320, with a further 1,264 enquiries.  

Sally Regan, Hume’s Senior Manager Social Outcomes, says temporary accommodation is in short supply in Port Stephens. 

"We have had an increase in demand in enquires for people seeking accommodation in the last 12 months, that has happened nationally in regional areas"  

"Families with low incomes that find it hard to break into home ownership are now being priced out of the private rental market." Ms Regan said. 

Headleasing is when an owner leases a property to a community housing provider, which then sub-leases the property to clients approved for social housing.

The provider pays full market rent and bond and conducts repairs for the entire lease, while providing a family with a secure home. 

Ms Regan says Hume is always looking for more housing options in Port Stephens. 

"This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference to a family on a very low income who just cannot find private rental."

Council orders shut down of community food cupboard

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle City Council has ordered the shut down of the community food cupboard at Hamilton Train Station saying it has a regulatory responsibility to manage the use of the public land.

The community led initiative which provides food and clothing for disadvantaged and vulnerable locals was born during the first COVID-19 lockdown, in response to the hardships it created.

A petition has been launched, which as of Thursday had 1,400 signatures in just over 12 hours. It is calling for the council to reverse its decision.

Community member Elena Pavlou Kirri says closing down the cupboard will have a detrimental effect on our most vulnerable.

"The pantry was put in place by community members and maintained by community members. 

"It shares with not only people who are struggling with homelessness, food insecurity and financial insecurity but also just broadly members of the community engaging in a mutual sharing network, giving what you can and taking what you need.

"I think the communities self-sustainability, the ability for members of the community to feel self-sufficient, to feel a sense of efficacy is really important and for the council to undermine that by suggesting that their aide is central and the only legitimate or valid aide is really undermining this community as a whole," Ms Pavlou Kirri said.

In a statement, City of Newcastle says it has a responsibility to do everything that it reasonably can to ensure that the community can access our public spaces safely.

"The City is working with the NSW Police as well as state government agencies, and local community welfare providers to connect people with support ahead of the planned removal of an unlicensed community pantry operating in a park.

"Over the coming weeks, NSW Police, City of Newcastle rangers and the Department of Community and Justice will attend the park to connect community members with alternate support if required prior to the pantry being removed," The statement said.

The petition can be found here.

Pictured: The community food cupboard at Hamilton Station.
Source: Food Not Bombs Newcastle.

Newcastle Men's Shed's Desperate Search for A New Home

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

For the third time in five years, Newcastle Men's Shed is being forced to find a new home.

When signing the lease for their current base at Hamilton North last year, members of the not-for-profit were under the impression they would be offered a 3x3 year lease at the end of the 12-month contract in August this year.

Despite months of hard work to bring the current shed at Clyde Street up to compliant standards, the group learned in January the option to extend their lease was no longer available.

With just two and a half months left before the lease ends, Newcastle Men's Shed is still yet to secure a new base and members have turned to the community for help finding a suitable location.

The average age of Newcastle's members, affectionately known as 'Shedders' is around 70-years-old and constantly having to relocate has proved challenging for older members.

The popularity and success of the Newcastle Men's Shed has given members hope they will have funding and a site for the construction of their own shed sometime in the next two years but for the immediate future, the outlook is less positive.

As a not-for-profit, Newcastle Men's Shed can only afford to pay a small of rent, but Paul Schiebaan said they're hoping to create a partnership arrangement or a collaborative working relationship with a willing property owner.

The Shed's Grants, Sponsorship and Public Officer Paul Schiebaan said they're hoping to find a space close to the city as many members are retirees and downsizers who have moved to the inner-city.

"It provides a place for men in retirement where they can meet fellow men, make things, share things, and do work in the community," he said.

"But the most important thing is that it's so beneficial, and proven to be beneficial, for your mental and physical wellbeing."

Ideally, the new shed would need to be between 250 and 300 square metres in size to ensure there is plenty of room for the group's heavy machinery and its members.

NMS is hoping there is somebody, politician or otherwise, who can help the group find a new home.

"All we want is a place to call home where we know we have tenure where our members can meet and do the community work we're renowned for, as well as their own projects which keep them healthy in retirement," said Mr Schiebaan.

"So if there is a shed vacant which they are willing to lease to us, please come forward, approach us, and hopefully we can strike a deal."

More information about Newcastle Men's Shed's situation is available here.

Image: Newcastle Men's Shed Inc on Facebook

Newcastle MP fired up Over Potential Relocation of Vital Fire Truck Equipment

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A proposal to relocate a heavy rescue fire truck and its two permanent staff from Cooks Hill Fire Station has one local MP fired up.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp believes the proposal to relocate the equipment and the staff into New Lambton is dangerous, especially considering the rapid growth of the CBD.

He says emergency services need to have a long hard look at the idea and completely reconsider it.

"It's something that really does need to be looked really hard at, it could increase emergency response times and the risk to life is something that really needs to be thought about long and hard and I suggest that is done,"

"Given the city is moving along so quickly and we have so many apartments and high rises and development in the city, it would be detrimental to move it from the CBD," said Tim Crakanthorp.

But Newcastle Superintendent Greg Windeatt has hosed down the claims, confirming to 2NURFM the proposal is just that - a proposal.

He said proposals such as this one are put forward all of the time as a part of the services review of their delivery commitments and resources.

Tim Crakathorp maintains though that it's a dangerous idea, and he's urging the idea to be taken off the table.

"I've been approached by constituents on this issue so I'm bringing that to the attention of the minister and asking for a reassessment of this possible decision, or proposed decision."

Image fire.nsw.gov.au

Plan to make Port Stephens more accessible to the Disabled

BY ADAM ACHURCH

Port Stephens council is seeking feedback on the draft of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which was drafted to in order to create a more inclusive, accessible and liveable place for residents.

The plan will mainly prioritise on residents with a disability, to let them have more choices as to how they live their lives. If the plan is passed, they have the ability be to attend events and other social outings with changes to established environmental factors such as foot paths and ramps.

While the plan does in fact prioritise the disabled, it will have a much broader impact on the community as a whole. Emily Graham, the public relations and marketing coordinator for Port Stephens council, believes it will be huge benefit to the community.

 "Becoming a more socially inclusive, accessible and liveable place will benefit everyone in Port Stephens, particularly the more vulnerable people in society such as young children and the elderly."

Residents of Port Stephens are encouraged by Emily Graham to participate in the feedback exercise, so that the plan they present to the council will be "something that is built by the community and just by the council".

The draft is currently on public exhibition on the Port Stephens city council website, but will only be on exhibition until Thursday 7th of September. Residents are encouraged to review the plans and leave feedback pertaining to their opinion of the way the place is run.

Community programs making Australia better

BY JAMES WARD and JESSICA ROUSE

Local community programs in the Hunter and around the county are what help make Australia a stronger and nicer place to live, according to Lyne MP David Gillespie.

He's encouraging all local community groups to apply for the Federal Government's Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) with grants of up to $20,000 available for local groups to make their groups better and keep them going strong.

"It's for grants in each electorate for community groups that have nowhere else to turn for equipment upgrades and for other things for their voluntarily community based groups. Grants of $2,500 up to $20,000, it's a real life saver for community groups because they really value add and make our communities stronger," said David Gillespie.

Expressions of interest will be assessed by a community consultation group, which will be appointed by the Lyne MP.

"Community based organisations like Scouts, Lions, Rotary, all the self help groups, you name it. We want to support community groups that make Australia a stronger and nicer place to live."

Applications are open and for more details head to:
http://www.davidgillespie.com.au/stronger-communities-programme/ 

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie, Maria Kealy,
Pauline Wespi Image supplied.

Port Stephens Labor want live streaming of council back

BY JAMES WARD

Port Stephens Labor candidates have vowed to reinstate live streaming of Council meetings should they be elected.

The candidates see live streaming as a logical approach to creating greater accountability and transparency for councillors.

The live streaming of Port Stephens Council meetings started in March 2012 but ceased in December 2012.

Mayoral and Central Ward candidate Des Maslen says the benefits of the live streaming would be great for the community.

"Our policy is to put the live streaming back in place and have the live streaming there for everyone to view in particular if there is an issue for their area, they can see how the voting goes and the reasons why some projects get over the line and some don't, " Maslen said.

"Also means for accountability and transparency wise there is no grey area, there is no he said, she said, everyone knows who's voting what and will take all misconception out of council meetings."

If Labor were to be elected the viewing of council meetings would be easily accessible.

"Live streaming will have a link on the council website, they can view that at their leisure when there is an event."

Souce: S3Bubble

Calls for a summit to discuss Paramedic safety

BY JAMES WARD

State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery, has urged the Government to hold a summit to discuss the safety or lack of for Paramedics across the state.

Ms Hornery has spoken a number of times in Parliament about the issue dating back to 2013 with the tabling of the Notices of Motions but has again pleaded to the Government after a series of attacks on Paramedics in recent months.

Along with Ms Hornery, The Health Services Union has called for the summit after assaults on Paramedics have risen in the last year.

"There have been increasing levels of injuries to Paramedics so I'm asking the Government again to make sure they pay attention to my concerns about the lack of safety for paramedics and to host the summit," Ms Hornery said.

"Hopefully no more accidents occur before the government acts, the government need to pay more attention to the health and safety of our Paramedics and listen to them."

Paramedics have and will continue to care and attend to community matters but Ms Hornery wants more safety implementations put in place to prevent hard working Paramedics from being assaulted on duty.

"I'll continue to lobby for the Paramedics in the Hunter, they have a very important job and they don't deserve to be assaulted in line with their duty," Ms Hornery stated.

Souce: NSW Ambulance Jobs

Road Safety Grants

BY MICHAEL COOK and JESSICA ROUSE

The Hunter's roads could soon receive a welcome boost with applications opening shortly for the third round of the NSW Government's Community Road Safety Grants program.

Applications for this latest round of grants open on the 13th of June with community groups invited to submit their road safety projects by July 23.

Local organisations can apply for minor project funding up to $5,000 or more substantial projects of up to $30,000 with a total of $1.6 million available.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald is urging anyone who is interested to apply because who knows the roads better than those who use them on a daily basis.

"If you're on there everyday going to work and to school going to the shops, whatever you're doing, you're the person that sees where the shortfalls are and where we could do with a little bit of extra funding around that road."

"We're a pretty extensive road network so we're all busy catching up in that respect - there's a lot more traffic on the road, RMS are doing a good job of planning for the future but of course there's little projects that the community can identify and that's really what I'm looking for the community to think about," said Scot MacDonald.

Ten-year community plan released for Lake Macquarie

By LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A draft Community Strategic Plan detailing future regional projects has been placed on public exhibition by Lake Macquarie City Council.

The move comes after a council meeting on Monday night, where the decision was made to call for additional community consultation on the Delivery Program and Operational Plan which will be used to carry out the works cited in 'Our Future in Detail.'

The 'Our Future in Detail' plan includes more than $111 million worth of capital works which will be undertaken in Lake Macquarie throughout 2017 and 2018. The money spent will broken down into $30 million on road surface upgrades; $19.7 million on improvements to parks and playgrounds; $4.7 million on the upgrade of local sporting facilities and $4.6 million on traffic works.

"These plans capture our community's vision for the future of Lake Macquarie," says Mayor, Kay Fraser.

In addition to this, over the course of the next 10 years, Council are promising that Phase 2 green waste services will be rolled out to households and at least 2600 cultural programs will be brought to Lake Macquarie's art gallery and library.

Council is also promising to advocate for state and federal funding for the second stage of the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange.

"What we're doing is first-off inviting community feedback on the plans," says Mayor Fraser.

"We've already gone through a detailed community engagement- we held Shape Our Future, where we were out asking the community what they wanted, what their vision and values were for the city..."

However, following the release of the draft Strategic and Operational Plans, Council is urging residents to read over the documents, available online or at Lake Macquarie libraries and get in contact with council regarding their concerns.

Carrie's Place to Expand in 2017

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

Maitland's anti-domestic violence service and homeless shelter Carrie's Place plans to expand into the heart of the city next year.

Coordinator Jenny Harland said the soaring statistics of domestic violence in Maitland had necessitated a drastic expansion of the service in the near future.

"We've totally outgrown the resource centre," Ms Harland said.

"We need to increase our space and expand our operations, so we're pursuing somewhere to move in Maitland."

The organisation plans to move to new headquarters which will include a car park, access to public transport and security for people fleeing violence.

CEO Jan McDonald says she hopes the expansion will make Carrie's Place more efficient and welcoming.

"We currently just have the one property, and clients sometimes have to sit out in the garden, in the children's room, in the kitchen where our groceries are - because there's just not enough room at all here," she said.

"We are looking at moving to facilities that allow our clients to feel safer and afford them a bit more dignity."

The move will be funded by money raised by the members of Carrie's Place and the community.

NSW Police Launch Anti-Domestic Violence Campaign

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

NSW Police and CrimeStoppers NSW today launched a "No Innocent Bystanders" campaign urging the community to report domestic violence.

The campaign comprises a community service announcement to be shared across television networks and an extended video that will appear on social media platforms.

The video aims to highlight the serious realities of domestic violence while demonstrating how members of the community can take action by reporting incidents anonymously via CrimeStoppers.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said domestic violence is a serious issue.

"Tragically we have seen 32 domestic-related homicides this year in NSW," he said.

"In some of these cases we know that sadly there had been a history of violence in the home, and people in the community had knowledge of it but had reservations about coming forward."

NSW Police Corporate Spokesperson on Domestic and Family Violence, Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller said a simple phone call could save a potential victim from domestic violence.

"We know that people have the confidence to call police if a neighbour's car is being stolen, but there's still a reluctance to call police if they hear a physical argument happening next door," he said.

"Whether you're a neighbour, or a best friend, or even a doctor - so many people will cross paths with those affected by domestic violence and the community is such an important part of helping us reach out to victims.

"That one phone call, that one small piece of information, might just save the life of the next domestic violence victim."

Christmas has come early for Port Stephens community groups

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Community groups in Port Stephens have had all their Christmases come at once, with local council formalising more than $850, 000 in funding for community projects.

Service clubs, environmental groups, sports clubs and church groups were among the successful applicants with the funding enabling them to continue to run events and programs important to the community.

Mayor of Port Stephens Bruce Mackenzie says the local government is rewarding the efforts of the community he couldn't be happier.

"For me Port Stephens is an example of local government working with the people, rewarding the people for their efforts right throughout the length and breadth of the local government area and I'm just so happy that we're in a financial position to be able to do that."

The mayor has raised concerns however, that if the proposed amalgamation with Newcastle goes ahead, the important community groups could be left behind.

"It's probably the last time Port Stephens will be making those allocations to the people and I would imagine that especially if we amalgamate with Newcastle, those organisations will see peanuts in the future where we last night gave them gold because we appreciate the volunteers and the people that put in efforts beyond the call of duty."

It was also announced that the proceeds of the sale of a new housing block at Tarrant Road in Salamander Bay, will also be endorsed to go towards unfunded projects totalling  $660, 000.