The Local - March 2026

Serving th e communit y since 201 4

Like us on Facebook or go to www.thelocalnewcastle.com.au for more news • Issue No 140 • Newcastle’s favourite little community newspaper • March 2026 •

Lend hand at Landcare

Elise Budden, City of Newcastle’s environmental volunteering program coordinator discusses Landcare group plans with Les Kiss

One local resident is so passionate about Lambton Park, in particular the Ker-rai (creek) that passes through it, that he has formed a volunteer Landcare group with the assistance of City of Newcastle..

Les Kiss lives near the park and uses it almost daily.

‘It’s a beautiful park, which we all love. I’m hoping this new Landcare group will assist in keeping the natural environment in great shape, and attracting more wildlife” Les told The Local.

The Landcare vision is to preserve and protect and raise awareness of our natural environment, and to foster participation in sustainable natural resource management for Newcastle. continued on page 7

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LOCAL

Matters All editorial, advertising and distribution enquiries to Mark Brooker by email: mark@ hunterlocal.com.au or ph 0455 210 000 Mail: PO Box 130 Jesmond, 2299 Founder & publisher: Mark Brooker

Advertising bookings for April issue will close on Monday 16 March The Local is lovingly produced then carefully hand delivered each and every month to more than 11,000 residential letterboxes and businesses in Lambton, North Lambton, New Lambton, New Lambton Heights, Broadmeadow, Hamilton North, Jesmond and Kotara.

You can find back issues of The Local and check out the latest community news and information at: www.thelocalnewcastle.com.au or on our Facebook page @thelocalnewcastle. If you enjoy receiving The Local in your letterbox each month please support the businesses you see advertising on these pages. Without their support your local paper could not and would not happen. Pretty simple really...

....and here’s some fine print Readers, advertisers and community groups are encouraged to contribute to The Local with news items, community events and any matter of general interest to residents of the area. In contributing news items the contributor accepts that such information may or may not be published in print and/or online using websites and social media channels at the sole discretion of the publisher.

No guarantee of publication is ever implied by this invitation to contribute.

Except where noted otherwise, all information, photographs, text and images, within The Local is subject to copyright. Material may not be reproduced and/or distributed in whole or part in any form without the prior, explicit consent of the publisher.

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Page 2 > The Local > March 2026

with Mark Brooker Publisher of The Local

Slow progress on fast problem

Last month’s front page story regarding the legalities of e-bikes has prompted quite a few conversations for me.

Everyone I’ve spoken to is concerned that the dangerous behaviour of riders on seemingly overpowered bikes, at times flouting the most basic of our road rules, is a recipe for tragedy. Deaths and serious injuries to riders are reported far too often.

In light of this I was pleased to read the recent joint announcement by the NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Minister for Roads and Minister for Transport around tightening the laws that apply to e-bikes.

Many would say there’s been slow progress to date on this fast growing public safety issue, but this announcement is progress neverthess.

In short the reforms mean that NSW will adopt the EU safety standard from this month to ensure e-bikes operate like bicycles, and not motorbikes.

Under this standard, e-bikes must have a maximum power output of 250 watts and power assistance must cut out at 25km/h. No power assistance is delivered at all after 6km/h if a rider is not pedalling the bike.

The standard also includes strict battery, electrical and fire-safety requirements, as well as antitampering protections to prevent power and speed limits being altered. A minimum riding age will also be applied to e-bikes.

A three year transition will apply, meaning that e-bikes currently on our roads and paths that do not meet these standards will be outlawed from March 2029.

To read the full details of the Ministers’ announcement go to: nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/minimumage-to-ride-an-e-bike-a-path-to-safer-streets/ thelocalnewcastle.com.au

Bonnie too a budding scientist

Bonnie Andrews of Lambton High School receiving her first place in the Young Scientists Awards last November

Following on from last month’s story on the Young Scientists Awards Program another local student was also awarded.

Run by the Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales, the Young Scientists program encourages students to undertake innovative projects and investigations to find creative solutions to real-world problems.

Bonnie Andrews of Lambton High School picked up first place for

her scientific investigations in the Earth and Environmental Science Years 11-12 for ‘Microplastics in Australian Personal Care Products: A Persistent Environmental Concern.’

Bonnie’s investigation uncovered concerningly high levels of microplastics in six personal care products common in the Australian market.

This finding demonstrates that despite the 2016 government

mandated voluntary phase-out of plastic microbeads in rinseoff products, there is a need for stronger overview and testing of cosmetic products being sold in Australia.

A story in February issue featuring fellow Lambton High School students Thea Barron and Shuyan Lin, omitted Bonnie’s achievements in the same awards program. Apologies to Bonnie for this error.

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The Local > March 2026 > Page 3

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By-election is April 18 The resignation last month of Ross Kerridge from his position as lord mayor has triggered a by-election for a new leader for the City of Newcastle.

Dr Kerridge revealed a cancer diagnosis late last year and took three months leave from his role for treatment and recovery. He returned to duties in late January before resigning on 9 February.

Saturday 18 April is the date for the by-election. All registered voters in the Newcastle LGA are required to cast a vote.

At the time of going to print three people had announced their intention to stand for election to the position of lord mayor. They are current deputy lord mayor and Greens councillor Charlotte McCabe, former NBN newsreader and weather presenter Gavin Morris who will run as an independent, and former deputy lord mayor Labor councillor Declan Clausen.

The Local has been told by an insider that the Liberal Party will also field a candidate.

Full details of the by-election including candidate profiles, prepoll and polling day information will be featured in April issue of The Local.

Outgoing lord mayor Dr Ross Kerridge

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The Local > March 2026 > Page 5

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continued from front page

Landcare group formed

Landcare volunteers participate under the framework of the Landcare Ethic: Working towards the ecological restoration and sustainable management of the land and water resources in the Hunter region and to pass on a healthier natural environment to future generations.

Landcare volunteers play an important role in helping conserve and enhance our coastal and bushland environments by undertaking a variety of natural resource management activities including bush regeneration, mulching, collection and propagation of seed of indigenous plants for Landcare sites, planting and recording of location flora and fauna.

The new first meeting of the Lambton Ker-rai Landcare group will be at 10am on Wednesday 11 March. Meet at the Jaffas clubhouse at Harry Edwards Field.

Everyone is welcome to come along. Please wear appropriate clothing including sturdy, enclosed shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirt and a hat.

City of Newcastle environmental officers will be on hand to assist with formalities including registration forms. To find out more contact Les Kiss on 0478 419 188 or email: landcareadmin@ncc.nsw.gov.au

First meeting of Lambton Ker-rai Landcare group is 10am Wednesday 11 March

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The Local > March 2026 > Page 7

The Local Quiz Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Lisa Zucca of Lambton. Lisa has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy.

Last month’s mystery photo was taken at Jesmond Park. This month’s quiz questions are below. You’ll find the answers within the pages of this issue except, of course, the mystery photo.

Question 1 - When is the by-election for Newcastle’s new lord mayor being held?

Question 2 - Where was Joseph Palmer’s first butcher shop located?

Question 3 - Who was named Newcastle’s Young Citizen of the Year recently?

Question 4 - What is the title of the next production at Newcastle Theatre Company?

Question 5 - Where would you find the work of public design in progress pictured above right?

Send your quiz answers to admin@hunterlocal. com.au with ‘The Local Quiz’ in the subject line

or post them to PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299 by Monday 16 March for a chance to win a $25 gift voucher* to spend at any Piggott’s Pharmacy store in Newcastle and the Hunter. *Not redeemable on prescription medicines

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The Local > March 2026 > Page 9

Is your letterbox feeling lucky?

If one of the letterboxes pictured above is yours, you’ve won a $25 shopping voucher from a selection of great local retailers. Phone Mark at The Local on 0455 210 000 by 16 March to claim your prize.

There are two $25 vouchers for Elders Lane Fruit & Flowers, one for fruit and veg and one for flowers,

and a $25 voucher for Q’s Books at Hamilton to choose from. First in gets first choice of vouchers.

Vouchers must be claimed by 16 March and redeemed at your chosen retailer by 30 April 2026.

Congratulations to the residents of 3 Dickson St Lambton who won a $25 voucher last month.

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Page 10 > The Local > March 2026

thelocalnewcastle.com.au

Letters to When feathered friends come to stay, forever...

It must be over six months ago now when I first saw a brush turkey in my back yard. “How cute”, I said and called the boys out to have a look. It’s an ugly sort of bird really, with dark, almost black feathers a fairly long red neck covered with small bristles, a yellow loose wattle, apparently used for courtship that hangs around the lower part of its neck, small beady eyes, a strong curved beak, strong legs and sharp digging talons.

A few weeks later I wasn’t finding the brush turkey quite so cute.

It seemed to have no fear of humans as it tiptoed elegantly down from the tree line and started to dig up plants in the garden.

Its favourite was a plant commonly known as Elephant Ears or Taro. It would dig a hole over a foot deep with its powerful talons and get to the corms underneath and eat them and toss the empty shells all over the place. In the meantime, there were stones, stalks, leaves and earth in a 6 ft radius all over the brickwork. Every day I would sigh with exasperation as I swept up yet another mess and replaced the loose earth. I decided to try to use my mighty brain to deter the bird from it’s daily visits. Firstly, I asked Mr Google for advice. Then I tried putting a large plastic owl out there (it ignored it completely).

Then a mirror - The bird admired itself briefly and then dug a hole

in front of the mirror and had a particularly messy lunch. I made a scarecrow, seated in a garden chair, with clothes and a large hat and boots. That too was totally ignored. I made a paper mache cat with the same result. I tried rubber snakes, useless. Getting desperate now I tried chucking tennis balls at it. It was surprisingly

agile for such a large bird and can actually fly! Up onto the roof it would go honking all the way.

A few minutes later it would be sneaking along the top of the fence and continue its digging undeterred.

Now I went shopping at Bunnings putting plastic mesh on the ground around the plants. The bird came along and chopped a few holes in the mesh with its sharp beak and carried on as usual. Then I tried putting large rocks around the base of the plants. It always found some way of digging around and dislodging the rocks by making even bigger holes than usual. I bought a movement activated sprinkler.

Boy, the bird was pretty surprised about this one. It scooted up the

To advertise in The Local call Mark on 0455 210 000

hill at a rate of knots but a short time later traversed across the roof of the veranda and crept up behind the sprinkler and carried on as usual.

I was starting to feel like Wile E. Coyote by now. Nothing I did seemed to work, but I wasn’t finished yet.

I went out one day with the boys and some shovels and we dug up each and every Taro plant in the back garden and chucked them in the green wheely bin. I brushed my hands together and said, well that’s that!

But I was wrong… The bird came back and started digging up the corms that still lurked under the soil. The garden was now starting to look like the trenches in World War 1. The bird came back and ate a large aloe vera plant, yum yum. Then it started on the mother-in-law’s tongue. I put wire mesh on the ground now.

There was barely a blade of grass left alive. Perhaps I should order a cement truck and just cover the whole area in cement.

For those of you who are also suffering as I have you should know there’s a $22,000 fine or jail time for killing one of these wretched birds.

There’s two of them now and they have a baby….. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Mark Marcus - New Lambton

The Local > March 2026 > Page 11

What’s on at Newcastle Theatre Co this month?

The next stage production from Lambton’s own Newcastle Theatre Company is Next to Normal.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three Tony Awards, Next

to Normal is a fearless, deeply human musical. With an electrifying rock score and a compelling, emotionally charged story.

This groundbreaking work explores the com-

plexities of family life, love, and the search for stability in an unpredictable world.

The musical follows Diana Goodman, a suburban wife and mother who struggles with

By arrangement with David Spicer Productions

NEXT to

NORMAL

by Tom Kitt and Brain Yorkey 20-29 MARCH

MATINEES SAT 21 MAR, SUN 22 MAR, SAT 28 MAR, SUN 29 MAR - 2PM

SEASON

2026 90 DeVitre St Lambton Bookings: Ph. 4952 4958 or online at newcastletheatrecompany.com.au

Page 12 > The Local > March 2026

a worsening mental illness that has taken a toll on her family for years.

As she battles with her diagnosis and treatment, her husband Dan fights to keep the family together, their daughter Natalie yearns to be seen, and their home begins to crack under the weight of unspoken trauma.

Next to Normal opens Friday 20 March at 7.30pm.

Evening performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until 29 March.

Matinees performances are at 2pm on Sunday 22, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March.

Tickets Next to Normal can be purchased online at newcastletheatrecompany.com.au or by calling the Box Office on 4952 4958.

The Local has a double pass to give away to the winner’s choice of performance of Next to Normal.

Just text the words ‘Next to Normal’, your first and last name, and your preferred performance day and time to 0455 210 000 by Friday 13 March.

The winner will be advised by phone and their name published in next month’s issue of The Local.

thelocalnewcastle.com.au

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NATIVE PLANTS FOR SALE 9.30am - 1pm • Saturday 21st March Hunter Wetlands Centre, Shortland All plants $5, or $10.

Seniors Festival 2 - 13 MARCH 2026, NEWCASTLE

Festival Launch Sunday 1 March Scan for more details or visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/ seniorsfestival

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Art Bazaar@St Therese’s

After hosting their first ever indoor markets last year, Hunter Arts Network, the organisation behind Art Bazaar, is headed back to St Therese’s Primary School again in March.

Art Bazaar is a high quality market, hosted by Hunter Arts Network, that has been held since 2002.

All stallholders are creative makers who have been selected for their unique, handmade, high quality and original work and they are all from the Hunter region.

meeting the local Hunter makers and artists they are supporting.

You will find Art Bazaar at St Therese’s Primary School at Royal Street New Lambton from 10am to 2pm on Sunday 22 March.

Art Bazaar brings the handmade art community together with For more information go to: loyal followers who find gifts www.hunterartsnetwork.org/ or treats for themselves, while

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St Therese’s Primary School Royal St, New Lambton: 10am – 2pm Sunday 22 March Sunday 23 August To advertise in The Local call Mark on 0455 210 000

Lambton Park Sunday 22 November 9am – 2pm The Local > March 2026 > Page 15

Citizen of Year awarded

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge joins the 2026 Citizen of the Year award recipients Peter Sleap, Wanda McInnes-Fogg, Alyssa Wharton, Jenny’s Place representative Dawn Walker & John Cross Two selfless seniors have shared this year’s Senior Citizen of the Year award.

For the first time in history, City of Newcastle honoured two seniors as joint winners of a top award, acknowledging their decades of service to vulnerable communities.

John Cross is honoured for his quiet, dedicated support for Newcastle residents experiencing homelessness, and Wanda McInnes-Fogg has been recognised for her long standing, vital role at Zara’s House where she supports refugee settlement in Newcastle.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the joint award recognises the extraordinary dedication of two seniors who have spent decades strengthening the city’s social fabric.

“John and Wanda have each dedicated countless hours, often unnoticed to supporting people doing it tough,” Cr Kerridge said.

“John’s consistent advocacy for rough sleepers to access care and Wanda’s work supporting refugee women and children with settling Page 16 > The Local > March 2026

and education both contribute to a stronger community cohesion across Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle also announced its Citizen of the Year, honouring a community champion whose personal adversity has driven him to create meaningful change for local families.

Peter ‘Sleapy’ Sleap is a wellknown character in Newcastle who has been recognised for transforming his own stage‑four throat cancer survival into a powerful force for good.

Since 2019, Peter’s charity Sleapy’s Foundation has delivered immediate financial relief, meaningful experiences and practical programs for cancer victims and their families, with 99 percent of all funds going directly back into the community.

In the past year, Sleapy’s Foundation raised $250,000 at its annual Sleapy’s Day event, supported more than 160 local families, provided Cancer Care Bags for patients at Calvary Mater Hospital and led a $500,000 project to establish a courtyard at

the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Hunter Hospital.

Young Citizen of the Year went to 21-year-old Alyssa Wharton, who was acknowledged for her leadership in cricket, where she mentors young players, organises cricket carnivals and serves as the Cricket Blast Coordinator, growing the program from eight to 50 participants in just three years.

As the only female umpire in the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association, she pushed for junior girls’ games to encourage visibility and representation and was named Cricket NSW’s 2025 Young Leader of the Year.

Community Group of the Year went to Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge for its long-standing commitment to assist women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.

In the past year, Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge supported more than 1200 women and children through crisis accommodation, outreach casework and early‑intervention programs.

thelocalnewcastle.com.au

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The Local > March 2026 > Page 17

THAT WAS THEN This is now

with Lachlan Wetherall

Joseph Palmer

Joseph Palmer was born in Maitland on 2 February 1846. He moved to Waratah when he was about eighteen. A few years later aged just 23, Palmer announced in an August 1869 advertisement the opening of his butcher’s business in Waratah, promising “punctuality, civility, and the sale of good meat.”

Sonia Hornery MP State Member for Wallsend

His word was good, for his trade increased and six months later he moved to larger premises in Waratah.

In 1871 he relocated to Lambton, having purchased the butcher’s shop of Alfred Harvey. In 1874 Palmer moved his business to Elder Street after buying land opposite the Northumberland Hotel.

In October 1884 the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate reported that “Mr. Joseph Palmer has just had the foundations laid for a twostory brick dwelling-house in Elder-street, which when erected will be another valuable addition to the street.” This beautiful building still stands today.

Apart from the meat trade, Palmer’s other significant contribution was in civic service. In 1878 he was elected to a three-year term as alderman on Lambton Council. After a break, he was reelected to council in 1886 and served another 12 years as alderman.

He was Mayor of Lambton in 1892, a year in which the council spent much time trying to sort out the technical and financial problems of the electric light system installed in 1890. These problems kept worsening and led to the bankruptcy of the council in 1898.

When Palmer resigned as an alderman the following year there were insufficient aldermen remaining to form a quorum, and Lambton had no council for the next four years.

In 1901 Palmer retired from commerce and leased his butcher shop to William Lahay. Palmer died at his residence in Lambton on 19 January 1902, aged just 55. He was buried in Sandgate cemetery with a large crowd in attendance.

Palmer’s grave monument is a tall, polished granite column broken at the top, a custom of the Victorian age signifying a life cut short.

You can view these photos and more details at lachlanwetherall.com

I will continue to stand up for the issues that are important to you.

67 Nelson Street, Wallsend Telephone: 4950 0955 Email: wallsend@parliament.nsw.gov.au Web: soniahornery.com.au Authorised by Sonia Hornery MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

Page 18 > The Local > March 2026

GET YOUR MESSAGE

OUT THERE!

Reach more than 11,000 local homes and businesses each month…

Call Mark on 0455 210 000 or email mark@hunterlocal.com.au thelocalnewcastle.com.au

Above: Joseph Palmer at the rear of his Elder Street residence, October 1896.

Photo by Ralph Snowball. Newcastle Libraries Online Collection 001 000566.

Below: Joseph Palmer’s two storey house, 88 Elder Street Lambton. His small weatherboard butcher shop (inset) was located to the left of the house.

To advertise in The Local call Mark on 0455 210 000

The Local > March 2026 > Page 19

Here to

Thank you for your letter.

with Elaine Abery

Sometimes, it feels like you aren’t getting anywhere with government, or other large bureaucracies. You have tried their internal complaints mechanisms, external bodies (such as the Ombudsman) and even talking to local politicians as a last resort.

But you keep getting the same reply that doesn’t respond to, or sometimes even understand, the issue you are facing.

Last resort

Second, look at successful campaigns and use them as a model. Think about campaigns like these.

HELP of Unravelling Red Tape

Dear Here to Help, I have been reading your column over the past years and I wonder what to do once all other avenues have been exhausted, without result?

First, think about how much more time and effort you want to invest in this issue. Sure, nobody should get away with bad behaviour, but do you have the time and energy to keep going.

‘Ending the tampon tax’ harnessed community power over nearly 2 decades to mobilise the community, including: •

petitions

•

protests

•

traditional media campaigns

•

social media pages

more information is available at: https://www. abc.net.au/news/2018-10-03/tampon-tax-togo-states-and-territories-agree-to-removegst/10332490 First Nations campaigns include: •

the Aboriginal tent embassy, established outside Parliament House in 1972 and listed on the National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission in 1995

•

taking government to Court – such as the Mabo case

•

popular songs – such as ‘Treaty’

This website, https://commonslibrary.org/ activism-and-campaign-history/ contains a lot of information about grassroots policy campaigns.

Be prepared to think laterally. You might be surprised how much action can follow simple actions, like: •

letters to the editor in a newspaper

•

social media posts

•

writing a book

•

harnessing your community to action

Most of all, it takes persistence.

Page 20 > The Local > March 2026

thelocalnewcastle.com.au

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The Local > March 2026 > Page 21

VET Chat with Dr Cassy Macpherson of Elder St Vets

Be prepared at Easter

The Easter season is once again upon us! This is a wonderful time to enjoy a few extra chocolates and the delicious varieties of hot cross buns that have been popping up in shopping centres recently. I am here to remind everyone to be extra vigilant this season in keeping these delicious food items away from your pets.

For those that are unaware, chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats. The stronger the cocoa percentage in the chocolate, the more clinical signs one can expect – for instance, a chocolate hot cross bun (which is full of straight cocoa powder) is going to be more toxic than the same amount of white chocolate.

Like most poisons, the signs of illness are dosedependent; low doses causing inappetence, vomiting and diarrhoea, while high doses cause heart palpitations, seizures and death. The toxic elements within chocolate are theobromine and caffeine, these act on receptors in the body to impact the normal flow of calcium, which causes abnormal muscle stimulation – this includes the muscles of the gut (smooth muscle), heart (cardiac muscle) and body (skeletal muscle). Clinical signs of chocolate toxicity occur within 6-12 hours of ingestion, and last for several days. Because of this, early prevention is key.

The other common toxin we see this time of year is sultana and grape toxicity – this is a lesser-known toxin that has an unknown mechanism of action that can cause kidney failure in both cats and dogs. This toxin isn’t dose dependant – that means that even if your pet eats one single grape or sultana, it can cause disease, even if they are a big dog. These pets don’t show signs of illness for several days after which the damage has been done, so like with all toxicities, early prevention is important.

If the worst happens, don’t panic, don’t wait and see, give us a call and we can advise your further. In the meantime, we wish you all have a safe and happy Easter holidays from all the staff of Elder Street Vets.

Compassionate, quality care by independent, community-focused vets!

Trust • Compassion • Excellence • Community • Innovation Our Services Medical • Pathology • Surgery • Radiology Ultrasonography • Dentistry • Puppy Preschool

• 124-126 Elder St Lambton • 4072 4700 • info@elderstvets.com.au • • elderstvets.com.au •

Page 22 > The Local > March 2026

thelocalnewcastle.com.au

MONEY

Matters with Dominic Brown

from Nest Financial Solutions

What does a good retirement actually cost?

Everyone dreams of an enjoyable and comfortable retirement - but what does that really mean in dollars and cents?

For some, it’s simply a morning coffee and time with the grandkids. For others its overseas travel or a long awaited home renovation. The point is there is no one size fits all number for how much savings you need to have.

According to studies, a comfortable retirement for a couple is in the region of $75,000 per year, whilst a modest lifestyle sits closer to $47,000. Your figure though is unique to you and depends entirely on your lifestyle, goals and what makes your happy.

A common surprise for new retirees isn’t how much things costs. Its how much their spending changes with time. Travel and hobbies may dominate the early years while later on expenses often drop as life slows down.

The key is to plan your cashflow and structure your finances so you can enjoy your retirement with confidence – knowing your money will last as long as you do.

If you are unsure whether your super and savings are on track for the retirement lifestyle you want, I can help you crunch the numbers and build a plan that’s realistic, flexible and uniquely yours. If this would be of interest then just reach out to me at Nest Financial Solutions and we will organize an appointment.

GENERAL ADVICE WARNING – This article is merely intended to be educational and informative. It should not be taken as a personal recommendation to you.

If you feel that you may need financial advice then please do not hesitate to contact Nest Financial Solutions for a friendly and obligation free chat.

In a stupor over your super?

Talk to the team at Nest Financial Solutions Your local financial planner based in Lambton Covering all aspects of: l Superannuation l Tax l Investing l Retirement planning l Centrelink Find us at 88 Elder Street. Lambton (inside GC Accountants)

Email: dominic@nestfs.com.au Phone: 0413 030 724 Nest Financial Solutions Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 1312348) of Capstone Financial Planning Pty Ltd. ABN 24 093 733 969. AFLS No. 223135

To advertise in The Local call Mark on 0455 210 000

The Local > March 2026 > Page 23

Symptoms of shingles

PHARMACY

Matters

by Anthony Piggott

of Piggott’s Pharmacies: Blackbutt, Branxton, Huntlee, Lambton and Merewether

Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral illness that causes a painful skin rash and nerve pain. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. While shingles is common, many people are surprised to learn that it can appear decades after someone has recovered from chickenpox.

The virus behind shingles

The varicella-zoster virus is a member of the herpesvirus family. Like other herpesviruses, it has a unique ability: once it infects a person, it never completely leaves the body.

Most people first encounter this virus in childhood, when it causes chickenpox. After the chickenpox rash heals, the virus becomes inactive, or “asleep,” inside the body rather than being destroyed.

How the virus stays in the body

After chickenpox, the virus hides in the nervous system, specifically inside clusters of nerve cells near the spinal cord and brain. While inactive, it causes no symptoms and can remain dormant for many years — often for life.

The immune system usually keeps the virus under control. However, if immune defenses weaken, the virus can reactivate.

Why shingles occurs

Shingles develops when the varicella-zoster virus wakes up and begins multiplying again. This most often happens in: • Older adults, especially those over 50 • People with weakened immune systems • Individuals experiencing serious illness or prolonged stress As the virus reactivates, it travels along a nerve to the skin, causing inflammation, pain, and a rash.

Page 24 > The Local > March 2026

Shingles usually begins with unusual sensations in a specific area of the body, such as: • Burning, tingling, or stabbing pain • Sensitivity to touch • Itching or numbness A few days later, a rash appears: • ypically on one side of the body or face • Often in a band or strip • With fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and fatigue.

Why the rash follows a pattern

One of the defining features of shingles is its localized pattern. Because the virus reactivates in a single nerve, the rash appears only in the area of skin connected to that nerve. This is why shingles usually affects just one side of the body and does not cross the midline.

Pain and long-term effects

The pain of shingles can be severe because the virus affects the nerves directly. In some people, nerve damage persists even after the rash heals, leading to postherpetic neuralgia — ongoing pain that can last months or even years.

This complication becomes more likely with increasing age.

Is shingles contagious?

Shingles itself cannot be “caught” from another person. However, the virus can spread from the fluid in shingles blisters to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. In that case, the exposed person would develop chickenpox, not shingles.

Once the blisters dry and crust over, the risk of spreading the virus ends.

Prevention and protection

Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of shingles and its complications. Shingles vaccines strengthen the immune system’s ability to keep the virus inactive, lowering both the chance of getting shingles and the severity of illness if it does occur.

Why awareness matters

Shingles is more than just a skin rash — it is a viral nerve infection that can cause lasting pain and serious complications.

Early recognition and medical treatment can reduce symptoms and speed recovery, while vaccination offers strong protection for those at risk. thelocalnewcastle.com.au

LAW

Matters with Eddie Mathews - Licensed Conveyancer at Newcastle Legal & Conveyancing

Sustained population growth in Newcastle and surrounds

The latest Regional Movers Index highlights the continued appeal of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region, causing strong internal migration and reinforcing ongoing demand for local property. While much attention is given to incoming buyers moving from out of area, these trends are equally significant for existing homeowners who may be considering their next move within the Newcastle and surrounding area.

As population growth places sustained pressure on housing, many local owners are reassessing their property needs—whether upsizing for growing families, downsizing as children leave home, or relocating to better suit lifestyle or work.

This creates an active local market of sellers who are also buyers, often needing to coordinate simultaneous sale and purchase.

For Newcastle Legal and Conveyancing, this environment reinforces the importance of providing tailored, end-to-end support for local clients. From preparing contracts of sale to managing simultaneous sale and purchase settlements, advising on timing, and mitigating risk, our firm plays a key role in helping established homeowners navigate their next property step with confidence and clarity.

If you are considering a property move in the next 12 months the best advice is to prepare.

Contact Newcastle Legal and Conveyancing for advice on how best to prepare for a simultaneous sale and purchase.

To advertise in The Local call Mark on 0455 210 000

Making Legal Easy WHY CHOOSE US FOR YOUR PROPERTY CONVEYANCING? ä Specialist team of licensed conveyancers & property lawyers ä Fixed fee conveyancing for standard residential transactions ä Written advice provided on purchases ä Ready access to a property lawyer when necessary ä Friendly, efficient service.

Call 1800 003 004 for an appointment 17 Beaumont St, Hamilton T: 1800 003 004 E: mail@nlegal.com.au W: www.nlegal.com.au The Local > March 2026 > Page 25

Local Community Group Notices CHILDREN & FAMILIES

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MULTICULTURAL PLAYGROUP

NEWCASTLE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY SENIORS OPEN DAY

Come join us at the Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre, 3 Illalung Road - Corner Durham Road, Lambton for fun playgroup activities for children.

Parents and Carers can have a cuppa with the opportunity to gain knowledge and information on parenting and child development and reduce isolation. The playgroup for under school age children runs every Friday during school terms from 10am – 12 midday and it is free to join. New participants from all backgrounds are welcome.

For more information on our programs, please call 4965 5291 or email: info@mncinc.org.au or simply walk in and say hello.

NEWCASTLE TOY LIBRARY

Newcastle Toy Library is calling for more volunteers to assist with the running of the Toy Library sessions on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The Toy Library is a terrific service based at New Lambton Library and run entirely by volunteers. We are also seeking new members to join our committee. Contact us at newcastletoylibrary@gmail.com for more information about joining our enthusiastic team.

In conjunction with the Seniors Festival 2026 Newcastle Family History Society Inc. at 68 Elder Street Lambton is holding a free Open Day on Saturday 14 March from 10m to 3pm. Take a tour of our heritage building, get help with your family history research, enjoy morning/afternoon tea ($5 per person), raffles, trade table, bookstall and more. For more information see www.nfhs.org.au or email nfhsinc@gmail.com

COMMUNITY GROUPS LAMBTON RESIDENTS GROUP

All residents of Lambton area are welcome to come along to our monthly meeting. You too can be a part of some exciting and worthwhile initiatives and projects for the local area. The group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Next meeting will be at The Mark Hotel on Wednesday 11 March at 5.30pm. For more information call Angela on 0422 633 737.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

POLIO AUSTRALIA - FREE HEALTH LITERACY SESSION

EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD NSW NEWCASTLE BRANCH

Polio Australia is providing a free health literacy (for those who had polio, or who have post-polio, or are caring for them) and clinical education session at the Wallsend Library, Heritage Room on Monday, 23 March from 1 pm to 4 pm. The first two hours are for health literacy, the third hour is for local clinicians. We provide relevant post-polio resources (also free) and require registration for those wishing to attend the session. There are no products or services endorsed nor sold at our sessions - our program and the session itself is supported by the Department of Health. The event registration details are at: https://www trybooking.com/eventlist/polioaust

Page 26 > The Local > March 2026

The Newcastle Branch is a group of embroiderers who meet every Monday AM and PM at the Church of the Good Shepherd Hall, 101 Joslin Street Kotara. Parking is available on site and in Joslin Street. Our members work on diverse projects and conduct classes. Members have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which they are willing to share. If you are interested in joining a friendly group of ladies who enjoy various stitching projects, we would love to see you. If you have any enquiries, please contact us on our email NewcastleEmbroiderersGuild@gmail.com Website: https://www.embroiderersguildnsw. org.au/Groups/Newcastle-Branch

thelocalnewcastle.com.au

Local Community Group Notices SENIORS GROUPS

SENIORS GROUPS

MEREWETHER SEASIDE PROBUS CLUB

THE PROBUS CLUB OF SHORTLAND INC.

Are you new to Newcastle and want to find a new circle of contacts? Have you recently retired and want to broaden your activities? Do you live alone and resolved to get out more? Or perhaps there are a million and one other reasons for getting out and active in retirement. Joining our Probus club might be for you. Please come as a visitor and talk to people at our club and we can go from there. We have activities on Thursdays, ranging from book club (not really a book club), club lunch, club meeting with guest speaker and an informal walking group that comes for the walk and stays for the coffee. If you are curious and would like more details, please email Jim at merewetherseasideprobus@gmail.com

We are a Combined Club who meets at the beautiful Hunter Wetlands on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 9.30am, for friendship and fellowship with the meeting starting at 10.am.

We are currently looking for people over 55 years who have retired and would like to join us for Coffee Mornings, Outings of day trips and away trips, good Guest Speakers, and a great morning tea at our Meetings, followed by a BBQ on the following day. We have four lunches at the Wetlands per year. If you would like to find out more about this Club, please contact Alan on 49683325 or email westalan@hotmail.com

NEWCASTLE LADIES’ PROBUS

Interested in playing cards? Canasta is a great social game and is played every Thursday from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm at Club Lambton (the bowling club next to Lambton Pool. You’ll be most welcome and we’ll happily teach you, either from scratch or just refresh your knowledge. Free off street parking. Phone Nola 0421 552 372 or Des 0419 694 096.

LAMBTON SENIORS GROUP

This is an invitation to join Newcastle Ladies’ Probus. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.30 at Wests Newcastle. We are a friendly group of ladies and we have a variety of activities which include coffee mornings, a walking group, lunches and other outings. Each month we have an interesting guest speaker. For more information contact Margaret 0417 663 064 or Marjorie 0416 191 667

NEWCASTLE MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

BEL AIR VIEW CLUB

Are you looking for something new to do this year, then come along to Bel Air View Club and join us for friendship, regular activities and interesting guest speakers at our monthly meetings . View stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women . Our meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at South Leagues Club in Merewether at 10. 30 am and we warmly welcome guests and new members to join us in supporting the Smith Family’s learning for life programme which assists young disadvantaged Australian school children to create a better future for themselves through education. If you would like any further information, please phone Gillian on 4963 5655 or email: gillian.cranston@bigpond.com

To advertise in The Local call Mark on 0455 210 000

Retired gentlemen we would love to meet you.

Our club provides great social outings, regular monthly meetings, for friendship, fellowship and fun in retirement. Why not drop into our regular 4th Tuesday of the month meetings at Souths Leagues Club Merewether? You will be warmly welcomed, enjoy some refreshments and a guest speaker. Contact Brian Prior on 0415 081 610 or www.newcastleprobus.org

To have a free community notice published here email details to admin@hunterlocal. com.au or post to PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299 by 15th of the month. Notices may be edited/ omitted due to space limitations.

The Local > March 2026 > Page 27

Mark Brooker Your independent Ward 3 Councillor I’m local and listening…

Follow me on

for news and updates facebook.com/markbforward3

EMAIL: mbrooker@ncc.nsw.gov.au • PHONE: 0448 259 331

Page 28 > The Local > March 2026

thelocalnewcastle.com.au

CLEANING

LOOKING FOR PROFESSIONAL

tracI’S

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No sweat.

● Team of local experts ● High quality installation ● Servicing the Newcastle area & beyond!

Lic L009753 • ARC Approved

0425 251 607

NEWCASTLE ASSET MANAGEMENT CLEANING SERVICES OFFERS: _ Property pre-sale detailing _ End of lease clean,

_ Spring cleans & maintenance, _ Rubbish removal

_ Pressure cleaning

L PROMPT, RELIABLE AND LOCA

cl

CLEANING SERVICES?

eanIng •

CLEANING

• e c o M Plet

Local Trades and Service Director y

AIR CONDITIONING

d o M S tIc e

IncludIng gardenIng & lIght yard work

newcastlerefrigeration.com

Call 4940 5100 or 0402 957 055 or email

bill@newcastleassetmanagement.com.au

Phone 0415 964 349

HANDYMAN

LEGAL SERVICES

MAINTENANCE NEED PROFESSIONAL

• All painting & gyprock repairs • Plus most services in small renovation works • 30 years experience • Fully insured

PHONE JAMIE

0423 233 727 PLUMBER

Your Local Plumber Servicing New Lambton, Lambton and surrounding suburbs… ➤ Plumbing ➤ Drainage ➤ Gas Fitting ➤ Blocked Drains ➤ CCTV pipe inspections ➤ Friendly and Reliable Service 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE, ALL WORK GUARANTEED

CALL FOR A FREE COMPETITIVE QUOTE

Phone Jon on

0400 603 545

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SERVICES?

Making legal easy • Traffic • Criminal • Family • Wills • Litigation • Commercial • Employment • Conveyancing

1800 003 004

CALL NEWCASTLE ASSET MANAGEMENT FOR: ä All residential property & styling services ä Strata units ä Small commercial businesses ä Only licensed trades used

AL PROMPT, RELIABLE AND LOC Call 4940 5100 or 0402 957 055 or email

• mail@nlegal.com.au • 17 Beaumont St, Hamilton

bill@newcastleassetmanagement.com.au

PLUMBER

POOL MAINTENANCE

Other plumbers may prioritise

commercial projects, at Flowstate

we’re dedicated to residential work.

We take the time to understand

your concerns and work with you to find the solution that best fits your needs and budget.

PHONE JIMMY ON 0490 090 250 info@flowstateplumbingco.com.au flowstateplumbingco.com.au

To advertise in The Local call Mark on 0455 210 000

New Lambton

16 Bridges Rd, New Lambton NSW 2305

(02) 4957 3616

Your local pool care experts

The Local > March 2026 > Page 29

Classifieds...

ROOF & GUTTER

NOTICES

FOR SALE

BED DOLLS Attractive handmade bed dolls for sale. $40.00 each.

Would suit girls bedrooms 5 to 8 year old. Phone Yvette Ph 0423 483 597

REPAIR • RESTORE • RENEW AFTER

BEFORE

BUDGERIGARS Bush and modern budgies for sale, starting from $15 Ph 0456 919 046 CHILDS CAR SEAT Safe-N-Sound car safety seat, 6 months to 8 years. Excellent condition. Sparingly used by grandparents $20 Ph4952 5385

Tile & Metal Roof Restoration Specialists Call for a FREE quote…

0422 927 640

or email info@newcastleroofandgutter.com.au Web: newcastleroofandgutter.com.au

WINDOW FURNISHINGS

Looking for quality blinds and shutters?

Give us a call, you’ll be glad you did!

Locally owned and operated Phone: 4957 4945 or email: enquiries@theshutterguy.com.au www.theshutterguy.com.au

GARDEN POTS Assorted plastic and terracotta pots. Prices from 50c each Ph 0421 003 693 KANGAROO PAW Red/green & yellow kangaroo paw plants, approx. 350mm high, locally grown, very healthy, growing in 200mm pots, pick up Kotara. $6 each or 4 for $20. Bulk amount available.

Ph 0402 632 474 FREE

ADVERTISE HERE

GET YOUR MESSAGE

OUT THERE! Reach more than 11,000 local homes and businesses each and every month when you advertise in Newcastle’s favourite little community newspaper…

Call Mark on 0455 210 000 or email mark@hunterlocal.com.au

Page 30 > The Local > March 2026

ROCKING HORSE Well made, needs some work, you collect from New Lambton Ph 0417 796 336 CROSSWORD SOLUTION FROM PAGE 28 N

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ANTIQUE CLOCK SERVICES

Servicing many types of antique mechanical clocks including Mantles, Grandfathers, Wallclocks.

American, English, French, German

Keep your clocks alive and ticking...

Call Malcolm on 0466 152 028

THEATRE TICKETS WINNER Congratulation to Bob Jury who won two tickets to see ’Clue:On Stage’ at Newcastle Theatre Company in February. thelocalnewcastle.com.au

Local Classifieds...

NOTICES

NOTICES

POSITION VACANT

HEARTMOVES

CHRIS’ CUSTOM CABINETRY Custom cabinetry and joinery expert – design, build, and install tailored solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes, laundries and more. Quality craftsmanship and personalised service from start to finish. Email: chr iscus to m cabinetr y31@ gmail.com Ph 0406 033 171

BE PAID TO DELIVER

Gentle exercises Seated or standing Suitable for seniors

Wednesdays 10.15 - 11.00 11.30 - 12.15 Kotara Bowling Club 2 Howell St, Kotara Complimentary tea & coffee

Call Lorraine 0411 422 300 or Lorraine.norton88 @bigpond.com

CLEANING SERVICE Traci’s Complete Domestic Cleaning Service. End of lease cleans, spring cleans and eco cleaning. Gardening and light yard work Ph 0415 964 349 CLEANER Reliable, local, experienced residential cleaner available.

Top references. Weekly or fortnightly, $25 per hr (3 hrs minimum) Ph 0493 054 207 HANDYMAN All painting & gyprock repairs, plus most services in small renovation works. 30 years experience. Insured. Phone Jamie Ph 0423 233 727

The Local, your free monthly letterbox delivered newspaper, needs reliable, energetic locals who love walking, to join the team that ensures our community news gets into more than 11,000 letterboxes each month.

You must be available to complete your deliveries around the end of each month. Two to four hours of walking per delivery area each month. Good rates paid per 100 letterboxes. All ages are welcome to apply.

If you would like to be on our deliverers wait list email mark@hunterlocal. com.au or text him on 0455 210 000 for more details.

SOMETHING TO SELL OR TO TELL? TRY FREE LOCAL COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS. THEY WORK! Name_____________________________ Address__________________________ Phone_____________________________ Email_____________________________ Write the wording of your advertisement below. (Max. 25 words please) Text: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Classification (eg. For Sales, Notices, Garage Sales, Wanted etc):____________________ Complete this form and post it to: ‘Local Classifieds’ PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299 or email: admin@hunterlocal.com.au by 15th of the month. We reserve the right to not publish advertising considered inappropriate or not in the spirit of the free classifieds offer. Private party ads only. For business advertising please email mark@hunterlocal.com.au or phone 0455 210 000.

To advertise in The Local call Mark on 0455 210 000

The Local > March 2026 > Page 31

Your Health is OUR Priority GAVISCON DUAL ACTION LIQUID BERRY

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ALLERTINE 20MG

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Helps relieve symptoms of hayfever & other forms of allergic rhinitis. It may also treat itchy skin rashes and hives.

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PIGGOTT’S PHARMACY BLACKBUTT

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58 Orchardtown Rd, New Lambton Phone: 4957 2474

105 Elder Street, Lambton Phone: 4957 3630

400 Glebe Road, Merewether Phone: 4969 1978

Page 32 > The Local > March 2026 www.piggottspharmacy.com.au

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ªthelocalnewcastle.com.au