Australia Post reminds Hunter residents to look out for posties as new tech is installed on vehicles

 BY JAMES CARTER    

Australia Post is reminding Hunter residents to watch out for posties as the busy Christmas parcel delivery period gets underway. 

With online shopping surging during the holiday season,  Australia Post expects a record-breaking Christmas and is using telematics, with data and video from devices installed in thousands of electric delivery vehicles, motorcycles, vans and trucks to help identify hazards, educate drivers and reduce risks on the road. 

Australia Post's National Head of Network Implementation Col Hindle said common incidents occur when reversing out of driveways or when dogs are not secured. 

"As Christmas and school holidays come around, we do see a lot of incidents," Mr Hindle said.

"The end game is just to ensure our people are going home safe and that we interact with the community in a safe manner." 

Australia Post will use video footage from cameras mounted on vehicles to improve service and ensure drivers meeting customer expectations by following road rules. 

The upgraded vehicles will also feature a duress button, which can be used during an incident get help. 

Australia Post Electric Delivery Vehicle
Source: Australia Post

Independent Maitland councillor resigns

By Georgia-Lee Campbell

Independent Maitland councillor Steve Procter has announced he will not seek re-election and is stepping down after 17 years.

Procter's decision was based on spending more time with family and to open up opportunities to introduce new blood into council.

Procter says his proudest career moments was being re-elected as well as being part of a team.

He says Maitland council needs people who aren't focused on their own future and have the community at heart.

Government's proposal to scrap the Hairdresser's Act 2003

By Georgia-Lee Campbell

Newcastle hairdressers are fighting state government over plans to trim back industry regulations they say will let un-qualified people to call themselves professional hairdresser's.

The government proposes to scrap the Hairdressers' Act 2003 which removes the requirement for hairdresser's to obtain a TAFE three certificate in hairdressing.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison says this is concerning to the community and small businesses because anybody will be able to pick up a pair of scissors.

Further, people who are un-qualified will be able to apply chemicals without proper training which is a safety concern for consumers.

The community is encouraged to sign a petition at their local hairdresser's which is being  circulated in Newcastle this week opposing the government's proposal.

Union Hopes to Secure 80 Jobs for Ingham's Workers

BY GARY LYSAGHT

Workers at the soon to be closed Ingham’s processing site at Cardiff have been thrown a lifeline by rival Baiada Poultry.

Baiada has struck a deal with the Meat Workers Union to hold discussions over taking up to 80 of the workers who aren’t seeking redundancies.

Ingham’s is set to close the Cardiff site in August, citing the need to reduce expenditure as the main reason.

Baiada are set to employ 80 of its rivals staff [Source: Newcastle Herald]

Meat Workers Union Newcastle branch secretary Grant Courtney says the highly skilled workforce is being courted by many employers.

“We’ve also been contacted by JBS, which is the biggest meat processor in the world, based at Scone.  They’ve said if there’s any skilled workers that would like to apply out there, by all means,” he said.

Courtney says workers are also being asked to apply at another Baiada site at Tamworth, while other workers have asked for transfers to Ingham’s Sydney site.

“It’s one of our principle policies about employers having a moral obligation to employ locals first,” says Courtney who believes Baiada are doing just that.

“The company has always said we haven’t got enough skilled workers.  Well now we’ve got a fully skilled workforce that is available,” he said.

Around 360 full time and casual staff work at the Cardiff site and while Courtney admits he doesn’t know when they’ll move on to their new positions, he’s still overwhelmed with the outcome.

“I’m very, very happy and supportive of Baiada [for] taking the high moral ground on this issue and hopefully offering employment to the Cardiff/Novacastrian workforce,” he said.

Lake Macquarie Council Promotes Awareness of Autism

Lake Macquarie families are encouraged to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during free workshops held at Charlestown Library in both February and June.

Dr. Sturgeon will be a guest speaker at the February workshop.

It's part of Lake Macquarie Council's 'You're Kidding Me' program, which aims to provide families with free access to health, education and family services.

As part of the program, the workshops looks to guide families on how to recognise ASD, as well as support strategies both during and after diagnosis, and how parents can use visual cues to assist children.

Council's Manager of Community Planning, John Ferguson says the workshops aim to improve families understanding, where they will also "explore what ASD looks like, how it is identified in children."

Each workshop will focus on different topics, with the February one featuring special guest Dr. Lee Sturgeon.

"[Dr. Sturgeon] will present a workshop aimed at supporting families through an ASD diagnosis" said Mr. Ferguson.

"Then, on Tuesday 28 June, families can join the team from Early Start Speech Pathology as they explain how the use of visuals can assist children with ASD."

Bookings for both workshops are essential, interested families can book online HERE.

Image courtesy of The Newcastle Herald (LINK).