Agony And Ecstasy For Knights Stars Ahead Of Origin 2

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Knights prop, Daniel Saifiti is on cloud nine after learning he's been included in the NSW team for State of Origin II.

The 23-year-old, who has played two internationals for Fiji, will make his Origin debut in Perth this Sunday.

An excited Saifiti told Fairfax "It's crazy, I can't wait" and "It doesn't get much bigger than than Origin and I want to make sure I prepare really well and just take the opportunity with both hands. I really want to show I belong at that level", he said.

Meanwhile, Knights captain, Mitchell Pearce was also recalled into the side but was forced to call Blues coach, Brad Fitler back to withdraw after consulting Knights medical staff. He took a hip flexor strain into Saturday's game against the Storm and suffered a bad leg cork during the match which the Knights lost 34-4. A disappointed Pearce told Fitler he didn't want to let him down by taking the risk of playing and he didn't want to let NSW down.

Despite the setback Pearce says he hasn't given up hope of making an Origin return.

Meanwhile, Knights veteran Tim Glassby has earned a recall into the Queensland squad and has been named at number 16. As expected, Kalyn Ponga has again been named at fullback for the Maroons.

Knight Prop Daniel Saifiti to make his Origin debut for NSW Picture:newcastleknights.com.au

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

Farley Residents Left Waiting For Answers On Health Concerns Of Proposed Crematorium

BY HOLLIE HUGHES

After calling on Maitland City Council to reject plans for a proposed crematorium in January this year, Farley residents say they have been left in the dark after begging for answers over the possible health effects of the development.

The 'Say No To Farley Crematorium' community group established in response to the proposal meets monthly to discuss concerns of the development, send letters to council and regularly approach Maitland City councillors for comment.

Farley resident and member of the group Barbara Bright says the council is yet to provide the group or wider community with any answers to the objections of the proposal submitted,

"We are yet to have any substantial response from council regarding our concerns of the proposal."

Since the council placed the crematorium and cemetery proposal on public exhibition, more than 100 submissions were lodged in objection to the development.

Mrs Bright says,

"We use the meetings as an opportunity to come together as a community and discuss ways in which we can engage and educate more residents to care about the proposal...Many residents are still not aware of it and are therefore have no idea of the possible implications to air and water quality that the crematorium may have if built."

Image Sourced: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enAU789AU789&biw=1920&bih=937&tbm

Hunter Valley Police Reappeal For Information On Cemetery Vandalism

BY LILLY HAINES

Police are re-appealing for information as they continue to investigate damage to Sedgefield Cemetery just outside of Singleton.

The incident occurred on Friday 31 May when 36 gravestones were damaged having been pushed over with a number of those smashed.

Police have been informed that a vehicle was seen parked at the site between 7pm and 7:15pm on the night when unknown persons vandalised the headstones.

Hunter Valley Police District Commander, Superintendent Chad Gillies says he hopes anyone with information will come forward to help police find the perpetrators responsible.

"We want to find answers for the families affected by this, they have already experienced immeasurable grief, and this sort of incident stirs up those emotions all over again.

"Someone knows something, and we urge anyone with information to speak up," Superintendent Gillies said.

Hunter Valley Detectives are continuing to investigate amid community distress following the incident.

Anyone who has witnessed suspicious behavior in the area or has any information related to the incident is urged to contact Singleton Police Station on 02 6578 7499 or Crime Stoppers on          1800 333 000.

Damage to gravestones at Sedgefield Cemetery near SinglImage: The Singleton Argus 

Belmont Man Pleads Guilty To Causing Firey Stockton Bridge Crash

BY IAN CROUCH

A Belmont man has pleaded guilty to causing a firey crash on the Stockton Bridge last year which claimed the life of the uncle of Blues Origin captain, Boyd Cordner.

Fairfax reports 46-year-old David John Evans was driving through the roundabout on the northern approach to the bridge on August 21 when he tried to overtake a van but clipped the front of another car causing his Ford Falcon to spin out of control into the path of oncoming traffic.

His car collided with a utility being driven by 57-year-old Joseph Cordner which was pushed into the path of a BMW and exploded in flames.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Mr Cordner died at the scene.

David Evans pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and causing bodily harm by misconduct and will be sentenced later this year.

The scene of the fatal crash scene on August 21, 2018 Picture: theherald.com.au

NSW Transport Reform Proposal

BY ALICE PEART

In documents released under Freedom of Information Laws, the state government has proposed a reform program for NSW transport to prevent cost blowouts over the next decade.

The release of the documents comes amidst existing concerns over the continuing reduction of services by private operator Keolis Downer in the Hunter.

The proposed changes would see fare hikes, the sale of state-owned properties and an overhaul of road levies and taxes to recoup billions of dollars in annual savings.

The savings attempt to address the projected nearly $4 billion needed annually from the state government by 2028.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is calling on the government to be transparent about the reform program which she says raises significant questions about the future of public transport in the Hunter.

Labor Roundtable on Regional Services

BY ALICE PEART

Labor representatives met at a Paterson community center today for a roundtable discussion with community members and professionals to identify problems in regional services across the Hunter.

The discussion covered housing, education and health services but predominately focussed on problems with the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Shadow Minister for Regional Services Jason Clare said it was about sitting down with the community to hear about what's working with the NDIS, and what's not.

The roundtable reportedly heard from one woman who had her funding cut by 90 percent and other community members who feel they still cannot access adequate support despite the scheme.

Paterson MP Meryl Swanson said people are frustrated and are becoming fearful for the future,

"Particularly out in the regions because we don't always have the level of service you might have in the metropolitan area".

The Shadow Minister said while Labor is in opposition his role is to shine a light on the problems and spend the next three years forming policy.