8.30 News Mon 2.9.13 Read By Cecilia Connell

7.30 News Mon 2.9.13 Read By Cecilia Connell

6.30 News Mon 2.9.13 Read By Cecilia Connell

Elderly Woman Injured After Handbag Stolen

Newcastle city police are asking for help from the public after a woman's hand bag was stolen from West's Leagues Club in New Lambton.

Senior Constable Juan Mahoney said the 89 year old woman was in a gaming area at around 11.40am yesterday when her hand bag was taken from between two machines.

 

"The female offender, only described as aboriginal appearance, has been on the other side of the machines and the offender has reached in between the machines stolen the victims hand bag, stuffing it into another hand bag she was carrying and fleeing from the club," said Senior Constable Mahoney.

After the incident the victim attempted to alert her husband when her leg was caught in her seat and she fell, fracturing her hip.

The victim was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she will undergo surgery on her hip

　

Coalition promises to assist retirees and apprentices

The Coalition has promised to put plans for retirees, apprentices and dementia research in place if elected next month.

The plan includes indexing the Commonwealth Seniors Health card to help seniors with the cost of living, allocating $200 million to dementia research, and providing apprentices with a HECS-like loan scheme.

Liberal candidate for Newcastle, Jaime Abbott says the plan to index the Seniors Health card will assist retirees with healthcare costs.

Horse breeders concerned over mining impacts

Visiting horse breeders are said to be shocked at the impact of mining on the Upper Hunter's landscape, raising concerns over the Hunter's multi-billion dollar thoroughbred industry.

The concerns come after this weekend's annual stallion parades, bringing breeders and punters alike from around Australia to inspect horse studs.

President of the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Cameron Collins says mines are causing adverse effects on the breeding industry and he is concerned about the impact on water and air quality.

Hunter Greens Target Coal Dust

Hunter Greens claim coal dust piles along the Southern Maitland railway line are a serious environmental threat.

The Greens say the piles are building up in the Beelbird and Kurri Kurri area are a direct result of uncovered coal hoppers.

Greens candidate for the Hunter, David Atwell, said the piles could become a highly toxic substance called Black Water.

"Black Water is highly toxic and full of all the particles in coal including arsenic and sulphur which are in turn being exposed to the environment which again is another danger to local residents," Mr Atwell told 2NUR.FM

Mr Atwell said covers needed to be implemented to stop the spread of coal dust immediately.

"We also call upon Governments and the coal company and the rail way lines themselves to do a proper clean up," he said.

Mr Atwell also said the coal dust piles were close to a child care centre and an elderly care village, "some of the worst locations where the mounds are located are within two to three-hundred metres of this old aged care village."