Local Year 12 student Emma Bryan volunteered every Saturday at Blackbutt parkrun for nearly two years as part of the volunteering requirement for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
Parkrun is a free, five kilometre community-organised run that has become very popular over recent years. The Duke of Edinburgh scheme is a worldwide awards system that promotes leadership and service in the youth that take part.
When Emma finished her volunteering requirements in April the Blackbutt parkrun community gave her a thank you cake to acknowledge her 99 Saturdays of volunteering.
Catherine King, one of the team of run directors at Blackbutt parkrun said “We have been so impressed with her dedication, reliability and humble service to her community.”
“The future is bright with teenagers like Emma.” she told The Local
As for Emma she said she felt the parkrun community was incredibly supportive of her efforts.
“I’ve really valued being a part of such a positive and encouraging environment” Emma told The Local For more details on the Duke of Edinburgh scheme go to: dukeofed.com.au or for more details on parkrun go to: parkrun. com.au/
Emma Bryan volunteered at Blackbutt parkrun every Saturday morning for close to two years as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award
Steve Sue Scott
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 June issue will close on Friday 16 May
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...
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 In contributing news items the contributor accepts that such information may or may not be published in print and/or online using websites and social media channels at the sole discretion of the publisher.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.
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LOCAL Matters
with Mark Brooker Publisher of The Local
One and one is eleven
My feeble mind finds it hard to comprehend that this month marks 11 years since the first issue of Lambton Local was published.
What a crazy month April 2014 was. Getting issue #1, the May 2014 issue of Lambton Local written, designed, printed and distributed was an experience I’ll not ever forget.
As the months and years have passed it has, I’ll admit, become a little easier to bring it all together. And yes I still love it.
Over the years we’ve had a couple of name changes as our distribution area has evolved. Depending on where you live you have received either the Lambton Local, New Lambton Local, Lambton & New Lambton Local or even Hamilton Local.
Since July 2018 it’s simply been The Local across all the suburbs we reach.
As at this month’s issue The Local, or whatever variation on the names listed above, has published 4,378 pages of community news and information.
At the risk of repeating myself I implore you, if you enjoy seeing The Local land in your letterbox each month, to please support the businesses you see advertising on these pages. Without their continued support I simply could not bring The Local to you.
I would like to thank the advertisers, the letterbox deliverers, the contributors and the readers for making it possible in this very digital day and age to have a printed publication continue for 11 years and counting.
Thanks one and all. Here’s to the the next 11 perhaps?
$64k gift to community
Anne and Cliff Powell were New Lambton people through and through.
They were born and raised locally and remained connected for their lifetimes to the suburb they called home.
To express that affection, Anne, who survived her brother by three years, left a total of close to $64,000 as a donation to the many local clubs, groups and associations that use New Lambton Community Centre.
The bequest will provide a 50% discount to groups that hire space at the community centre on a permanent or casual basis. This benefit will be capped at $1000 per group and remain in place until the $64,000 is expended.
A motion put to Newcastle Council to acknowledge and celebrate the generous gift to the community by the Powell siblings was passed unanimously in April.
In bringing the item to Council independent Ward 3 councillor Mark Brooker said “This is about helping not-for-profit community groups stretch their budgets further”.
Above: Clifford Powell and Anne Powell, siblings who died in 2020 and 2023 respectively, left a generous bequest for users of New Lambton Community Centre. At right: New Lambton Community Centre on Alma Rd
“City of Newcastle will mark this kind bequest by adding Anne and Cliff’s names to the Honour Roll of Donors that hangs in the foyer of the centre”. Cr Brooker told The Local.
To hire a space at New Lambton Community Centre go to:
newcastle.bookable.net.au/ venues/16/new-lambtoncommunity-centre or phone City of Newcastle on 4974 2000.
National award for club
New Lambton Football Club has taken out top honours nationally for its commitment to creating a healthy and safe environment at the annual Good Sports Awards.
“The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate recognition for clubs leading the way. They celebrate success, highlight the volunteers who are the backbone of community sport, and give winning clubs the recognition they deserve. New Lambton Football Club should be proud of their achievements,” said Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s NSW Manager, Allison Reid.
Reflecting on the win, club secretary Megan Payne, pictured, said the club was honoured to be recognised by Good Sports for shaping its culture, having been part of the program for over a decade.
“We’re incredibly proud. With over 1,000 members, we prioritise inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment – whether through increasing female participation, our Para Football program, or ensuring families feel safe and supported,” Ms Payne said.
“Good Sports has helped us build strong policies around alcohol management, mental health awareness, and fostering a positive space for juniors.
Julie’s
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Firing up for 150 years
Later this year Lambton Fire Station will mark 150 years of serving and protecting the local community.
The occasion will be celebrated with an event currently being planned for Lambton Park.
Lambton Fire Station has had three locations in the last century and a half. From 1875 to 1902 it was in Grainger Street behind John Stoker’s Gold Miners’ Arms Hotel. From 1902 to 2016 it was situated at De Vitre Street. And of course since 2016 it has been located at Young Rd. Members of the public are invited to contribute their photos and memories of Lambton Fire Station to help celebrate the sesquicentenary via email to: mnaoadmin@fire.nsw.gov.au
Lambton Volunteer Fire Brigade, 1890s. Newcastle Library.
Fruit and flowers together on Elder
Two of Lambton’s favourite retailers have joined forces in Elder Street.
Clint Elder, formerly of Lambton Fruit Market, and Leigh Tickle from The Elderflower are working together from the old Simpson’s Shoes shop as Elders Lane Fruit & Flowers.
“It’s been a great combination” says Clint. “Leigh and I both trade in quality, fresh produce. We both need to be out and about at times. This allows each of us to attend the markets without having to close our shops.”
For her part Leigh says the added foot traffic from joining forces with Clint has been great. “It’s been great to see so many faces, old and new customers, at the new shop” she said.
Elders Lane Fruit & Flowers is at 100 Elder Street, Lambton.
At left: Clint Elder and Leigh Tickle at Elders Lane Fruit & Flowers are ready to serve you
Elders Lane Fruit & Flowers
Vale Alma Tate
Former Newcastle Councillor, businesswoman and community advocate Alma Tate passed away in March aged 101 years.
Alma, who served two terms on Newcastle City Council from 1977 to 1983, was mother to long-serving lord mayor and councillor John Tate.
Among her many community advocacy projects Mrs Tate helped establish Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in the early 1960s and the New Lambton Community Centre in the 1980s. She served as president of the latter for close to 20 years.
Alma’s many years of community service were recognised in 2011
when she was awarded an OAM.
Alma is survived by her son John, daughter Carolyn and many Grandchildren and Great grandchildren.
Thank you Alma for your service to our community.
Alma Tate, seated wearing scarf, celebrating her 100th birthday with fellow Adamstown Ladies Probus Club members in 2023
To mark The Local’s 11th birthday this month’s lucky letterboxes are all number 11. If one of the letterboxes pictured above is yours, you’ve won a $25 shopping voucher from one of three great local retailers. Phone Mark at The Local on 0455 210 000 by 16 May 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 best dressed with the choice of vouchers.
The vouchers must be claimed by 16 May and redeemed at your chosen retailer by 30 June 2025.
Congratulations to the residents of 60 Meredith Street Kotara and 87 Victoria Street New Lambton who each claimed a prize by correctly identifying their letterboxes in April.
Hey neighbour!
by Georgia Osland
Bruce McLean
Elder Street is the street where everybody knows your name, or at least, you likely know Bruce McLean’s and there’s a good chance he knows yours.
The Lambton retiree is an active member of Lambton Residents Group, which was the driving force behind the new photographic mural on Grainger Street.
The mural, installed on the side of the Dailey Family Funerals building in March with a Newcastle council grant, features 17 black-and-white historical photos of Lambton taken by 19th Century Australian photographer Ralph Snowball.
Its centerpiece: a striking panorama of the suburb in 1912, where some–but not many–
iconic buildings still stand.
Historic Lambton, where Bruce McLean proudly grew up, on display in Grainger Street
It’s a sight Bruce sees almost every day, as he strolls Elder Street for his morning coffee, pastry, or fresh fruit and veg, where he takes the time to learn –and remember–the names of the people who serve him.
As he takes this familiar route, he sometimes stops to think about just how much Lambton has changed since Ralph Snowball immortalised its early history, and, in some ways, how it’s stayed the same.
“I grew up in Young Road, at the end of Elder Street, and went to Lambton Primary School in the early 1960s,” Bruce recalled.
“I used to walk this street to school every day. There are a lot of buildings here now that were here then. A lot of buildings have been repurposed; others have been bulldozed to make way for something new.”
An experienced horticulturist,
Bruce opened a nursery in Tamworth, where his family was established for 42 years.
It’s little wonder, then, why the planter boxes lining Elder Street are so lovingly maintained – just one of Bruce’s passion projects with the residents’ group since he and his wife moved back to Lambton about three years ago. The conversations with the locals along the way – between pours or at the till – help Bruce understand what his community might benefit from next through the group.
“Lambton’s always been good to me,” he added fondly.
Lambton Residents Group meets on the second Wednesday of the month. All are welcome to join. Phone Angela on 0422 633 737 for more information.
Do you know a local resident whose story you would like to read here? Let us know by email: mark@hunterlocal.com.au
Sleepout for Soul is on again
Soul Hub, a grassroots, volunteer driven charity dedicated to supporting the city’s most vulnerable, is calling on the local community to take part in its annual fundraiser, Sleepout For Soul, on Friday 16 May.
The event aims to bring together 350 participants and raise $200,000 to continue providing vital support services for those experiencing homelessness, mental health struggles, social isolation, and addiction.
The Sleepout For Soul event challenges participants to sleep rough for one night at Bolton Street Carpark to gain insight into the realities faced by those living on the streets. But this is no ordinary sleepout—”sleepers” will experience a powerful
evening of live music, great food, engaging games, live auctions, and first-hand stories that highlight Soul Hub’s impact in the community.
Soul Hub plays a critical role in Newcastle, offering a place of hope, dignity, and lifechanging support to those in the community who are doing it tough.
The charity connects people with essential services like doctors and social workers while also providing practical help such as free grocery hampers, laundry facilities, and more.
And it all begins with a hot meal and a friendly conversation with one of Soul’s 330 volunteers.
Soul operates entirely without government funding, relying on
the generosity of the community to keep its doors open.
Registration is now open at soulhub.org.au for anyone wanting to take part in Sleepout For Soul. Whether you’re in Newcastle or beyond, you can sign up individually or as a team—rally your friends, colleagues, gym buddies, or schoolmates to join in.
Newcastle residents are especially encouraged to get involved locally, but for those unable to attend in person, DIY sleepouts are welcome at locations like clubhouses, schools, community halls, or workplaces.
Visit soulhub.org.au to sign up and learn more.
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Hassle-free pool ownership! Let us worry about your pool so you can be doing more fun things!
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What is included:
• Water testing and chemical balancing*
• Empty all skimmer baskets and pump baskets
• Check equipment for proper operation and leaks
• Scoop and clean surface for all debris
Our service can be scheduled fortnightly, monthly or bi-monthly!
• Backwash and rinse filter
• Check and clean salt cell
• Brush and vacuum pool surface and tile line
• Cartridge filter cleaning and maintenance
Terms and conditions apply. *Chemicals at an additional cost, if required. Green pools or equipment repairs will be quoted before work commences.
The Local Quiz
Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Nevenka Bareham of North Lambton. Nevenka has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy.
Last month’s mystery photo was taken at the carpark in De Vitre St Lambton. 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 the Sportman’s Arms Hotel cease trading in 1987 what was built in its place?
Question 2 - When is the next Art Bazaar being held at Lambton Park?
Question 3 - How many times did Emma Bryan volunteered at parkrun as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Question 4 - In which former shoe shop has Elders Lane Fruit & Flowers recently opened?
Question 5 - Where would you find the bridge pictured at right?
Sonia Hornery MP State Member for
Wallsend
I
67 Nelson Street, Wallsend
Telephone: 4950 0955
Email: wallsend@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web: soniahornery.com.au
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 Friday 16 May 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.
Authorised by Sonia Hornery MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.
The hidden potential flood in your home
Under the sinks and vanities in most homes there is potential for a flood. If a tap has been installed in your home in the last 30 years there’s a very high probability that you have flexible supply hoses connecting it to the water supply. Over time these hoses deteriorate, and can burst unexpectedly allowing 20 or more litres of water per minute to escape. The resulting flood can damage cabinetry, ruin carpets and floorboards, and even pour through a ceiling in the case of upstairs bathrooms.
Check your home and contents insurance. Major insurers are starting to knock back claims on poorly maintained flexible supply hoses that burst.
If one of these hoses bursts causing major damage one of three things will happen, none of which are enjoyable. Best case is that your claim is accepted and you have to pay the excess to you insurer and have to live in a renovation site for weeks or months.
The second thing is that your claim is denied and you have to fight a drawn out legal battle and win, with the prize being you have to live in a renovation site.
The third scenario is that your claim is denied and you have to pay to fix the damage yourself and still have to live in a renovation site.
To avoid any of this, have a look under your sinks and next
to toilets to check for signs of rust, bulging, or other wear and tear. If you find anything that is of concern, call a plumber, maybe even turn off the water. This proactive plumbing tip could save you thousands. If you have no idea how old the flexible pipes might be, just get them changed. Most of the new ones are made with a better inner core and, under normal conditions, will last ten or more years.
Contact Flowstate Plumbing Co, details below, for all your residential plumbing needs.
Art Bazaar @ Lambton Park
Following a rained-out event in March, Art Bazaar returns to Lambton Park from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 18 May.
Art Bazaar is a high quality artisan market, hosted by Hunter Arts Network, that has been held since 2002.
All stallholders are creative makers who have been selected by Hunter Arts Network because of their unique, handmade, high quality, original work and they are all from the Hunter region. While wandering the stalls, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks and coffee.
Art Bazaar brings the handmade art community to loyal followers who find gifts or treats for themselves, while meeting the local Hunter makers and artists they are supporting.
Hunter Arts Network is run by a committee of dedicated volunteers who celebrate visual art in all it forms.
Art Bazaar will also be at Lambton Park on Sunday 31 August and Sunday 30 November this year.
For more information go to www.hunterartsnetwork.org/
Sportman’s Arms Hotel
THAT WAS THEN This is now
with Lachlan Wetherall
In September 1869, when New Lambton was in its infancy, the Newcastle Chronicle reported there was already two hotels and “a third public-house is in course of erection, and the proprietor, Mr Johns, expects a license for it shortly.”
Built on the north-west corner of Regent Street and Portland Place, Nicholas Johns opened the Sportsman’s Arms Hotel for business on 22 January 1870.
After three decades of operation, Marshalls Paddington Brewery purchased the land and
building in 1899 and commenced plans for a new hotel building in a different location.
In April 1903 the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate reported: “A large brick hotel is now being erected overlooking the reserve, close to the tram terminus. The roof which is of red tiles, is now completed, and the contractor, Mr. Viggers. is busy finishing the interior to the designs of Mr. Henderson, architect.”
In July 1903 the license of the Sportsman’s Arms Hotel was transferred to the new two storey building on the corner of Hobart Road and Rugby Road, with William Thompson as licensee.
The old hotel in Regent Street closed and was used as a private dwelling for two years before it was destroyed by fire in June 1905.
There are no known photographs of the original hotel. In 1922 the Methodists purchased the site and constructed a church building.
In Hobart Road in 1903, in addition to his new hotel, William Thompson also built a large assembly room and named it the Commonwealth Hall. For a decade it was used for socials, fundraisers, community gatherings, political meetings, and concerts.
In 1912 John Sperring, licensee of the Belmont Hotel, purchased the hall and arranged to have it dismantled, transported, and re-erected on a site adjoining his hotel in Belmont.
The second Sportsman’s Arms Hotel in New Lambton continued trading until 1987, when the Wests Leagues Club demolished it to allow an extension of their premises.
View details of all New Lambton’s hotels, past and
Below: Wests New Lambton now occupies the site of the second Sportsman’s
*Established 1991* AGENTS FOR PRIDE DRY CLEANERS!
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Above: The Sportsman’s Arms Hotel (left) and Commonwealth Hall (right) in Hobart Rd New Lambton, c.1908. Photo by Ralph Snowball. University of Newcastle, Living Histories.
Arms Hotel.
Here to HELP
with Elaine Abery of Unravelling Red Tape
When you just can’t get through
Dear Here to Help,
I’m at my wit’s end. My Dad has been in hospital for six weeks and nobody seems to have any idea what is happening. We feel like we have been living in an episode of Fawlty Towers. Here are just some of the things that have (or have not) happened. The operation was delayed as they couldn’t do it without his full records. They couldn’t locate Dad’s medical records from other NSW hospitals and told us to do it. The other
hospitals told us that they needed the hospital to contact them directly to obtain the records. Then, they told us Dad had been discharged and sent home. We frantically were trying to ring him and going to his house to see what happened to him. It turned out that he had never been discharged and was still in hospital. Then, when we asked – yet again – what was happening and why he was still in hospital so long post-operation, they told us he needed another assessment (which should have happened when he was first admitted) before they could allow him to go home. But when we rang the assessment service to ask the assessment date, they said they had no record of him being scheduled for assessment with them.
To make things harder, we all live several hours drive from Dad, which makes good communication even more important.
We are all very stressed, not the least Dad, who feels like he is being held prisoner, when he came in for what he thought was a simple operation. Please help!
Oh boy! You really are being given the runaround. It’s tough when you can’t get a sensible answer about something so important.
This may sound trite, but bureaucracies – like hospitals – respond best when you put your concerns in writing. Start with the hospital’s complaints department.
As you have noticed, things are missed when staff change frequently. Hospital staff work on shifts, so I’m sure you have dealt with many different staff. Unless you put your concerns in writing, they risk being missed as staff handover patients between shifts.
How best to write your letter to them? Here are a few tips:
• state clearly what outcome you are looking for (including a timeframe is even better)
• explain – politely – how frustrated you and your Dad are
• demonstrate what you have been putting up with • restate the outcome you want
And, if that doesn’t work, where do I turn, you ask? There are numerous organisations you can talk to, including the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission, your local MP, Health Consumers NSW, NSW Health and the Minister. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has a page “your healthcare rights – key contacts”.
How to enter: Email LambtonPhotos2025@gmail.com with Photographer’s Name & Category in the subject and attach photos (maximum 3 entries per person).
Photos will be loaded to Facebook Lambton Highlights Photography Competition. Both categories will be voted for online as People’s Choice.
Winners will be listed on Facebook and presentations made at the Lambton Residents Group July meeting.
by Jackie French
Nancy of the Overflow has been asked to travel to Malaya to help her sister-in-law pack up and move to Australia. Nancy’s brother, Ben, asked her because she loves adventure and is a capable young woman.
Nancy will have to navigate many difficult situations on the way to Australia because the Japanese are trying to conquer the countries to the south of them.
The book is set in the second world war. Nancy and her sister-in-law, Moira, and her child, Gavin, travel to Singapore where they board a ship to sail to Australia where they face many hardships.
This book is about the years when Australians had to defend their land from enemy invasion.
It has many threads drawn together, showing the nation’s experience not just of war, but love of country.
I really enjoyed the story. It raised my knowledge of the second world war.
It is a very well written book, but also very sad.
Review by Phillipa
MONEY Matters
with Dominic Brown from Nest Financial Solutions
Surviving Trump’s tariff turmoil
The financial news over these last few weeks seems to have a bit of a groundhog day feel to it with daily reports about the markets falling due to concerns over Donald Trump and the impact of his tariffs.
It is obviously concerning to see what is happening in the world at the moment with markets constantly in the red and an outlook that looks worrying. However in times like this I would take some comfort in two important rules for long term investors
1. Don’t panic and sell when markets are crashing. 2. No ones knows how long a market recovery will take.
If you were to examine a sharemarket chart going back over the last 100 years, you would see multiple occasions when the sharemarkets have crashed but in each case you would also see the markets eventually recover and go on to new heights. Some of the drops can be short and sharp as was the case in the Covid crash. Markets fell heavily at the outset of covid at the start of 2020 but then began to recover and by mid 2020 were back to their pre-crash levels and pushing higher. However some of the crashes such as in 1929 at the beginning of the Great Depression can be more prolonged. Nonetheless markets have always recovered given time.
Market crashes are a part of investing and have occurred with regularity. History has generally shown that staying in the market and weathering the storm has paid off for investors.
GENERAL ADVICE WARNING – This article is merely intended to be education 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.
LAW Matters
by Emma Essex Lawyer at Newcastle Legal
Parenting disputes
Moving a child’s primary place of residence without the knowledge or permission of the other parent can have significant legal consequences. If parents have discussed and agreed to the relocation of the child’s primary residence then this is usually okay, subject to any contrary court order.
If there are no court orders and no agreement in place, you should seek legal advice before relocating a child’s primary place of residence. This is particularly important where moving the child’s primary place of residence will affect the other parents contact, or their schooling, access to their medical professionals and extracurriculars.
Where the other parent does not consent to the relocation you may need a court order that allows you to relocate the child’s primary place of residence. If you relocate without a court order and without agreement with the other parent, you are at risk of the non-consenting parent applying to the court seeking return of the child.
Usually such an action is not condoned by the court and may result in you being viewed poorly. If you are considering relocation of a child’s primary place of residence and the other parent has not agreed to this, you should seek legal advice.
If you are moving a child’s primary place of residence due to violence or abuse, you should seek legal advice, domestic violence support and contact Police if required.
If your child is relocated without your agreement or court order, it is crucial that you get legal advice as soon as possible. Any application to the court seeking return of your child is time sensitive. If you delay the application, the Court is less likely to make the order.
with Dr Cassy Macpherson of Elder St Vets
Chocolate toxicity in cats and dogs
I hope everyone had a happy and safe Easter holiday. It is encumbent on pet owners to keep a watchful eye on their pets during this time. Around the ‘chocolate season’ it is important to ensure your pets don’t get too much into the festivities by ingesting any foods that are toxic for them. This includes all variations of chocolate – milk, dark, white, caramel filled, brownies, and even your traditional hot cross buns (though sultana toxicity is a topic for another month).
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, chocolate cake (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 dose-dependent; 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, prevention is key.
The lovely staff here at Elder Street Vets can help you work out if the dose your pet has eaten is a significant one or not, and get your pet in to induce vomiting if needed. Otherwise it is best to make sure that no chocolate products are left out unattended, and encourage children to keep their stashes locked in a cupboard or in the fridge.
PHARMACY Matters
by Anthony Piggott of Piggott’s Pharmacies: Blackbutt, Branxton, Hamilton, Huntlee, Lambton and Merewether
Fibre and bowel health
The fibre in food helps keep your bowels (intestines) healthy and may protect against bowel cancer. It also helps control your weight, blood cholesterol level and blood sugar level. There are good amounts of fibre in wholegrain breads and cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. Ask a doctor, pharmacist or dietitian for advice.
What is fibre?
Fibre is found in foods that come from plants. It is also called ‘roughage’ or ‘bulk’. Dietary fibre is the part of plant foods that is not digested or absorbed in your stomach or small intestine. Dietary fibre passes unchanged into the large bowel (large intestine, colon), where bacteria break it down. The break-down of fibre may produce a lot of gas (wind) in the large bowel.
Most dietary fibres are carbohydrates. The main types of dietary fibre are soluble fibre, insoluble fibre and resistant starch.
Some foods with good amounts of soluble fibre are: fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils and oats.
• Some foods with good amounts of insoluble fibre are: wholegrain breads, cereals, the outer skins of fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, lentils, kidney beans and chickpeas.
• Some foods with good amounts of resistant starch are: slightly undercooked pasta, under ripe bananas and cooked and cooled potatoes. Resistant starch (as Hi Maize) is added to some breakfast cereals, breads and fibre supplement products.
Fibre and health
Some health benefits of a high fibre diet are:
• Fibre increases the size of faeces (bowel motions) and helps to soften them. Large, soft faeces move quickly and easily through your bowel, and are easy to pass when you empty your bowel.
• High fibre foods can help control body weight. They are often slow to eat (they need more
chewing), they are filling and they often contain less kilojoules (calories) per gram than low fibre foods.
• Soluble fibre slows the absorption of sugar into the blood stream. A high f ibre diet can help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels, and may also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Soluble fibre can help lower your blood cholesterol level.
• Fibre may reduce the risk of bowel cancer (colorectal cancer). The breakdown of soluble fibre and resistant starch in the bowel produces shortchain fatty acids, which may protect the bowel from cancer. Also, large, soft faeces moving quickly and easily through the bowel can quickly remove cancer-causing substances from the bowel.
• High fibre foods usually contain many vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.
Effects of low fibre
A diet that is low in fibre may cause or worsen some health problems such as:
• constipation • haemorrhoids (piles) • bowel cancer
• diverticular disease • irritable bowel syndrome
• being overweight • high blood cholesterol
• diabetes.
Self care
• Eat a wide variety of high fibre foods. Most adults should aim to eat at least 5 serves of vegetables, 2 serves of fruit, 4-6 serves of wholegrain or wholemeal foods, and some nuts and seeds every day. Limit foods high in fat, sugar or salt.
• Increase fibre in your diet gradually, to avoid wind, bloating and cramping.
• Eat regular meals to help your bowel activity.
• Never ignore the urge to empty your bowels.
• Drink enough water every day to satisfy your thirst and to keep your urine ‘light-coloured’ (unless a doctor advises not to). A person with a high fibre diet needs to drink plenty of fluid, to avoid constipation
• Exercise at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes on all or most days of the week. Exercise can help your bowel activity.
Fibre supplements
The best way to get fibre is to eat high fibre foods. Some people also need to use fibre supplement products. Fibre supplements may cause gas, bloating and stomach discomfort. Slowly increasing fibre will reduce these side effects. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Local Community Group Notices
HOBBIES & INTERESTS 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 14 May at 5.30pm. For more information call Angela on 0422 633 737.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
NEWCASTLE & LAKE MACQUARIE ART SOCIETY
The Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Art Society Exhibition located at Mount Hutton Shopping Centre – on until 31 May. This is an exhibition of original works by local artists and members of the Society. Paintings include mediums such as oils, watercolour, acrylic, pencil, pastel and mixed media. Come in and have a browse. This Society has been in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie for over 91 years and has major Art Exhibitions each year. For further information ring Karen on 0404 893 855.
HUNTER WOMEN OF NOTE CHORUS
Due to the Federal Election date the Hunter Women of Notes pre-competition Family & Friends Concert will now take place on Saturday 10 May, 2.30-3.30pm, at the Church of Christ, 31 Gregson Ave, Mayfield West. Everyone welcome. Bring your Mum for a special Mothers Day treat. Our chorus is off to Hobart soon for the Sweet Adelines Australian Regional Competition and we would love you to be part of our adventure! Come and enjoy a delightful afternoon as we “audience test” the songs we’ll be singing at the competition. Please RSVP for catering purposes to Louise on 0408 635 960 or email: louiseh2795@gmail.com
NOVOCASTRIAN QUILTERS GUILD
Interested in Patchworking and Quilting? Come along with your sewing and lunch to our Group Meetings and meet our members at the New Lambton Community Centre, 14 Alma Road, New Lambton. Saturday Group - 3rd Saturday of each month 9:30am – 2pm; Tuesday Group2nd & 4th Tuesdays each month 9:30am– 1:30pm; Modern Quilt Group - 3rd Tuesday evening each month 6pm – 9pm; Friday evening Group - 2nd & 4th Fridays each month 6:30pm – 9:30pm at Lakelands Community Centre. Enquiries to: PO Box 87, New Lambton NSW 2305 or email: novocastrianquilters@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook – Novocastrian Quilters Inc.
NEW LAMBTON LADIES BOWLING CLUB
We are seeking ladies to join our bowling club on our all weather greens. We play Tuesday morinigs from 10am, Saturdays from 1pm and Thursday mixed from 10am. Free coaching is available to Wests members. For more information phone Marion on 0408 433 893.
SENIORS GROUPS
NEWCASTLE MEN’S PROBUS CLUB
Newcastle Men’s Probus Club provides great social outings, regular monthly meetings, for Friendship, Fellowship and Fun in retirement. We love to welcome visitors at our meetings. 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. The meetings start at 9:30am - please arrive by 9:15am so we can meet & greet you. We would love to meet you at our next meeting on Tuesday 27 May. Contact Brian Prior on 0415 081 610 or www. newcastleprobus.org
To have a free community notice published on these pages email the details to admin@hunterlocal.com.au or post to PO Box 130, Jesmond 2299 by 15th of the month. Notices may be edited due to space limitations.
Local Classifieds...
BICYCLE
Mens pushbike, Summit GEO 66, 6 speed, excellent condition, only $100 Ph 0408 830 88
FURNITURE
Bedroom dresser $50, Brown sofa bed $200 o.n.o.,heavy duty gazebo 3m x 6m $250
o.n.o Ph 0432 174 618
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
SEWING CUTTING TABLE
Horn extending Craft Plus sewing cutting table with two side cupboards. Pick up only $250 Ph 0429 321 775
SUNSCREEN
Sun Zapper sunscreen, Australian made, free gift with every order, call Steve Ph 0419 266 222
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS
They’re free & they work! Email to admin@hunterlocal.com.au by 15th of the month.
GARDEN SHED
Aluminium garden shed measuring 3m wide x 2.5m deep x 2m high. Fair condition. Free if you dismantle & take away. Ph 0455 210 000
ANTIQUE CLOCK SERVICES
Servicing many types of antique mechanical clocks. Mantles, Grandfathers, Wall clocks. American, English, French, German. Keep your clocks alive and ticking. Call Malcolm on Ph 0466 152 028
BRAITH’S VIDEO TAPE
CONVERTING & MEDIA
DIGITISATION SERVICES
Finally back, by popular demand, & with much tinkering, to provide efficient, archival quality VHS capture at affordable prices. Setup for large collections, but happy for a single tape. Specialising in VHS video tapes, audio cassettes & an increasing number of other formats. We convert to USB, hard drives or DVDs, etc. Please enquire for more information &/or a quote. Ph 4952 2352
NOTICES
CLEANING SERVICE
Traci & Angie’s Cleaning Service. End of lease cleans, spring cleans and eco cleaning. All ironing services. Special rates for seniors and pensioners. All areas Ph 0412 877 763
COMPANION WANTED
Mature lady (prefer 60+) to be a companion one day per week to a 60+ female. Please list hobbies. $165.00/day. Email rockorchid@gmail.com
CONGRATULATIONS
To Annie Davey who has won two tickets to see ’Morning Sacrifice’ at Newcastle Theatre Company in May.
GARDENER WANTED
Looking for a gardener to weed, trim hedges, cut back in Lambton, offering $35 per hour. Ph 0429 292 124
HANDYMAN
All painting and gyprock repairs, plus most services in small renovation works. 30 years experience. Insured. Phone Jamie Ph 0423 233 727
Local Classifieds...
NOTICES
GENTLE FLOW YOGA
New beginnings! Connect & Strengthen
Join us at Gentle Flow Yoga classes, inviting weekly self care and relaxation. Prioritise finding the balance with time out for yourself to enhance your wellbeing and happiness. New Friday class available. Begin with others starting out & enjoy the benefits of a gentle yoga practice. Seniors welcome. Gift vouchers available. Inquiries and bookings: Michelle Pirie
0400 790 479
(Dip Yoga Teaching IYTA)
or standing
- 11.00
-
Bowling Club 2 Howell St, Kotara Complimentary tea & coffee Call Lorraine 0411 422 300 or Lorraine.norton88 @bigpond.com
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS
They’re free & they work! Send us yours by 15th of the month
BE PAID TO DELIVER
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.
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
FLU SEASON IS HERE!
Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious viral infection, usually prevented by vaccination and treated by managing symptoms.
Spread by body fluids from infected people, symptoms include fever, body aches, a runny nose and sore throat. Flu can affect anyone but is especially serious for babies, young children, pregnant women, people with underlying medical conditions and older people. There are many different strains and they can change every year.
Vaccination is the best protection against the flu and is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Flu vaccines are given each year to protect against the most common strains of the virus. If you’re eligible, you can get a flu vaccine for free at any Piggott’s Pharmacy near you.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE FLU VACCINATION?
The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides a free flu vaccine to the following eligible Medicare card holders:
ä People aged 65 and older
ä Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
ä Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
ä All individuals 5 years and over with medical risk factors such as severe asthma, lung or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes.
ä Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years old (not available in pharmacy)
FOR EVERYONE ELSE FLU VACCINES ARE $25, GET YOURS TODAY!
