Statement from the Chairperson of NSWALC in relation to the dissolution of the Koompahtoo Local Aboriginal Land Council:
The decision to dissolve the Koompahtoo Aboriginal Land Council is a sad day for land rights.
The decision brings closure on a very sad chapter and much work now is required to repair and deal with the aftermath, [...]

RUTHERFORD RSPCA SHELTER NEEDS YOUR HELP
The night cages at the RSPCA’s Rutherford Shelter allow for people, in dire circumstances, to surrender their animals and bring in strays. But for the past three weeks the RSPCA hasn’t been able to offer this service. Why? Because animals, blanket and water bowls keep getting stolen.
Normally, between the [...]

Thirty Hunter locals will play a starring role in the upgrade of the NSW electricity network joining another 121 bright sparks as first-year apprentices with EnergyAustralia.
This year marks 100 years since the start of EnergyAustralia’s apprenticeship program.
EnergyAustralia is the largest single employer of apprentices in NSW with more than 600 apprentices now in training.
The class [...]

Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking information from parent carers of young adults with a physical disability to assist in building a case for a purpose-built supported accommodation facility in the Lake Macquarie/Newcastle area.
Council’s Community Planner Ageing and Disability, Jill Bogaerts, said Council in conjunction with The Right Care Inc is conducting a survey to [...]

Port Stephens Council is working with the Boat Harbour community to regenerate the foreshore area after a recent spate tree poisoning, starting with a working bee on Saturday 27 March.
Speaking today Environmental Services Manager Bruce Petersen said the latest poisoning was disappointing as the Boat Harbour community volunteer group has worked hard with Council [...]

The St Vincent de Paul Society today condemned a Senate Inquiry’s findings on compulsory income management.
We receive this news with a sad heart,” said National Council Chief Executive, Dr John Falzon.
This Inquiry heard evidence from all over Australia. The evidence overwhelmingly showed that income management can be a useful tool when it is [...]

Beginning Sunday, 14 March 2010, supporters will walk the length of the Williams River, from close to the source to where it meets the sea at Nobbys Head to deliver the message:
This is the magnificent Williams Valley, one of the Hunter’s many assets, fed by the Williams River. We value these natural assets which [...]

Port Stephens and Newcastle Councils, each 50% owners of Newcastle Airport Limited (NAL), will retain the current ownership arrangement to keep the company as a community asset.
Today (9 March 2010) both councils consider recommendations to explore short to medium term options for facilitating investment from neighbouring Hunter Councils, rather than introducing a private equity partner. [...]

NSW OPPOSITION TO INTRODUCE CARERS RECOGNITION BILL
Hunter based MLC Robyn Parker says the NSW Opposition will introduce the NSW Carers Recognition Bill 2010 this week, which will recognize the contribution that carers make in the community.
Mrs Parker said the needs of carers must be considered when making decisions about the provision of services that impact [...]

Wednesday 10 March 2010 ~ The RTA advises that the planned night closure of Morpeth Bridge tomorrow night (Wednesday 10 March) has been postponed to allow time for the installation of additional equipment to support the bridge deck.
In order to carry out this work, Morpeth Bridge was to be closed to traffic for one night [...]

Saturday, 13 (&14) March 2010 ~ GREENWAY GALLERY proudly supports Morpeth’s Festival of Two Palettes.  A salon showing of selected artists Ileana Clarke, Ros Elkin, Caroline Lobsey , Linda Greedy , Pam Ireland and Gianna Fallavolitta. Only on the weekend of 13th and 14th March 2010 at 166 Swan St Morpeth 2321
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Cooks Hill galleries presents a  ‘European to Australia experience’ opening Friday March 19.
The exhibition continues until April 12 and both artists paintings are online from March 16 at  http://www.cookshill.com
James Drinkwater – Exhibition of oil paintings and mixed media drawings titled ‘Postage paid Berlin’
James and his wife Lottie now reside in Berlin, where this [...]

12 March 2010 ~ Girrakool School is holding a "hair loss" ceremony on the 12th of March inside the Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre at Mt Penang.
As you are probably aware "the world’s greatest shave" is approaching soon. We have been running a fundraiser for this with a bit of a twist. Because the [...]

Monday (& Tuesday) 8 March 2010 ~ Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Pacific Highway one kilometre north of Swansea Bridge next week.
The RTA will close one southbound lane on Monday 8 March and Tuesday 9 March to install a traffic barrier around the permanent electronic message sign.
Motorists will be able to [...]

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 ~ 6pm. RTA is working on the Morpeth Bridge to increase the bridge’s load capacity and reduce future maintenance requirements.
In order to carry out this work, Morpeth Bridge will be closed to traffic for one night to complete temporary pier support work on the Hinton side.
From 9.30am Monday 8 March [...]

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Newcastle Jodi McKay, and University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, launched the expressions of interest for a new University campus.
The $100 million project is on land given to the University by the state government: Lot 230, Honeysuckle Drive, a vacant lot next to the NIB building.
Ms McKay [...]

Friday, 5 March 2010 ~ At 12:30pm Minister for the Hunter and Member for Newcastle, Jodi McKay and University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, launch the expressions of interest for a new University campus at Lot 230, Honeysuckle Dr. Vacant lot next to the NIB building.
Ms McKay and Prof Saunders also unveil a new [...]

Friday, 5 March 2010 ~ At 9.30am Minister for Planning Tony Kelly inspects major expansion of Cessnock Correctional Centre at Northern end of correctional centre, Lindsay Street, Cessnock.

Three artistic surfers from Newcastle are teaming up next week to celebrate 25 years of Surfest with an exhibition of spectacular surf art overlooking Merewether Beach.
Novocastrian surfing legend and four-time world champion Mark Richards will be the guest of honour at the official opening of the exhibition, Surfing The Years: 25 Reasons to Celebrate Surfest [...]

Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly, announced there will be a community information session next week to get feedback on progress on the Forster Tuncurry Crown Harbour Master Plan project.
The Forster Tuncurry Crown Harbour Project will establish a long term plan for Cape Hawke Harbour and the CBD foreshore of the two towns,” Mr Kelly said.
Analysis [...]