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29 APRIL 2022 ISSUE 016

OVONEWS ISSUE 016 29 APRIL 2022

NovoNews

Newcastle set to come alive in autumn

Paramedics have launched monthlong industrial action in response to unstable and dangerous working conditions.

See page 9

NovoSociety

Researchers have helped initiate a bid to save the endangered koala species with a new innovative model.

See page 14

NovoCastrian

A $500,000 program of free events is set to revitalise Newcastle and encourage the community to experience the cultural, retail and hospitality heart of the city.

See page 10

Councillor Carol Duncan with performers, musicians, and local small business representatives at the Autumn Alive program launch on April 13.

Photo: City of Newcastle

Demands for designer dress hire have skyrocketed, signalling a desire for a more sustainable fashion alternative.

See page 21

NovoSport

Australia’s best touch footballers returned to Newcastle on April 23, participating in the Bristol Paints Aus Open.

See page 24

Hunter’s Hydrogen Hub set for Phase 1 construction The Port of Newcastle Green Hydrogen Hub Project received a further vote of confidence following an announcement that the project would receive $41 million in Federal Government funding.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, announced the funding on April 28 and said it would support the hub’s Phase 1 construction.

The funding announcement positions Port of Newcastle as a leading site to establish a hydrogen hub, with connectivity to domestic and export infrastructure, proximate demand and access to renewable energy.

Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, said the funding was a vote

of confidence by the Federal Government, recognising the role of the Port as a key player in the emerging green hydrogen economy.

“The significance of this funding cannot be understated,” Carmody said.

“By 2025, we hope to have Phase 1 of the Hydrogen Hub complete, which will benefit a range of local industries and position the Hunter Region to be a key player in the emerging hydrogen opportunity.

“This funding also complements the recent $100 million in Federal Government funding for hydrogen readiness, which will focus on preparing the land and infrastructure, while the DISER funding provides the platform for a ready transition to Phase 1 construction.”

The project is a joint venture with

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Macquarie Capital and Macquarie’s Green Investment Group and is currently progressing through an ARENA funded feasibility study.

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Community feedback open for Council’s amended planning guidelines At the Ordinary Council meeting on Tuesday, April 26, Newcastle Council voted to place four sections of the Newcastle Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012 on public exhibition for 28 days, with the community invited to provide feedback on the draft changes.

Proposed amendments to planning guidelines aim to provide more clarity for applicants and enhance safety, sustainability and environmental outcomes for developments in Newcastle.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, said the updated DCP would offer a more modern and consistent framework, with detailed planning and design guidelines to help with delivering the highest level of urban development Novo News is published monthly by Community News Partners Pty Ltd (CNP), an independent, family-owned business.

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and renewal outcomes for Newcastle.

“A lot has changed in the planning landscape since the current Newcastle DCP was implemented 10 years ago, which is why it is important to periodically update these guidelines in line with modern standards and expectations,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Following a resolution of Council in October 2020, the DCP is undergoing a full review, which will ensure its provisions are consistent with community-supported strategies adopted by City of Newcastle (CN), such as the Local Strategic Planning Statement, Parking Plan, the Local Housing Strategy and our Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan.”

Cr Nelmes said they had reviewed and suggested amendments to four key sections relating to bush fire protection, mine subsidence, safety and security

and traffic, as well as parking and access.

“We will now seek community feedback on these draft changes, while the remainder of the DCP review will come back to Council for consideration later this year.”

Draft amendments to bush fire protection guidelines will ensure a greater emphasis on environmental preservation, reduce fire ignition risks and deliver mapping data to CN. Other provisions will help reduce community vulnerability to crime through good urban design, with all developments required to incorporate features that enhance public safety and security.

Other proposed changes will help deliver on CN’s adopted active transport and sustainability goals, including adapting the city to an electric vehicle future.

The ‘EV Ready’ amendments would require new developments or renovations worth more than $200,000 to implement pre-wiring for electric vehicle charging points to be installed in the future.

New large scale residential and commercial developments would need to dedicate five per cent of all parking spaces to electric vehicles, with a minimum ‘Level 2’ charging point installed.

A recommendation that parking spaces in these developments become “unbundled” or separately titled to the dwellings could also provide more affordable and flexible housing options, allowing households to choose the number of car parking spaces they want to own or rent when purchasing a property.

Information source: City of Newcastle

Close contacts to no longer isolate in new easing of COVID-19 rules The NSW Government has further eased COVID-19 public health orders with close contacts no longer required to isolate at home for seven days.

The change comes after the government received pressure from businesses to remove the close contact rule due to the hospitality and retail sectors struggling with staffing issues and reduced trading.

Additionally, NSW Chief Health Officer, Kerry Chant, said it was now an appropriate time to further ease restrictions due to the state passing the BA.2 Omicron sub-variant peak.

NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, said the lifting of isolation rules for close contacts were common-sense changes, helping the state and communities move away from the pandemic.

“These isolation rules have been necessary, but thanks to our strong vaccination rates, we can make the changes,” he said.

“This will provide immediate relief for so many workforces and businesses who have been hit hard by labour shortages as people are forced to isolate because they are a household contact.

“As the pandemic has evolved, so has our response, and this is another example where we have been able to make necessary changes safely and in a measured way.”

The new rules apply to both household contacts and those deemed as a close contact by the NSW Government, and while the isolation period is being ditched, there are still some remaining requirements.

Close contacts with no symptoms will not have to isolate as long as they:

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the new easing of restrictions on April 20.

Photo: Dom Perrottet Facebook

• Wear a face mask indoors outside of the home.

• Undertake daily rapid tests.

• Work from home where possible.

• Avoid contact with elderly or immunocompromised people.

• Notify their employer or education facility of their close contact status.

• There are no changes for positive cases, and the seven-day isolation requirement remains for anyone who has recorded a positive result.

A significant change also sees vaccine mandates removed for key workers and is instead based on a risk assessment under occupational health and safety— the mandate remains in place for aged care and disability workers.

From April 30, hotel quarantine will no longer be required for unvaccinated

returning international travellers, and public transport capacity caps will be lifted.

Masks are still required on public transport, planes and cruise terminals.

Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, said individuals still needed to exercise caution to protect vulnerable community members.

“We are still in a pandemic, and the basic rules of hand hygiene, wearing a mask when you cannot socially distance and staying at home if you have symptoms still apply,” Hazzard said.

“Most importantly, if you still have symptoms, you should not visit an aged care facility, hospital or an elderly relative.”

Hayley McMahon

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Record-breaking budget for Newcastle The $424 million draft budget for 2022/2023 is the largest in Newcastle’s history, as the City of Newcastle gets back on its feet after the past two years of huge financial hits.

City of Newcastle has said the financial impacts of COVID-19 were “largely in the rearview mirror” and has predicted record infrastructure spending and balanced budgets over the next decade.

The draft budget includes a record $132 million on infrastructure projects including the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery, the revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, the construction of two new major recycling facilities in Wallsend and a record spend on new cycleways.

It also forecasts a modest surplus of $1.2 million and is a return to the black following a $40 million hit to the Council’s income over the past two years from lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, said the draft budget represented a commitment to deliver services and infrastructure that supported the city and returned the budget to surplus.

“Our track record of strong financial management meant that during the pandemic we were able to dip into our savings to stimulate the local economy and generate hundreds of jobs when many other employers were forced to lay people off,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This budget continues our commitment to stimulating the local economy, with independent modelling showing our record infrastructure program will create up to 740 new jobs while providing the local economy with a $325 million boost.

“We’re increasing our capital works program by almost 30 per cent to deliver a record $132 million investment across a range of projects, which are fundamental to improving the way our community works and lives, as well as ensuring we continue to be an attractive

The draft budget includes a record $132 million on infrastructure projects including the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery and the revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

destination for visitors and investment.”

Cr Nelmes said the budget included more than $50 million being invested across four city changing projects that would deliver key outcomes for the community.

“Five million dollars will be allocated towards planning a plastic, glass and paper recovery facility and $9.4 million to begin construction of an organics processing facility, which will allow our food waste to be recycled to a commercially saleable product at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We will kick off construction of the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion with a $17.4 million investment, while we will also spend $18.6 million to protect the RAMSAR-listed Hunter Wetlands by remediating and improving the environmental management of the former Astra Street landfill site in Shortland.

“Investment in services and facilities across the city remains a key priority under this Budget, with $5.8 million to continue the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, $16 million for upgrades to

local roads, bridges and footpaths, and $7.9 million for coastal, city and urban centre revitalisation projects including upgrades at our much-loved Blackbutt Reserve.”

Other highlights of the 2022/23 budget include: • $17.8 million for cultural and recreational facilities including libraries, parks, aquatic centres and civic venues, with $1.5 million for the all-abilities playground at Foreshore Park and $2.3 million to upgrade the Darling Street Oval grandstand • $8.3 million for environmental sustainability projects including $2.1 million to continue the rehabilitation of Ironbark Creek and $1.5 million for street and park trees to address urban heat island impacts • $5.9 million on stormwater upgrades to address flooding to property and businesses • $4 million to enhance economic development, tourism, smart city initiatives and improve customer experience

• $4.4 million for improving Newcastle’s cycleway network • $2.1 million for community infrastructure and amenities including public toilets, community buildings and caravan parks • $1.3 million to continue implementing actions from the Stockton Coastal Management Plan.

City of Newcastle CEO, Jeremy Bath, said getting the budget back in surplus was the result of prudent financial management and the expectation that lockdowns and restrictions weren’t repeated.

He said the greatest challenge to the budget was the spiralling cost of construction, which last year increased by 7.3 per cent and was likely to be more than 10 per cent this year.

“Ratepayers will be spared the full force of recent inflation with rates forecast to rise by just 2.5 per cent if the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approves our rate application,” Bath said.

“For some local councils, IPART has set their rate increase at just 0.7 per cent, which can’t be described as anything other than a spectacular error that is going to cause significant financial problems for some councils.

“Despite our $132 million infrastructure spend in this budget, the average ratepayer will see their rates increase by just $40.35 next year, which given the current inflation rate, is an acceptable outcome.

The NSW Government has a series of financial metrics that allow the community to understand the financial sustainability of a council.

Bath said the City of Newcastle had passed each of the six financial metrics next year and for the next decade.

“This means that we can continue to employ our 1300 staff, continue to fund the construction of new infrastructure projects and continue to improve the liveability of our city.”

Hayley McMahon

Spirit Super works hard for Newcastle

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Electric vehicle planning drives forward

To cater to EVs, City of Newcastle has already rolled out public charging infrastructure from Wallsend to the Foreshore.

Photo: City of Newcastle

As Novocastrians begin to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in record numbers, Newcastle Labor councillors are wanting to futureproof new developments and establish an ‘EV Ready’ city.

Through modifications to the City of Newcastle’s Development Control Plan (DCP), future development would require appropriate conduit and electrical cabling to enable the installation of future charging stations in carparks and garages.

Additionally, new commercial and large scale residential development would be required to install charging stations to service five per cent of new car parking spaces.

Newcastle Councillor, Elizabeth Adamczyk, said it was time for building standards to evolve and become more EV-friendly.

“In five to 10 years, we know that many garages across the city will be home to an electric vehicle,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“By requiring that new buildings are ‘EV Ready’, through simple actions like installing appropriate cabling when buildings are constructed, we’ll be ensuring that the city is ready for the future.”

Currently, there are no Newcastle planning controls requiring EV charging infrastructure to be included in new developments.

The proposed changes would apply to all Development Application approval projects involving parking and all developments over $200,000.

EV charging inclusions at the development stage is reportedly low and estimated between $50 to $300 per park, a figure that Labor councillors insist is much cheaper than future retrofitting.

Cr Adamczyk said the council had a crucial role to play in supporting EVs and that the City of Newcastle had already begun the transition.

“We have rolled out new public charging infrastructure from Wallsend to the Foreshore and are transitioning our own fleet of vehicles,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Shifting our building standards to best practice is another step toward a cleaner, healthier and more resilient future for our region.”

According to the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), sales of plug-in electric vehicles tripled in the past year, from 6,900 in 2020 to 20,665 in 2021.

EVC CEO, Behyad Jafari, said the boost in EV popularity was driven by positive policy change and societal benefits like cleaner air, reduced respiratory illness, a smaller carbon footprint and quieter roads.

“The penny has now well and truly dropped on how good electric vehicles are, and most people in the car market will now be considering an electric option.”

City of Newcastle’s EV push accompanies state wide policies designed to support the uptake of EVs. In 2021, the NSW Government announced a $490 million package that aimed to incentivise the purchase of EVs over the next decade.

Stamp duty was abolished for EVs purchased under $78,00, and over the next four years, cash rebates will be offered for new EV buyers.

The government aims to increase EV sales to more than 50 per cent of new cars sold in NSW by 2030 and the vast majority of sales by 2035.

Carmakers including Mazda, Nissan, Volvo, General Motors and Ford have set timelines to phase out petrol and diesel cars and become 100 per cent electric from 2030.

Cr Adamczyk said it was important that the City of Newcastle planned for its transport future.

“A third of Novocastrians rent their home today, with limited opportunities to make modifications like installing new electrical wiring,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Development controls like our policy proposes are a simple way to ensure that future occupiers – be they owners or tenants – can easily transition to EVs without the hassle and high expenses associated with future retrofitting.

“Having this option increases the attractiveness of homes to residents – whether tenants or owners – who want to have the choice of being able to own an electric vehicle, now or in the future.

“It’s a simple policy that is a win for residents, future drivers and our environment.”

The modifications made to the City of Newcastle’s Development Control Plan will be publicly exhibited for 28 days, with the community invited to provide feedback.

Maia O’Connor

Hunter’s Hydrogen Hub set for Phase 1 construction From page 1

It is also being developed with a phase one minimum 40MW electrolyser, which over time could increase to a capacity of 1 GW. A range of project partners have worked on the project, developing a comprehensive range of uses for green hydrogen in the Hunter, which builds on the region’s strong industrial heritage.

These include mobility, bunkering, energy production and industrial uses at the scale necessary to position the Hunter at the centre of the emerging global green hydrogen opportunity.

Federal Member for Newcastle,

Sharon Claydon, welcomed the funding for the hydrogen hub and said Labor would match the commitment.

“We question whether this Government can be trusted to deliver on hydrogen when multiple coalition members are openly scathing of the industry—the Government waged a war on Labor’s hydrogen policy at the last election,” Claydon said.

“Direct support for hydrogen hubs, production and storage are important but it’s only part of the picture, demand for green hydrogen is directly linked to the energy policy certainty and ambitious climate policy.”

Hayley McMahon

Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody (left), Federal Minister, Angus Taylor (right).

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Broadmeadow company awarded $17.9M defence contract AVS Director, Martin Carr, and Director Land Training Capability, Colonel Joshua Gillman.

Broadmeadow company Applied Virtual Simulation has been awarded a $17.9M contract to deliver simulation software and associated technologies to the Australian Army.

The Land Simulation Core 2.0 Tranche 1 project, commissioned by the Australian Defence Force (ADF), will provide the army with a suite of Common Simulation Software (CSS) for use by future simulators.

The software features high-quality data, models and behaviours developed explicitly for the Australian Army.

Applied Virtual Simulation (AVS) Director, Martin Carr, said the platform

would allow the army to train within an integrated virtual environment.

“Land Simulation Core 2.0 will be the most comprehensive modernisation of simulation technology in the history of the Australian Army…it will be a key enabler of the Future Ready Training System,” he said.

“The army is making substantial investments into procuring new land combat platforms. The training systems for these platforms must be able to interoperate to achieve combined arms training effects.

“Land Simulation Core 2.0 will enable this by providing a suite of CSS and associated applications which will provide a baseline for current and future

simulators and simulation-based training systems.”

He said that AVS formulated their approach to delivering the CSS by selecting the “best” applications available worldwide, including USbased MAK Technologies and UK based SimCentric.

In addition to delivering the software applications, AVS will create hundreds of 3D models and map thousands of square kilometres of real-world terrain into the simulation.

Carr said this would allow soldiers to train together using a simulator in a barracks environment or deployed to a field training area.

Currently, AVS is a leading provider of simulation-based training technology for the Australian Army.

As a “bespoke industry”, Carr said virtual simulation didn’t get the credit it deserved in delivering jobs and growth to the region.

“This is a catalyst project for AVS, with significant economic benefit to the region through directly employing an additional 15 staff, as well as opportunities for SMEs to join our supply chain,” he said.

“Our success also has flow-on benefits for the local industry by reinforcing the region’s reputation for simulation capability.”

The Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP,

congratulated AVS for securing the contract, reinforcing the Australian Government’s commitment to investing in sovereign-capability technology.

“This contract represents a part of broader Defence investment in simulation for training and other purposes through multiple programs and projects,” Hastie said.

“Soldiers and commanders will now have access to CSS through various platforms to train in realistic and relevant settings, contributing to the army’s future-ready posture.”

The new software will be rolled out across the army’s Land Simulation Network over two years and include military vehicle and weapon platforms.

Maia O’Connor

The simulation software will feature high-quality data, models and behaviours developed explicitly for the Australian Army.

Plan for Hunter’s post-coal future discussed The Hunter’s economic reliance transition from coal mining to new industries was discussed at a public meeting on April 19, where the Federal Greens described plans and investments required for a “prosperous post-coal future”.

The More Jobs, Zero Emissions forum was held at the Club Macquarie Place in Argenton, Lake Macquarie, on April 19.

Greens candidate for Newcastle, Charlotte McCabe, spoke alongside Greens candidate for Shortland, Kim Grierson, Greens candidate for Hunter, Janet Murray and Greens NSW Senate candidate, David Shoebridge.

Shoebridge said Australia’s coal buyers had made it clear from their own emission reduction plans that coal was on the way out.

“China is reducing its emissions to netzero by 2050 with significant emission reduction targets by 2040 and 2030,” Shoebridge said.

“With the writing so clearly on the wall, our focus is on replacement jobs by investing in new industries in the Hunter region.”

Newcastle’s candidate, Charlotte McCabe, said conversations had shifted and community members wanted a solid transition plan with new industries established.

“We will ensure community members and First Nations representatives are included in local transition authorities along with business, government and academics,” she said.

“Their plans will be funded by a diversifying coal communities fund and will be best placed to respond to the needs and aspirations of our region.

“Workers will be guaranteed their financial security with our jobs guarantee where current rates of pay will be guaranteed for ten years in a new job with the federal government paying half and new employers paying the other half.”

Hunter candidate, Janet Murray, spoke to the forum on her experience when the BHP Steelworks closed in 1999.

“We were given two years’ notice of the closure, with BHP funding retraining for workers choosing new career pathways,” Murray said.

“Offering to retrain the day the place is closing is not correctly supporting workers who have provided years of loyal service to a large company.

“There are many alternatives to offer mineworkers, and an obvious one is mine rehabilitation.”

Murray said there was a “massive amount” of rehabilitation, including filling in, reshaping and reforming mine sites that could be done.

“Clearly, this is work that mining employees are suited for – it is more or less the reverse of what they have been doing for years,” Murray said.

“It should be work that is offered first to displaced mine workers. It also presents the opportunity to create something that will draw people to the area, such as a world-class mountain bike track.

“Under the Greens plan, coal communities will have a say in how to diversify their region to attract new jobs Greens NSW Senate candidate, David Shoebridge at the public forum on April 19.

and industries through the HV Authority.”

Dudley resident, Helen Polemis, said she was concerned about the economic strength of the Hunter Region.

“Mining has been our backbone for decades, but it’s obviously on the way out, and we should be doing more to make sure the region stays economically strong and viable,” Polemis said.

“A rehabilitation industry is a brilliant idea and just the kind of innovative thinking needed for our future.”

Hayley McMahon

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Hunter urgent care clinic proposed in federal election promise Labor has made a $135 million federal election promise to take pressure off emergency departments and deliver Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, with the Hunter pitched to be among the 50 locations.

On a visit to Cessnock on April 14, opposition leader, Anthony Albanese, said a Labor Government would fund a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic near Cessnock Hospital so families would get the bulk billed urgent medical care they needed.

“Labor’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will mean more families will get topquality care from a nurse or a doctor without having to wait in a hospital emergency department,” Albanese said.

“Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will take the pressure off emergency departments, so they can concentrate on saving lives.

“These clinics are a key part of Labor’s plan to strengthen Medicare by making it easier to see a doctor.”

The clinic would treat sprains, broken bones, cuts, wounds, insect bites, minor ear and eye problems and minor burns.

In a media release, the Labor party revealed out of pocket costs to see a doctor in the Hunter had gone up by 29 per cent.

“Hunter families are already struggling to access emergency care and are under pressure from rising out of pocket costs which only contribute to the strain on household budgets,” the statement read.

“Care at the clinic will be bulk billed, meaning families won’t be left out of

pocket for having a loved one attended to, just as if they had gone to the Cessnock Hospital Emergency Department.”

The announcement comes after the GP Access After Hours Service at the Calvary Mater Hospital closed in December due to significant cuts in funding, including Medicare rebate freezes and cuts to bulk-billing incentives.

Opening hours were also reduced at similar clinics, including John Hunter Hospital, Maitland Hospital, Belmont Hospital and Toronto’s Westlakes Community Health Centre.

More than 11,500 constituents signed a petition to save the service, initiated

by Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon.

At the time, Claydon said GP Access had played “a vital role in relieving pressure on our local hospital emergency departments for more than twenty years, treating more than a million patients since its inception”.

“This has been an essential service for tens of thousands of Newcastle families who rely upon bulk-billing GP services to access the healthcare they need when they need it,” she said.

Labor’s new proposed clinics would be open seven days a week from at least 8 am to 10 pm— when most nonlife-threatening injuries occur.

Australian Medical Association President, Omar Khorshid, informally known as the architect of Medicare, labelled the proposal “superficially attractive”.

“When you scratch the surface, you see a model that is piecemeal, that fragments care even more, and does

Anthony Albanese announced that Labor would fund a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic near Cessnock Hospital if successful in the upcoming federal election.

Photo: Anthony Albanese

nothing to improve the average patient’s experience in primary care,” he said.

“This sounds a lot like the failed GP super clinic model from over a decade ago, one that led to practices being built that ended up competing with local practices, ended up making absolutely zero difference to hospital waiting lists and zero difference to the quality of primary care delivery in the community.

“There are around 8000 general practices around the country, and a measure that allows 50 of them to open after hours is one that’s going to make very little difference to the average Australian.”

In an interview with the ABC, Health

economist, Stephen Duckett, said the clinics were “definitely a good idea”, as the model was proven in New Zealand to reduce ED presentations.

“Emergency departments in hospitals are dramatically overwhelmed at the moment, and GPs are also overwhelmed …. and so I think what we’ve got, and what Labor is proposing, is somewhere between emergency departments and GPs,” Duckett said.

“It’s not going to fix the hospital problem, and we shouldn’t pretend that it will, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

“I think it’s certainly a step in the right direction, and we should welcome it.”

Maia O’Connor

Local eating disorder clinic to open in NSW first Charlestown will become home to a new $13 million state-wide Residential Eating Disorders Treatment Centre, the first publicly-funded service of its kind in NSW. Minister for Mental Health and Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor, said the 12-bed centre would provide specialist support to people with severe eating disorders.

“The centre will provide wrap-around care in a home-like environment to people who require more support than a day program can provide but don’t need to be hospitalised,” Taylor said.

“A multi-disciplinary team of specialists will address all aspects of recovery; the physical, psychological and lifestyle, giving people the best chance of living a full, rich and healthy life.

“The centre will also have the capacity to provide whole-of-family therapy, which is vital to the ongoing treatment and recovery of those experiencing an eating disorder.”

The 12-bed centre will provide specialist support to people with severe eating disorders.

Every quarter per year, more than 1,600 people living with an eating disorder seek care from a NSW hospital, mental health service or emergency department.

In 2019, a longitudinal study of more than 5000 students published in the peer-reviewed journal, Psychological

Medicine, found that just over one in five participants aged 12 to 19 experienced a “clinical” or “subclinical” eating disorder during adolescence.

Of the 13 schools that participated in the study, 12 were from the Hunter Region.

Taylor said the NSW Government was

stepping up its investment in eating disorder care to better support the people, families and communities impacted by the complex and debilitating illness.

“In 2021 to 22, we’re investing more than $12 million in services and workforce capacity to ensure our residents are receiving the best care in the country,” she said.

“This includes $4 million over four years to support new eating disorders clinicians in every health district and network across NSW.” The site at Charlestown, owned by Hunter New England Local Health District, was chosen for its residential location and proximity to retail services and public transport links.

Funded through the Commonwealth’s Community Health and Hospitals Program, the centre will accept referrals from Local Health Districts across NSW. Construction will commence later this year and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2023.

Maia O’Connor

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Hunter Workers call mayday on working conditions Hunter workers are set to band together on May 1 as part of an international plea for governments across the globe to improve conditions for working-class citizens.

“May Day is an inaugural political protest, as well as a celebration of workers’ struggles and achievements for better wages, working conditions and a fairer society for all,” Hunter Workers Secretary, Leigh Shears said.

“We expect two thousand people to turn out this year due to the number of trade union claims going forward, as well as the proximity of the federal election and workers’ desire to make their voices heard.

“We’re campaigning for stronger workplaces, a better society and securer jobs.”

Key themes in this year’s May Day event include “Same Job, Same Pay”, “Secure Jobs Worth Fighting for” and “Australian Made”.

Shears said they were all causes that the Hunter Workers organisation had campaigned for in recent times.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a number of gaps in our

manufacturing and our supply chains,” Shears said.

“We relied on overseas products, and subsequently, we saw a number of employers in the industry adjust their practices to suit the pandemic.

“We need governments to support local manufacturing and support secure jobs.”

Shears criticised the uncertainty that accompanied the “increasing cohort of insecure work” nationally, including casual and labour-hire workforces.

He said that on May 1, protestors would campaign for secure jobs that resulted in higher confidence in the national economy.

“We saw the massive job losses at the start of the pandemic, which was primarily casual, insecure work,” Shears said.

“We’ve been campaigning for a decade now around permanent employment and the increase of insecure work and the different ways employers have used to create insecure work.

“We’ve seen the rise of the gig economy and people working from digital platforms—they’re employees,

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Two thousand people are expected to attend the May Day March on May 1.

Photo: Hunter Workers

but they’re effectively treated as contractors.”

Shears added that in 2020, for the first time in Australia, insecure employment outnumbered permanent, secure employment.

“For example, across NSW, there are approximately 8780 casual teachers and support staff working for TAFE, and not one of them was offered permanent employment,” he said.

“They all got a standardised letter from TAFE saying they couldn’t offer them full-time employment, although the evidence presented is that most of those workers were working consistent, permanent hours, or over their casual arrangements.”

Shears said that attendees on May 1 would also advocate for improved leave entitlements, such as sick leave, annual leave and more certainty around employment and income.

“A secure job is the central basis of our industrial relations system and a central expectation of people when they think about their career,” he said.

“It’s all based on the certainty of our income—if we don’t have secure jobs, we don’t have the certainty of paying our bills or the certainty to plan our futures and provide opportunities for our families.”

May Day is organised locally by Hunter Workers and was born out of the shorter working hours movement in the early 1800s.

Hunter Workers, formerly known as the Newcastle Trades Hall Council, was established in 1869 and is the longest operating regional trades labour council in Australia.

The May Day March will kick off at 10 am on Sunday, May 1, starting at the Newcastle Museum on 6 Workshop Way. Maia O’Connor

Sharon Claydon MP and Labor Delivering a better future for you and your family.

A Labor Government will: StrengthenMedicare Medicare by saving our GP Access Strengthen

After Hours and making it easier to see a doctor.

Make child Make childcare carecheaper cheaper so it's easier for working families to get ahead.

Create securelocal localjobs jobs by investing in Fee-Free Create secure

TAFE and more university places, and make your job more secure with better pay and conditions.

Fix the theaged agedcare carecrisis crisis because older Australians

deserve dignity in their later years.

Authorised by Sharon Claydon MP, Australian Labor Party, 427 Hunter Street Newcastle NSW 2300

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Lake Mac residents question new bulk waste proposal Households will choose the date of their twiceyearly bulk waste collections instead of the current service.

Photo: Lake Macquarie City

Lake Macquarie residents have voiced concerns over the newly proposed waste collection system, believing it is counteractive to the council’s own convenience goals and sustainability agendas.

Under the proposed changes, which will be introduced in 2023, Lake Macquarie households will choose the date of their twice-yearly bulk waste collections instead of the current scheduled service per suburb.

Alternatively, residents can receive up to two vouchers a year to drop the same amount of waste at the Awaba Waste Management Facility.

Lake Macquarie City Manager Waste Services, Paul Collins, said the proposed new system meant residents could get rid of their bulk waste when convenient.

“Whether it’s home renovations, spring cleaning or moving house, there are many occasions where people would rather have bulk waste collected at a time convenient to them,” Collins said.

“Every resident gets to choose based on what best suits their needs.”

Concerns for the existing circular economy Lake Macquarie residents weighed in on social media, with many sceptical of the proposed changes.

One resident voiced concerns about the impact on current sustainability practices amongst neighbourhoods.

“I furnished several houses with furniture from the curb-side when I was at university and still continue to repurpose items from my area as an effort to reduce landfill,” he said.

“When professional recyclers collect unwanted goods before council pick them up, community members can recycle, reuse and repurpose.

“How is it more economical for a truck to come out to each house? How is each person driving their cars out to Awaba environmentally friendly?”

Collins confirmed the proposed new system would reduce overall collection costs for Lake Macquarie City, with estimates that it would save $500,000 a year over the next 10 years.

He said it would also significantly reduce the total amount of bulk waste going to landfills each year.

“This will enable us to implement bulk waste reuse and additional resource recovery initiatives,” Collins said.

From 2020 to 2021, Lake Macquarie City collected 11,222 tonnes of landfill bulk waste and recycled 1,450 tonnes.

The newly proposed service is not the first instance in the Hunter, with the City of Newcastle, Maitland City Council and Port Stephens Council having already implemented the system.

New system difficulties Lake Macquarie resident, Stephanie Medini Canaway, said she thought the proposed service would make things harder after seeing it at work in other LGAs. “I’ve seen how these changes have been made in Sydney and how difficult it has made things,” she said.

“Especially with renters having difficulty gaining permission from the property owner and contacting the council on their behalf for collection.

“Ultimately, it has left people dumping goods in front of other people’s homes and them having to call the council to report the dumping.”

Canaway said given the increased difficulty of the process, the only benefit seemed to be the reduction in people utilising the service.

“People may not bother to call for their pickups, and tip vouchers would be useless if it meant you had to hire a van to take your stuff to the tip.”

A Lake Macquarie City spokesperson defended the proposed changes.

“Currently, many households place their bulk waste out for collection two or more weeks prior to their scheduled collection,” the spokesperson said.

“This can lead to hundreds of tonnes of waste sitting in the street for weeks before it gets collected by our collection vehicles, resulting in litter and material

being degraded by rain, which affects the recyclability of many items.

“With the new booked collection service, residents will be requested to place their rubbish out the day before collection – no earlier.”

A handful of Lake Macquarie residents welcomed the changes, with one social media user saying she would be “happy to see a change”.

“I live in a unit block, and a month before the pickup date, lots of stuff starts to pile up out the front and it often smells because it has been there for so long,” she said.

“Bring on the changes. It must get better.”

The Lake Macquarie City spokesperson assured the council was working to formalise material reuse opportunities and stimulate additional job opportunities in the circular economy.

They said a new proposed system would connect local charitable organisations and specialised reuse and repair businesses with residents’ reusable items.

“We are also exploring new recycling opportunities to save the remaining bulky household waste items from landfills,” the spokesperson said.

“This will be made possible by managing lower daily tonnages instead of the high volumes of material generated when entire suburbs put their material out at the same time.”

Maia O’Connor

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Paramedics pushed beyond breaking point “Our paramedics have to witness and deal with horrible situations many of us will never have to; valuing this work and investing in the resources needed to complete their jobs should be a no brainer.”

Paramedics have launched month-long industrial action in response to the current unstable and dangerous working conditions.

Paramedics have launched monthlong industrial action in response to the current unstable and dangerous working conditions, calling on the NSW Government to improve resourcing, pay and patient care.

“Paramedics are waiting hours in ambulance bays for the hospital to find room for the new patients; they are looking after their patients on ambulance stretches, in emergency department corridors and in the backs of their ambulances,” he said.

The majority of APA members have reported missed breaks, excessive overtime and dangerous fatigue, with a newly released union survey finding 87 per cent of paramedics missed more than half of their scheduled breaks during the past month.

The Australian Paramedics Association (APA) launched week-long industrial action against the NSW Government and NSW Ambulance on April 11 but has since escalated to month-long action, which started on April 18.

The escalation comes after the NSW Government did not act on the APA’s demands for a wage increase, 1500 additional paramedics and meaningful investment in referral networks and specialist programs to improve patient care.

“In the last month, we have heard of nearly 150 cases where paramedics have had to work greater than 16 hours in a row, with some working 18 hours continuously with no breaks.

Additionally, in the last month, 80 per cent said they had felt too fatigued to drive home safely, and 30 per cent had been asked to respond to a patient after identifying they were too fatigued.

“Morale is very low; they are overwhelmed, exhausted, suffering significant levels of PTSD and leaving their jobs because of the enormous workload without any reasonable recognition or remuneration,” said APA President, Chris Kastelan.

“These are all symptoms of a broken system.

“NSW Ambulance has previously asked paramedics to cancel and reschedule their annual leave because of such significant staff shortages—that is the wrong message to be sending to an already tired workforce.”

On April 21, it was reported that during the 12 hour night shift, there was just one ambulance covering Newcastle and one intensive care vehicle covering the entire region.

Day shift crews had also taken ambulances home to be on call.

Kastelan said there had also been unprecedented bed block issues at John Hunter Hospital and Maitland Hospital.

“Paramedics have a very high sense of civic duty; they make decisions based on the resilience and wellbeing of others, potentially to the detriment of their own wellbeing because they know their community needs them.

“That’s why we have launched industrial action. There seems to be a disconnect between the policymakers who tell us everything is fine and the paramedics on the road who are experiencing it all.”

APA has advised their members across NSW to refuse undertaking ‘staff movements’, a practice where paramedics are re-assigned from their designated station once on shift.

For 24 hours every Monday, the union have also implemented a ban on ‘R6’ and ‘R7’ jobs which entails refusing to undertake non-urgent patient transfers from hospitals after routine or posttreatment discharges.

“Refusing staff movements means refusing to abandon your community to help the service cover up for shortfalls somewhere else,” Kastelan said.

“NSW deserves a properly resourced healthcare system.

“It’s completely unacceptable that we’re relying on a last-minute reshuffle of scant resources to get a single ambulance to our communities.

“We want enough crews on the road to cover the rosters. This shouldn’t be a radical proposal.”

State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, said crews from Hamilton had previously been sent to Port Stephens and the Central Coast to cover shortfalls.

“NSW paramedics are the lowest paid in Australia and are also subject to the public sector wage cap, which keeps their pay increases below the rate of inflation,” Crakanthorp said.

“The NSW Government is not even engaging in the very first step of fixing this – sitting down with paramedics and the unions and having a meaningful discussion.

From 2020 to 2021, the NSW Government invested more than $1 billion into the NSW Ambulance, including $27 million for 180 new staff, in addition to the 2018 commitment to recruit 750 more paramedics and control centre staff over four years.

In June 2021, it was also announced that a wage increase of up to 2.5 per cent was to be implemented.

Last year, the APA won a historic victory on ambulance resourcing before the Industrial Relations Commission.

After three years of formal disputation, NSW Ambulance was ordered to update minimum crewing requirements.

This resulted in Hunter Zone 1 being awarded four extra day shift ambulances and two extra ambulances for afternoon shifts.

“Unfortunately, from the time of the commission hearing to where we are now, that is already wildly out of date,” Kastelan said.

“NSW Ambulance only has about 47 paramedics per 100,000 population whereas Victoria and Queensland have nearly 70 per 100,000, so we are significantly underresourced.

“Leading into the state budget and the state elections next year, we are hoping that the community, the parliamentarians and NSW Ambulance can recognise that this is really something that needs to be addressed.

“We need a paramedic service that is fit for purpose before it’s required, rather than constantly being in this reactive state. We want to provide the best care we possibly can to our communities.”

Hayley McMahon

Australian Paramedic Association President Chris Kastelan.

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Newcastle set to come alive in autumn A $500,000 program of free events is set to revitalise Newcastle and encourage the community to experience the cultural, retail and hospitality heart of the city.

More than 40 free night-time events will be delivered across Newcastle’s city centre between April 29 and May 21.

Coordinated by City of Newcastle under the banner, Autumn Alive, the eclectic mix of events has received funding support of more than $500,000 from the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program.

Autumn Alive kicked off at Pacific Park on April 29 and included electronic music, DJs, food trucks, a silent disco and performances by Curious Legends and Catapult Dance Artists.

New interactive lightbox installations were also unveiled on the night, displaying iconic artworks from Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection.

The month-long program features an outdoor cinema experience at Museum Park, alfresco dining at Civic Theatre, a pop-up drag bar at Newcastle Library and night-time walking trails to highlight the city’s restaurants, venues and boutique retailers.

The final night will see a street party hosted on Laman Street across from the Newcastle Art Gallery.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, said the Autumn Alive program

would provide a much-needed economic boost to small businesses and the city’s arts and cultural sector.

“Newcastle’s city centre is our cultural heart, and a thriving CBD is the key to attracting people to help stimulate the economy,” Cr Nelmes said.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Stuart Ayres, said Newcastle had transformed significantly during the past two decades and was now home to amazing cultural offers with fantastic liveability.

“Initiatives like this one in Newcastle send a clear message that our CBDs are buzzing and back to business,” Ayres said.

“We are doing all we can through our $50 million CBDs Revitalisation Program to encourage and entice people back into our CBDs, as this will help create jobs, drive our economy and showcase NSW as a vibrant place to live, work and visit.”

Newcastle Councillor and Community and Culture Advisory Committee Chair, Carol Duncan, said the Autumn Alive program had wide appeal and spotlighted the city’s local businesses.

“The Autumn Alive program has reinvented the way we use our city’s cultural facilities and venues,” Cr Duncan said.

“It’s wonderful to see a venue like Newcastle Library remain open at night and transform into a drag bar featuring

local performers like Timberlina and Foxxe Faux.

“I’d encourage Novocastrians to explore the city centre this May to rediscover Newcastle at night in support of small business and the arts and cultural sector.”

Visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/ autumnalive for event details, dates and times.

Autumn Alive program highlights: Launch night at Pacific Park Friday, April 29 Autumn Alive kicked off at Pacific Park and included electronic music, DJs, food trucks, a silent disco and a performance by Curious Legends and Catapult Dance Artists.

Library After Dark Thursday and Friday nights, 5 to 9 pm Newcastle Libraries and Newcastle Art Gallery will present Library After Dark – an eclectic series of evening pop-up events.

Bad Art Party Thursday, May 19, 5 to 9 pm Bad Art Party is a social art event filled with kitschy craft-making and is a fun celebration of the underrated art forms taking the world by storm.

Night-time Walking Trails Friday and Saturday nights

City of Newcastle has partnered with the city’s restaurants, galleries, bars and boutique retailers during Autumn Alive to bring curated Night-time Walking Trails.

Pacific Nights Saturday and Sunday nights Produced by Newcastle’s bestemerging programmers, enjoy live music, spoken word, dance and interactive lighting in Pacific Park each Saturday and Sunday night throughout Autumn Alive.

Movies at Museum Park Thursday and Friday nights, 6 to 9 pm Newcastle Museum will celebrate their latest exhibition, Alice’s Wonderland – A Most Curious Adventure, airing classic Disney movies under the stars in Museum Park.

East End Party Saturday, May 7 Local businesses invite locals to taste and see all that the new East End Stage 1 offers with boutique wine tasting, dumplings, an alfresco art exhibition, stringed musicians, contemporary dance and operatic vocals.

Closing Night: Laman Street Party Saturday, May 21 Autumn Alive’s final night party on Laman Street has live music, dance, an art installation by Newcastle Art Gallery, local food stalls and more.

Hayley McMahon

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Anzac Day services returned in full

Services across the region hosted a promising number of people as Novocastrians came together to reflect and remember.

This year, thousands of people across Newcastle attended Anzac Day dawn services following two years of commemorative event disruptions due to COVID-19.

Nobbys Beach welcomed back a crowd of nearly 30,000 people for its service.

Other events across the region also hosted a promising number of people, as Novocastrians came together to reflect and remember the sacrifices of service personnel, past and present.

State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, gave special mention to local and oldest veteran, Alf Carpenter, who at the age of 105 still participated in Sydney’s Anzac Day March.

“Alf fought in the Middle East, Pacific Islands and Greece, including the Battle of Crete in 1941.”

While Crakanthorp was unable to attend services due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, he still managed to show his support.

“I’m disappointed that I won’t be

attending Anzac Day services, but I’ll certainly be watching from home,” he said.

Minister for Transport and Veterans, David Elliott, said Anzac Day 2022 was a moving and significant occasion for many veterans who had previously missed out on marching or attending a reunion.

“This year not only marked the first year since the Australian Defence Force’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, but it’s also the first time since 2019 that veterans were able to reconnect with mates to attend their annual reunions free of restrictions,” Elliott said.

City of Newcastle RSL Sub-Branch President, Ken Fayle, said veteran organisations and committees across the Hunter were pleased to host unrestricted events again.

“I think I can speak for all RSLs when I say that when COVID-19 stopped everything, it was gut-wrenching for all of us,” Fayle said.

“Last year, many smaller RSLs tried to host something, but the whole range of events that we normally do was still disrupted.”

He said the range of ages that attended services was a testament to the region’s support of the national commemorative holiday.

“Anzac Day is not just to acknowledge and commemorate the fallen and those who have served, but it is also an

opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to our country,” Fayle said.

“We live in a strong democracy, and the strength of the democracy is born out of the strength of the people who defended us, especially in World War II.” Following the recent conflict in Ukraine, Fayle said Anzac Day was a timely reminder of the peace and freedoms that Australians enjoyed.

“I often say to people that peace comes at a cost, and that cost is all too often paid with the lives of our defenders,” he said.

“The people who are defending you so that you can live in peace often pay the ultimate price.”

Fayle added that the peace and freedom Australians had would not be possible without a viable defence force and the volunteers who sustained it.

As a veteran who served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, Fayle was required to enlist after his birthday was drawn in the birthday ballot system.

He said he was all too familiar with the consequences of conscription and valued the courage displayed by volunteers in the Australian armed forces.

“Our armed forces are made up of volunteers, and we must always be mindful and thankful for that,” he said.

Maia O’Connor

Islington farewells local business pioneer Islington has bid an emotional farewell to stalwart businesswoman, Jennie Lyons, who has passed the baton onto new owners after running Pride Dry Cleaning for 12 years.

After purchasing the business in 2010, Jennie and her late husband, Phil Lyons, became pioneers in the laundry industry by becoming the first registered NDIS laundry provider in the Hunter Region.

Since then, the small business has earned a reputation in the community for the important work it does in ensuring people of all abilities have equal access to care and quality services.

While the Islington location has been

Jennie Lyons farewells Pride Dry Cleaning and is passing the baton on to Cathy and Dave Marshall as of April 2022.

a dry cleaning business since 1942, the Lyons’ committed to ensuring Pride Dry Cleaning became an inclusive service location by installing a completely ability-adapted factory.

This is a philosophy that new owners, David and Cathy Marshall, have promised to uphold through their purchase of the business.

“We have no plans to change anything about the store … that includes its values, the customers and how Jennie set up things,” Cathy said.

Cathy applied for a job at Pride Dry Cleaning eighteen months ago, and after witnessing first-hand the inclusive values of the small business, voiced

interest in one day managing the business.

“I said to one of the girls that worked there, jokingly, that if Jennie ever sells this place, I’m going to buy it,” Cathy said.

Almost a year and a half later, Jennie, who had been battling health issues, made the tough decision to sell the business to focus on herself and her health.

While an emotional decision for Jennie, it was something she said was necessary.

“For the business to evolve, I have to step down as I physically cannot run it,” Jennie said.

“Pride Dry Cleaning is my baby, and it’s difficult to hand it over … but I want it to succeed and to move forward.”

Jennie revealed that after they bought Pride Dry Cleaning in 2010, the couple embarked on the lengthy process of renovating the business, updating systems and adapting the store to become completely ability-adapted.

The couple never anticipated what was to come a few years later, when Phil was diagnosed with cancer and treatment in 2014 left him in a wheelchair for life.

Unfortunately, Phil passed away not long after, but his commitment to ensuring those with disabilities had equal access to quality services remained an integral part of Pride Dry Cleaning.

Cathy Marshall began working at Pride Dry Cleaning eighteen months ago.

With her spare time now, Jennie plans to relax, travel Australia in her new motorhome and pick up part-time work when she returns.

“I have full faith in Cathy and David in continuing the legacy and doing what’s best for Pride Dry Cleaning,” Jennie said.

“It will be wonderful to see the new direction it will take.”

Maia O’Connor

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Movie night to spoil mums on Mother’s Day The Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF) is hosting a Mother’s Day Movie Night, raising vital funds for support services that help Newcastle families navigate breast cancer.

HBCF is a Newcastle-based not-forprofit organisation that raises funds to provide information and support for people diagnosed with breast cancer in the Hunter.

The organisation will be hosting a Mother’s Day Movie Night of Downton Abbey: A New Era, this Saturday, April 30 at Event Cinemas, Kotara.

HBCF General Manager Ellie Wells said they needed the community support now more than ever.

“Over the past two years, we have seen the need for breast cancer support services triple,” Wells said.

“Families were not only navigating a new cancer diagnosis in a pandemic but

had limited access to services, skeleton staffing at hospitals, the worry of being immunocompromised and being isolated from their extended families.”

Wells said the organisation had helped over 225 local families and provided over 1,700 breast cancer services.

“This number of requests is something we have never experienced before,” she said.

“HBCF have gone from helping around 45 families a year to over 200 in the space of just two short years.”

HBCF’s clients will also be attending the movie premiere to support the foundation that has significantly impacted their lives.

Attendees will not only be able to purchase exclusive tickets that include popcorn and drinks but will be able to pre-purchase a luxurious Scrubba Body Mother’s Day hamper.

Mother’s Day hampers include local hand-made, natural, pamper products

Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation have hosted Mother’s Day Movie Nights previously.

available online for delivery or pick up at the movie premiere.

The event will also include a signature lolly bar, raffles, a merchandise pop-up stall and more.

Tickets are available for $29.50 and

include popcorn, a drink, and an option to add on a hamper.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.hbcf.org.au.

Hayley McMahon

Chaotic beach season wraps up in Lake Mac Crowd numbers across Lake Macquarie beaches dipped almost 40 per cent this patrolled season due to wild weather causing some hazardous conditions along the coast.

Attendance across Lake Macquarie’s four patrolled beaches was estimated at 767,000 from September 2021 to April 2022, down from 1.22 million the previous year.

Despite this, Lake Macquarie City Council lifeguards said they remained busy throughout the season, performing 160 rescues and providing first aid to almost 900 people.

Senior Beach Lifeguard, Lucas Samways, said the number of rescues completed was similar to last season, despite the lower attendances.

“It points to the fact that conditions have been quite hazardous, and people have been keen to get out there and swim on the few sunny days we’ve had,” Samways said.

He said the frequently treacherous surf conditions, including March’s destructive east coast low and subsequent erosion, had contributed to lower visitor numbers.

Lifeguard Lucas Samways looks out over a foam-covered Redhead Beach on March 9.

Photo: Lake Macquarie City

“We haven’t seen the frequency or intensity of some of these weather events for many years, and that has certainly impacted the number of people coming to the beach,” Samways said.

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“We’ve also had some unusual conditions, including the sea foam that enveloped our beaches beyond the normal high-water mark and the east coast low swell that made it up to the Redhead surf club building.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser, congratulated the city’s lifeguards on their work over the 2021-2022 patrolled season.

“It has been a very challenging few months for our lifeguards due to the prolonged dangerous conditions, but we are fortunate to have some of the best in the business here in Lake Mac,” Cr Fraser said.

“They have worked tirelessly and vigilantly to ensure visitors to our patrolled beaches remain safe.”

This season, hazardous surf prompted 100 beach closures, rips forced 18 closures, storms and lightning accounted for 15 and poor water quality for four.

Beach closures due to shark sightings fell from 16 last season to just six this season.

While the patrolled beach season at Redhead, Blacksmiths, Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay has ended, lifeguards will remain busy throughout the cooler months.

Council lifeguards are also scheduled to visit dozens of schools across Lake Mac between now and September, teaching children the basics of surf safety and first aid.

Maia O’Connor

novonews.com.au

Volunteers needed St Vincent de Paul is looking for dedicated Member Volunteers right across Newcastle.

Are you compassionate, empathetic, and have a genuine desire to make a difference to those in need by: • Offering short term financial support to people in financial crisis • Offering a friendly ear to people experiencing hardship

OVOFORUM

• Making third party referrals to a professional organisation Whilst it is necessary for your values to align with St Vincent de Paul, full training and mentoring is provided so no experience is necessary.

Send an email to maitland.newcastle@ vinnies.org.au or call 0490 255 100 to find out more.

The magic of Mother’s Day Enjoy a much-loved tradition on Sunday, May 8, between 1 pm and 4 pm. Treat mum to a slice of history and enjoy special displays of tea sets, photographs and other memorabilia belonging to the Porter women of Newcastle West.

Miss Porter’s House Museum is a women’s house containing the clothes, photographs, craftwork and household effects of Florence Porter and her daughters Ella and Hazel.

Their husband and father, Herbert Porter, met an untimely death in the

OVOFORUM 1919 influenza epidemic leaving his young family to live in the family home until it was bequeathed to the National Trust on the death of Hazel in 1997.

The museum is celebrating the Porter women with a display of their family photographs, teapot and tea set collections and Mother’s Day memorabilia.

Miss Porter’s House Museum is located at 434 King Street, Newcastle West.

For ticket enquiries, call 49270202 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.au.

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A voice for all Novocastrians Do you have an opinion about something in the Newcastle community? A compliment? A concern? A rebuttal? Or simply an observation that you believe serves the public interest.

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NovoNews encourages all groups and individuals in Newcastle to contribute their news, opinions, community comments, notices and items of interest for publication.

Please send your entries to editorial@novonews.com.au and include a full name and suburb to be published. All entries are subject to our final editorial discretion.

All content must be readable and coherent and must not be offensive or defamatory – the Editor reserves the right to truncate, amend or not to publish any material sent to us

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New model could save endangered koalas

Dr Ryan Witt (left) and Dr Lachlan Howell with the koala ‘Peter Lemon Tree’ at Port Stephens Koala Hospital.

Photo: University of Newcastle

Newcastle researchers have helped initiate a bid to save the endangered koala species by integrating frozen koala sperm into captive management programs.

The first-of-its-kind model reveals biobanking and assisted reproduction could become a reality for koalas by leveraging the existing technology used to help humans conceive.

Published in the international journal, Animals, the model would significantly help captive breeding programs retain genetic diversity and drastically cut the costs required to deliver management programs.

Co-author and conservation scientist at the University of Newcastle, Dr Ryan Witt, said koala biobanking and assisted breeding conservation programs could future-proof the species.

Koalas face extinction by 2050 if there is no intervention.

“Currently, we have no optimised tools that can store live koala reproductive material, such as sperm,” Dr Witt said.

“So, we have no insurance policy against natural disasters like the 20192020 bushfires that threaten to wipe out large numbers of animals at the one time.

“If the koala population dies in these kinds of fire events, there is no way to bring them back or preserve their genetics.”

The latest figures reveal that koala populations across the state have fallen between 33 and 61 per cent since 2001.

At least 6400 koalas were estimated to have been killed in the Black Summer bushfires alone.

“Biobanking, if developed for the koala, would offer a solution to store or “bank” live koala genetics by freezing sex cells such as sperm,” Dr Witt said.

“The frozen sperm can then be used to impregnate female koalas in breedfor-release programs, using assisted reproductive technology.”

A cost-effective option Dr Witt said their model showed a five to 12 fold reduction in overall program costs of current captive koala breeding programs if biobanking and assisted reproduction were incorporated.

“Captive breeding programs require larger koala colony sizes to prevent inbreeding … but by integrating assisted reproduction, we can reduce the number of koalas needing to be in captivity, lower costs and improve genetic diversity,” Dr Witt said.

“This would free up valuable conservation funding to support a greater number of species, or to support other koala conservation efforts such as habitat restoration.”

Through his PhD research at the University of Newcastle, lead author, Dr Lachlan Howell, has spent years developing and analysing this robust model for various endangered animals but believes it offers the koala the most promise.

“The beauty of applying assisted reproductive technologies to the koala population is that much of the foundation has already been laid, much of the infrastructure is already in place,” Dr Howell said.

“We’ve identified 16 wildlife hospitals and zoos across Australia that could act as nodes to collect koala sperm and

help integrate assisted reproduction.”

He added that recent advances in science showed that artificial insemination using fresh and chilled sperm worked in koala populations.

“The hurdle is trying to freeze sperm and make use of it,” he said.

“All that is needed now is more research and funding to tweak existing assisted reproduction technologies so that we can cryopreserve koala sperm, just like we do for humans.”

The genetic benefit While captive breeding programs remain a powerful tool to save koalas, they face significant high costs and genetic diversity challenges.

Dr Howell said genetic issues in koalas could lead to reproductive dysfunction and infertility.

“These issues can also compromise survival, disease resistance and the species’ ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions from climate change,” Dr Howell said.

“Our modelling shows that supplementing frozen founder sperm into koala colonies using various assisted reproductive technologies, such as those common in agriculture and human fertility, could significantly reduce inbreeding.

“It would also allow captive programs to hold smaller colonies whilst still meeting optimal genetic diversity targets.”

By using frozen sperm, scientists can reintroduce genetic variation into wild koala populations without having to relocate koalas.

“In NSW, for example, koala populations are declining rapidly in some locations, so they would greatly

benefit from the introduction of biobank material from other unique populations to help manage genetic diversity,” Dr Howell said.

If cryopreservation is made possible for koalas, it will provide an opportunity to recover and biobank genetic material from koalas who may have died in bushfires or been hit by cars.

Proven success in similar program Dr Howell voiced confidence in the program after an applied research effort to save the black-footed ferret from near-extinction proved successful in North America.

“In 1981, the black-footed ferret population was reduced to just 18 animals, and now through years of research, assisted reproduction has become a reality for the animal,” Dr Howell said.

“Sperm frozen for 20 years was used to artificially inseminate some of the captive-bred ferrets, which were becoming more inbred over time.

“This was crucial to reintroduce genetic variation in the captive population, which over time suffered reproductive complications from inbreeding.”

Dr Howell said thousands of ferrets had since been born and released into the wild.

“In this case, researchers cryopreserved black-footed ferret sperm many years before they figured out how to use the sperm in assisted breeding,” he said.

“This may be the pathway we need to take to ensure the future of Australia’s much-loved koala.”

Maia O’Connor

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Volunteers needed for ocean cleanup program The Newcastle community are being encouraged to step up and protect the local waterways by helping empty the devices that capture marine litter and debris.

The Seabin Project is about implementing a “whole solution” approach to the issue of ocean pollution, using education, science, technology and community activation.

The Seabin V5 is a piece of oceancleaning technology that collets floating waste, rubbish and oils from waterways.

Hunter resident Lindy, who works at the local Seabin in the Newcastle Harbour, said they desperately sought more volunteers.

“You see first-hand what the pollution situation is now and knowing there are solutions out there for it is promising, but we do need help from the wider community,” she said.

As a rower and self-described ocean lover, Lindy is on or around the water most days and said volunteering at the marina was rewarding.

Travelling from Stockton, she attends the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club one day a week to empty the local Seabin and collect the water pollution data.

“From my personal experience, it is really satisfying to contribute to cleaning up the waterways,” Lindy said.

“It takes half an hour to empty the bin, then another 20 minutes or so at your computer filling in the online data form.

“The Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club has provided the marina space for installation and gives us access at any time.”

The device in Newcastle Harbour is one of 860 used worldwide as part of the initiative.

Balancing on the water surface, each Seabin is deployed in a Debris Problem

Seabin devices capture macro and micro plastics as well as skimming waterways for oil and other pollutants.

Area where natural wind and currents push debris.

Each device has the capacity to hold up to 20 kilograms, intercepting and vacuuming up more than 1.5 tonnes of marine rubbish each year, including macro plastics, microfibers and micro plastics.

It is also capable of skimming surface

The device in Newcastle Harbour is one of 860 used worldwide as part of the initiative.

Photo: Seabin Project

Photo: Seabin Project

oil and pollutants and collecting 90,000 shopping bags each year, or the equivalent of 35,700 disposable coffee cups.

Developed in Sydney by two Australian surfers, Pete Ceglinski and Andrew Turton, the Seabin Project began in 2013 and now operates in 58 countries globally.

During recent storms, Lindy said the local Seabin had collected an increased amount of litter, which had included a plethora of single use plastics like vapes.

“The number one thing that is a real issue is polystyrene beads. It breaks down and sticks to marine litter,” she said.

Lindy said critical data collection work was not being done, due to a lack of Seabin volunteers.

“There are people who are emptying the Seabin, but the data analysis isn’t being done,” she said.

“For volunteers, that’s the critical part of it – pulling up the bin, laying a sheet out on the pontoon and sorting through the marine debris and the litter.

“Volunteers then count the litter and take photos. Once home, you complete the online questionnaire and send that to Seabin, along with supporting photos.”

The data is submitted to the Seabin

Project’s Pollution Index program, which was developed to help provide a measurable impact.

It enables the project to monitor the health of waterways and provide governing bodies key information needed to fill knowledge gaps critical for environmental reform.

“The Seabin Project has got a lot of potential for good but it heavily relies on volunteers on the ground to do the day-to-day tasks of servicing and collecting data,” Lindy said.

The Seabin Project in Newcastle is supported by the NSW Government’s Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, providing funding for 12 months.

In the long-term, the Seabin Project is seeking $250,000 in public and private sector funding for a network of 20 bins in Newcastle Harbour and Throsby Creek, based on a full-scale city pilot already operating in Sydney.

Lindy said new volunteers must undertake a simple questionnaire and education zoom session before embarking on the important process of clearing Newcastle’s waterways.

Interested community members can email contact@seabinproject.com for more information or to sign up for volunteering.

Maia O’Connor

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Protestors gather for coal port blockade

The peaceful flotilla blocked coal ship movements from 8 am to 3 pm on April 24.

Photo: Edwina Richards

Protestors took to the water on April 24 in a coal port blockade, demanding federal support for a coal transition plan and clean energy jobs.

School students from School Strike for Climate and climate protest group Extinction Rebellion led the flotilla and blocked coal ship movements from 8 am to 3 pm.

The People’s Blockade of the World’s Biggest Coal Port demanded an end to federal funding of fossil fuel industries and a shift to funding climate solutions that included a transition for coal workers and communities.

The police-approved protest was launched from Horseshoe Beach, Newcastle, and included speeches and live music.

“Around 250 protestors braved the rain to send a clear message to our government, and we’re very happy with

that result,” said co-organiser, Zach Scho.

“We saw both new and returning faces on the water, which is exactly what we were hoping for - every new friendship is a step towards a better world.

“We look forward to organising the next blockade and making it bigger and better than ever.”

Fifteen-year-old co-organiser, Emily Ashton, said the future of young Australians was at risk.

“Billions of dollars spent on fossil fuel companies is not a climate plan,” Ashton said.

“Our communities deserve a clean energy transition now; we will no longer take being used as excuses for inaction on climate.”

She said the blockade came just before the federal election and weeks after an IPCC report was released warning countries that decarbonisation must happen immediately to avoid a

catastrophic climate breakdown.

“In the Hunter, we have an opportunity to become a renewable energy powerhouse, but we need federal support for the transition,” Ashton said.

In 2021, the export value of coal from Australia was approximately $39.17 billion.

As the largest coal port globally, the Port of Newcastle facilitates exports and handles 4,400 ship movements and 164 million tons of cargo annually.

“There is a very real possibility for change, an opportunity to fix the damage that has been done,” Ashton said.

“But to get there, we need the government to stop funding the systems, industries and organisations that are contributing to climate change, ecological destruction, deforestation, water pollution and many of the current economic issues in Australia.

“We must take action now and fund a

just transition from fossil fuels to other energy solutions that are readily available, proven and well within reach.”

Spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, Jessica Ledgerwood, said the blockade’s police approval reassured participants that their actions would not receive harsh new protest penalties.

Under the new legislation, protestors could be fined up to $22,000 or jailed for two years for protesting illegally on public roads, rail lines, tunnels, bridges and industrial estates.

The new offence applies to the Port of Newcastle.

“Out of the 11 times the blockade has been held, only one or two have involved other actions at other parts of the port,” Ledgerwood said.

“The majority have been totally focused on the community’s peaceful presence on the water.”

Maia O’Connor

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OVOSOCIETY

New research programs announced at HMRI Nineteen new research programs that study a wide range of health issues relevant to the community have been announced at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

The 19 new programs will begin to come online over the next few months.

The HMRI board agreed to establish the new programs, which will begin to come online over the next few months.

The institute has been working on a series of projects that build upon current and historical successes, including updating its purpose and research priorities.

Last year, HMRI announced its new purpose, which is to improve the health and well-being of the community.

It also launched its new research priorities: Priority Populations, Healthy Life Course and Healthy Future.

Using the new purpose and research priorities as a guide, HMRI began a process in August 2021 to update the research programs.

HMRI’s current research programs include Brain and Mental Health, Cancer, Cardiovascular, Pregnancy and Reproduction and Public Health, as well as Viruses, Infections/Immunity, Vaccines and Asthma (VIVA).

Institute Director Professor, Mike Calford, said the original six programs had been the foundations of HMRI’s success.

“These programs have been so successful that some have grown very

large and expanded into new and unique areas,” Professor Calford said.

“It is exciting we are now able to grow as an institute by significantly expanding our research programs.

“We are reinforcing our existing successful research areas and branching out into new areas of real need to the community.”

Professor Calford said it had been great to see researchers work together and refocus efforts for the future, particularly after the added stress of COVID-19.

“Through this process, we have strengthened our existing research areas by providing a pathway for some very successful research teams within our old programs to become programs in their own right.”

While most of HMRI’s new programs comprise existing research teams, HMRI is excited to have several new clinically focused programs.

“Some of our new programs such as Surgical and Perioperative Care, Infection Research and Injury and Trauma are a welcome addition to HMRI,” Professor Calford said.

“These programs bring together some of the top clinician-researchers from our local hospitals to address the real needs of patients at the point of care.”

For more information on the complete list of programs and what they will involve, visit the HMRI website.

Hayley McMahon

Novocastrians honoured at volunteer awards Novocastrians who have dedicated their time and commitment to positively impacting the community have been honoured in the 2022 Newcastle Volunteer Service Awards.

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, hosted the ceremony on April 22 at the Souths Merewether Leagues Club.

She said it was important to publicly recognise the incredible work volunteers completed every day.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for our community groups and organisations battling the impacts of a global pandemic, but volunteers have clearly prevailed in the face of adversity,” Claydon said.

“Despite the many obstacles, volunteers have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to make a positive difference in the lives of others and ensure that no one is left behind.

“They’ve embraced the vulnerable and marginalised, guided and mentored young people, helped communities rebuild after disasters, and worked to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home.”

More than 50 individuals and groups were honoured from multiple community sectors, including Arts and Culture, Environment and Welfare, Education, Sports, Surf Life Saving, Marine Rescue,

Community Service and Community Groups.

A Posthumous award was also presented in memory of Noel Grivas, who dedicated his time and energy to the Newcastle Theatre Company for over thirty years.

“Local volunteers have been vital in our collective response to the pandemic — providing important skills and expertise, supporting mental health and wellbeing, improving the lives of people with disability and providing quality care to older Australians,” Claydon said.

“Many volunteers have been on the frontline working day and night in the most challenging situations, doing everything they can, often with limited resources.”

Amongst the recipients were members of Marine Rescue Newcastle, who were recognised for their continued dedication to keeping local waters safe, including Lynette Van Homrigh, Donald Roser, Wayne Bissett, Robert Downie, Helen Carter, Stuart Lawson and Geraldine Allen.

Some young Novocastrians were also recognised, who, despite their age, have still dedicated their time and efforts toward the Newcastle community.

Mhairi Hammond was recognised for her volunteer efforts at Lambton High School and for being a proud fundraising supporter of the Starlight Foundation,

Marine Rescue Newcastle volunteers were awarded for their continued dedication to ensuring the local waters are safe for the whole community.

Photo: Sharon Claydon MP

Mark Hughes Foundation, RUOK Day and Stuart House.

The Year 12 student is also an advocate for environmentalism and has been a patrol member and volunteer at Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club for over a decade.

Similarly, Willow Morrison was recognised for her volunteer work at Meals on Wheels since mid-2021.

The 12-year-old, passionate about giving back to the community, turns up every Wednesday morning before school to help prepare meals for the elderly.

“This commitment to community service represents the best of who we are as Novocastrians,” Claydon said.

“There are so many seemingly ordinary people in our community doing truly extraordinary things, but they often don’t get the recognition they deserve.

“Our communities thrive because of the commitment of our volunteers.

That’s why it’s so important to come together to both celebrate and acknowledge these selfless Novocastrians.”

Hayley McMahon

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Self-image and social media Newcastle body image coach, Meg Linton, has made it her mission to bring awareness to the impacts of social media and the body image issues it imposes on the young and impressionable.

Meg has culminated three and a half years of research into her debut book, Watch Ya Language, projected to hit shelves on May 22.

“I was motivated by an inner feeling, and I just needed to share my experience of comparison, judgement, peoplepleasing and perfection,” Meg said.

“Whilst writing the book, I dived into how dangerous social media and body editing apps can be and what impacts they’re having on people, especially our young kids.”

While Meg didn’t have access to social media growing up, she endured nearly 28 years of body image issues and disordered eating, ranging from anorexia, bulimia and body dysmorphia.

As a cause close to her heart, Meg embarked on a lengthy process to ascertain how social media played a role in issues relating to body image.

“I have been researching social media apps for over three and a half years, looking into hashtags and algorithms and seeing how that space is evolving.”

Meg said her findings were concerning.

“On these apps, I could search for things that I wanted … when I typed in certain words such as ‘skinny’, ‘thigh gap’ and ‘diet culture’, the algorithm would generate more of the same content on my feed,” she said.

“Every time I’d open TikTok, I would see a video of someone showing me how skinny their waist was, how to eat under 500 calories a day, how to hide food or what to do to starve for three days.

“In a mindset or state when you are possibly struggling with body image or unworthiness, that can be really damaging.”

Meg said that children from six to 17 years of age were being exposed to filters and edited content using apps such as Meitu, Facetune and Manly.

She said it resulted in those age groups becoming more inclined to digitally modify their own photos.

“We’re consistently seeing people who have edited their body; they might

As a body image coach, movement practitioner and personal trainer, Meg has witnessed first-hand the impact digital media has on young Novocastrians.

have added a six pack, trimmed their waist, narrowed their thighs and smoothed their skin,” she said.

“All we’re seeing is perfection.

“As a society, we need to look at why we’re trying to change who we are, to fit an image that’s not even real.”

According to a 2021 study commissioned by online retailer Case24, 71 per cent of adults edit or alter photos before posting them online.

This is an increase from the 48 per cent of users who engaged in the practice in 2014.

Meg said that state-wide, children’s mental health services were experiencing an increase in patients.

“Mental health rates along with eating disorders, suicide and self-harm have risen so much in the past two years

through the pandemic, and we’re seeing a lot more screen time,” she said.

“A Sydney Morning Herald article states that more children used hospital mental health services in NSW after the first lockdown than in any other time in the past five years.”

Meg said the most dramatic rise had been in teenage girls aged 12 to 17, which saw mental health issues increase by 80 per cent.

The worrying youth climate was among the reasons that motivated Meg to advocate for change.

“What I’d like to see is authenticity,” she said.

“Social media is not bad; it’s how we use it and perceive it. That can make it a problem.”

As a body image coach, movement

practitioner and personal trainer, Meg witnesses first-hand the impact digital media has on young Novocastrians.

“I have a lot of clients who have daughters or sons going through body image struggles -there are kids with eating disorders at the age of eight.”

Meg said concerned parents shouldn’t prevent access to the apps but instead be role models and promote body positivity to their kids.

“The best thing you can do as a parent is reflect on how we show up for ourselves,” she said.

“How do we talk to ourselves in the mirror?

“When we have gratitude for the authentic, real and imperfect version of ourselves, our kids will then have permission to do the same.”

Maia O’Connor

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Vital funding gives kids the chance to ‘Smile and Thrive’ An Adamstown-based charity has received integral funding to expand its dental program for vulnerable primary school students, ensuring all children get the dental treatment they need and deserve.

LIVEfree Project provides families who have experienced severe hardship through family violence, drug abuse or poverty with a range of practical, emotional and wellness support programs.

The organisation’s Smile and Thrive program helps vulnerable Newcastle school kids receive regular dental check-ups and treatment.

Due to a donation of $44,000 from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation last year, the program can now support three times as many children, bringing the total number of students enrolled up to 140.

LIVEfree Project founder and director, Chris Jones, met with Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation chair, Jennifer Leslie, and Merewether Primary School principal, Greg Culhane, at the organisation’s Adamstown hub on April 27 to hear about the expanded program’s impact since the grant was awarded.

“Chris has told me so many stories of the difference the program is making to kids and their families,” Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation chair, Jennifer Leslie said.

“For some kids, it is helpful to have a positive relationship with another adult outside of school and home.

“One little girl’s reward for going through eight big treatments was a trip to the beach on the way back to school – she had never been.”

Smile and Thrive promotes not only good oral hygiene and dental care but provides emotional resilience and mentoring support.

Volunteers take the children to appointments during school hours and afterwards for a mentoring session over lunch or a milkshake.

The children receive dental hygiene and education packs, and some families receive regular bags of healthy groceries.

LIVEfree Project founder and director, Chris Jones, said they wanted to make the dentist fun for the kids and allow them to build self-esteem.

“The kids get essential dental treatment to fix problems that can also affect other aspects of their health, social life and ability to learn,” Jones said.

“Our parents find it difficult to afford dental appointments, so kids miss out on preventative or vital treatment.

“It is very satisfying when a parent rings me to say that their child is hounding them about when they get to go to the dentist next.”

Students from Merewether Public after a dental visit.

The program partners with No Gap Smiles Adamstown Dental Surgery, New Lambton Dental Family Practice, NSW Dental and the Awabakal Dental Service.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian children aged 5 to 10 have an average of 1.5 decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth, and 1 in 4 children aged 5 to 10 have at least one deciduous tooth with untreated decay.

Additionally, 44 per cent of Indigenous children aged 5 to 10 are more likely to have had at least one deciduous tooth with untreated decay than nonIndigenous children.

Jones said some Smile and Thrive participants also used the charity’s school bus service, which takes 150 children to school each week—it also provides in-school mentoring at Merewether Public School.

“Being a small charity, and with the wonderful support from our local dental practices, schools, partners and other local businesses, we can develop and adopt holistic support services to meet changing community needs,” Jones said.

“Especially in areas of entrenched disadvantage in Newcastle and Hamilton South.

“We are about early intervention and relational care that nurtures, strengthens

and connects with the community.”

To find out more or to support LIVEfree Project, visit www.livefreeproject.org.au.

Hayley McMahon

Merewether Public School principal, Greg Culhane, with LIVEfree Project director, Chris Jones, and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation chair, Jennifer Leslie.

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OVOCASTRIAN

Designer dress hire promotes fashion sustainability Taya Calder-Mason, founder and owner of Newcastle business Goldie’s Dress Hire.

Photo: Goldie’s Dress Hire

As formal events and social outings slowly return to Newcastle, demands for designer dress hire have skyrocketed, signalling the community’s desire for a more affordable and environmentally sustainable fashion alternative.

“Dress hire is becoming popular as more women realise buying a dress which they will only wear once is wild,” Taya Calder-Mason said, owner of Goldie’s Dress Hire.

“COVID-19 has also helped with the growth because we now have events to get dressed up for!

“I feel like a lot of our clientele love that ‘new dress feeling’ without being slapped with a $600 bill.”

The Hamilton-based hire business has a simple rental process.

Calder-Mason said Hunter residents offer their designer pieces for rent to the public, which are stored and marketed at Goldie’s HQ. Each time the dress is hired, owners will receive a percentage commission of the hire price.

Depending on the retail price, style and designer, owners can receive up to a 30 per cent commission, sometimes more.

The outfit is worn, returned and then the cycle begins again.

Calder-Mason said outfit hiring was becoming the industry norm and addressed growing concerns about the negative impacts of fast fashion.

can have a more spontaneous fashion moment.”

21-year-old outfit hirer, Mia Kierath, said she often hired formalwear pieces as opposed to buying them, as it allowed her to access fashion she would otherwise consider unattainable.

“Outfit hire means I no longer have to fork out money to buy a nice dress for more formal events, where afterwards they sit in my wardrobe redundantly,” she said.

While Newcastle-based fashion designer, Laura Howard, doesn’t personally participate in outfit hiring, she nevertheless supports its rise in popularity.

Howard’s minimalist brand SAINT, created in 2020, was the product of personal motivations to move away from trends and offer classic pieces that consumers would “hold onto for years”.

As a sustainability advocate, Howard said the dress hire concept was positive.

“In a general sense, I think outfit hire is amazing,” she said.

“We should be sharing resources and passing things around to give them as much life as possible.”

However, some designers have opposed the practice, as they find it increasingly harder to ignore the fact that the outfit hiring model capitalises on the futures of their labels and the retail firms that support them.

In 2020, Melbourne designer, Effie Kats, branded the model “unfair” and said the practice profited off potential designer income.

However, Howard said she held no concern for the impact on her sales.

“My customer would be someone who collects pieces for their personal wardrobe that they would have for

years to come – that’s the whole idea,” Howard said.

“I don’t necessarily think the rental market for clothing will have an impact on small independent brands, even those who are trend-driven.

“It will be the pieces by the bigger brands who also have a larger environmental impact.”

Howard said that buying and hiring better quality pieces was a more sustainable choice instead of opting for fast fashion pieces that had reduced wear longevity.

A report by the Australasian Circular Textile Association (ACTA) for the NSW Environment Protection Authority found that in 2020, of almost 305,000 tonnes of textiles discarded in NSW only 800 tonnes were recycled.

About 240,000 tonnes were sent to landfills, with the remaining 62,000 tonnes sent overseas by charities for reuse.

While the figures included household items such as bed linen, curtains and furnishings, clothing contributed significantly.

Howard said the importance of sustainable design and practice was intrinsic to her own personal wardrobe and brand outlook.

“I wouldn’t personally hire out a dress, outfit or accessory purely because I would rather invest my money toward pieces that I can wear again,” she said.

“That said, I think the consumer-style of a person who rents outfits is someone who either goes to a lot of events or someone who is into trends for which renting a piece versus buying one is far more sustainable.”

Maia O’Connor

“There has been such a fantastic shift in the fashion industry in recent years,” she said.

“Hiring used to be slapped with a bad label, meaning you simply couldn’t afford a designer piece, however, it now embodies a whole new meaning.

“Women recognise they no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars on an outfit they will only wear once.”

Calder-Mason’s business is home to over 600 designer pieces, including high-end designer handbags and outfits ranging from sizes four to 16.

She said outfit hiring gave people the opportunity to be more courageous in their fashion choices.

“A lot of women are happier to be much more adventurous when hiring,” Calder-Mason said “Women who felt more safe wearing black are now interested in a pop of colour or a floral pattern.

“Removing the commitment to a longterm investment piece means that you

Calder-Mason said Hunter residents offer their designer pieces for rent to the public, which are stored and marketed at Goldie’s HQ. Photo: Goldie’s Dress Hire

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P23

29 APRIL 2022 ISSUE 016

OVOSPORT

Charlestown Azzurri win the inaugural Anzac Cup

The Adamstown based 211 Army Cadets Unit at the pre-game Anzac Day service.

Adamstown Rosebud and Charlestown Azzurri competed for the inaugural Northern NSW Football Men’s National Premier League (NPL) Anzac Cup on April 25 at Adamstown Oval.

Charlestown Azzurri played a close, hard-fought game against Adamstown Rosebud coming out on top, 2-1.

Midfielder and captain, Dom Bizzarri, scored for Charlestown after the 11th minute, with Adamstown levelling the scores before halftime with a goal from winger, Anthony Wood.

It was substitute, Dean Pettit, who sealed the win for Charlestown with a goal in the 75th minute.

Charlestown’s win put them on top of the NPL ladder with 13 points, just ahead of Broadmeadow Magic on 12 points.

Adamstown coach, Dave Rosewarne, was delighted with his side’s performance.

He said the team had stepped up to deliver improvements on recent performances against Maitland and Broadmeadow.

“Charlestown is a very good side, and we were unlucky to not come away with some points,” Rosewarne said.

“Our young squad needed a bit more quality on a few occasions during the game.

“That comes down to experience, something we continue to work on.”

He said it was an honour for both teams to play in an Anzac Day match.

“Before the game, we spoke about the sacrifices that Australian and New Zealand men and women have made, and continue to make, to give us the privilege of playing football,” Rosewarne said.

“Both sides put in a respectful and spirited performance worthy of the occasion.

“We hope to continue to be able to host the Anzac Cup. “I know Charlestown and former Newcastle Jets defender Nigel

Boogaard has said he would like both teams to play for the Anzac Cup every year.”

As part of an Anzac Day remembrance service at the game, young men and women from the Adamstown based 211 Army Cadets Unit (ACU) conducted an armed catafalque party and flag party.

The Last Post and Rouse were also played, followed by a minute of silence to remember those diggers who had served, including those who had passed.

Adamstown Rosebud vice president, Craig Eardley, said the club had previously marked Anzac Day with a service at home games.

With the support of Newcastle based broadcaster, BarTV Sports, the football club initiated a trophy for this year and subsequent Anzac round clashes.

“Thanks to the support of BarTV Sports, we have an Anzac Cup as another way the local football community can honour our diggers,” Eardley said.

“With the uncertainty in the world and war in Ukraine, it is as important as ever to remember those who have served, and continue to serve, to defend the freedom and democracy we enjoy as Australians.

“Our club is about football, values and community, so we think it is important for our players to be involved in Anzac commemorations.”

BarTV Sports producer Robert Gray and Northern NSW Football board member Bill Moncrieff presented the trophy to Charlestown coach Graham Law. The Round 7 clash between the two clubs was the only Men’s NPL game scheduled for Anzac Day. Additionally, Charlestown won the Reserve Grade game 3-2, while in the 18s, Adamstown was victorious 2-0.

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Charlestown Azzurri win the inaugural Anzac Cup

Adamstown Rosebud and Charlestown Azzurri competed for the inaugural Northern NSW Football Men’s National Premier League (NPL) Anzac Cup on April 25 at Adamstown Oval.

See page 23

Charlestown Azzurri played a close, hardfought game against Adamstown Rosebud, winning 2-1.

Elite touch football series comes to Newcastle

The Australian squads were back in action after a three-year hiatus.

Photo: Touch Football Australia

Australia’s best touch footballers returned to Newcastle on April 23, participating in the inaugural Bristol Paints Aus Open, a critical step in the sports international return following a three-year hiatus.

Held at Harker Memorial Oval, New Lambton, the Aus Open featured the

PainAway Australian Emus Open Men’s, Women’s and mixed squads, who played together for the first time since their World Cup triumphs in Malaysia three years ago.

The squads participated in three high intensity, fast-paced and action-packed exhibition games, which drew a crowd of over 500 spectators.

Touch Football Australia General Manager, Tim Wyld, was pleased with the turnout.

“We were buoyed by the strong turnout from locals who came along despite the threat of rain.

“We anticipate that over 500 spectators attended the event, a positive result on a long weekend and for a new concept.”

Touch Football Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Jamie O’Connor, said the new event concept invited the most elite players to go head-to-head before the organisation restarts its national team program.

While O’Connor said he was disappointed travel restrictions had impacted the Opens Trans-Tasman event, which was supposed to take place against New Zealand this weekend, he was grateful the Aus Open could proceed.

“I’m glad we can continue to provide the elite content for Newcastle and the Hunter region, which has long been a strong participation base for our sport,” O’Connor said.

Previous Australian Touch Football representatives include the likes of Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan

Papenhyuzen and Newcastle’s own Kalyn Ponga.

Australian Emus Men’s Open Coach, Phil Gyemore, said the event was crucial for the recommencement of the sport internationally.

“It’s been three years since we’ve had our national team squad members together in one group, working towards international selection,” Gyemore said.

“So it’s exciting to be back, but also critical to commence the next phase in our cycle.”

Maia O’Connor

For all the stories scan here.