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Local Business Chamber urges local community to support local businesses during emergency

Keep your business in town and you keep your town in business!!!!

As the Coronavirus continues to spread, Business Chamber. so. People seem like they’re in going to be drastic measures taken businesses in our local area are feeling the “It should include supporting good spirits but they’re stocking up going forward. So we’ll just go day domino effects. Business owners & the places like our butcher, chemist on those staples like pasta and by day.” said Lyn. local Business Chamber are urging people and other retail outlets &, of toilet paper and everything. We As reported in the Sydney Morning to still support local shops through this course, our local tradies,” said weren’t expecting this much of a Herald yesterday up to 150,000 pandemic. Brett rush. We are ordering, on average, Australians could die from the Branxton IGA say business is three times the normal stock but coronavirus under a worst case “I think it’s important obviously to have actually booming because of until it arrives we don’t know what scenario, the Morrison government public safety and to be aware of what’s going Coronavirus fears. we’ll have delivered. It’s usually a says, as it considers advice on on and be safe but it’s also important to “There’s definitely some panic quarter to a third of what we have restricting visits to pubs, cinemas support our local businesses during these shopping,” said Lyn Unicomb, actually ordered,” said Lyn and aged care homes. challenging times. The larger multi national proprietor of Branxton IGA. “Again it’s actually good for our Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul companies are better placed to handle “We’ve been three times as busy as business but we’re still on edge Kelly said that the number of reduced cash flow but small businesses don’t, a normal day over the last week or because you don’t know if there’s infections would range between 20 generally, have that advantage,” said Brett per cent to 60 per Wild President of the Central Hunter cent of the population. He urged the public to comply with social distancing measures such as avoiding large gatherings of 500 or more people. "This is an infectious disease," Professor Kelly said in 10 Dalwood Road, East Branxton Canberra. "The more we can do to separate people and stop the disease spreading, the better. The death rate Dr T Sasi Sasitharan is around 1 per cent.” MBBS, AMC, DCH (Syd), FRACGP Offering cosmetic/anti wrinkle therapy Opening Hours Monday - Friday 8.00 am - 5.30 pm

To make appointments please call OPEN Mon~ Sun 8am-8pm Ph. 02 4938 3366 Online appointments available through Hotdoc website Orders are now Fax 02 4938 3322 being taken for Open all over the Easter ______break ______your Easter Fish Mixed billing practice Children under 16, pension/health care/DVA card holders/Aboriginal or needs Torres Strait Islander bulk billed THE NEWS | No. 516 | Wednesday 18 Mar 2020 ͽ 2 A well-deserved thank you for everyone who protected our community this bush fire season

Cessnock City Council The 14 RFS Brigades officially recognise the NSW and Commonwealth will host an event to thank across the Cessnock LGA outstanding contribution in Government Bushfire all volunteers and worked tirelessly to protect what were horrendous Community Resilience and personnel who did our community during this weather conditions,” added Economic Recovery Funds: outstanding work to time and Cessnock City Cr Pynsent. Phase 1. protect the Cessnock Mayor, Councillor Bob The event will be held ■ Photo above: Mayor Pynsent & Local Government Area Pynsent said we need to before 30 June 2020 and RFS volunteers North Rothbury after the emergency at North (LGA) during the recent show our support and will be funded by the joint bush fires. gratitude. Rothbury 12 November 2019

Following a Mayoral “These volunteers put Minute at the most recent their own lives at risk to meeting of Council, the help others and receive decision was unanimous very little in return for that a special event should doing so. Their swift be organised to action meant fires were acknowledge the special downgraded quickly and people in our community. homes were saved.”

Our region experienced a “I saw their tremendous highly active 2019/20 fire community spirit shine season, particularly in the though first hand and I areas of North Rothbury, know how appreciative Greta, Pelaw Main, Laguna, affected community Wollombi and Bucketty, members are of their which had a significant service.” impact on the community. “This event is an opportunity for Council to THE NEWS | No. 516 | Wednesday 18 March 2020 ͽ3 Council’s free tree giveaway on again! Safety of community and staff paramount Have you built a new home during Rosemary, Bottlebrush and Gardenia. the 2019/2020 financial year? Did you If you’re interested in this wonderful know you can get up to six free plants community offer application forms are The safety of community and staff is Youth Week 2020 play. This includes not panic buying for your property from Cessnock available from Council’s Customer a priority for Cessnock City Council · A number of shows at the or removing toilet paper from City Council? Service Centre or online at in relation to COVID-19 (novel Cessnock Performing Arts community facilities for your own www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au. coronavirus). Centre consumption. We’re encouraging There are a range of plants Completed application forms must be · A number of activities and people to shop locally, rather than available from As the situation continues to change received no later than 5pm Friday 20 events at the Cessnock and leaving the area.” ground covers Council will monitor and respond to March 2020. Kurri Kurri Libraries. “Council staff will be meeting daily to like Star any potential impacts on services Any enquires regarding the application · Upcoming community drop discuss the latest developments and Jasmine provided by Council. for supply of trees and shrubs should -in sessions as part of the allow for us to respond quickly if through Council is following relevant advice be directed to Councils Vegetation and exhibition of the Draft 2020- required.” to shrubs from Federal and State Health Civic Spaces Coordinator, Lyall Green, 25 Waste and Resource For more information visit NSW including Departments. As a result of NSW on 4993 4100. Recovery Strategy Health website or the Federal Govern- Coastal Health’s announcement a number of Council’s General Manager, Lotta ment Health website. local events have been cancelled or Jackson said as a community we need For information on events visit postponed. These include: to work together. Council’s website, the Cessnock

“We must follow the advice from Performing Arts Centre website or the · The Newcastle Writers Lions ‘Lap the Map’ for NSW Health and the Federal Cessnock City Library Facebook Festival Government. We all have a role to diabetes comes to Branxton · Events planned as part of page. On the morning of 29th March 2020, the Lions Club of Branxton invite you to participate in a self-paced walk, run or jog from the Branxton Oval to Miller Park carpark and Have your say on the Draft Waste Strategy return. The aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle and improve personal awareness about diabetes, its causes and Cessnock City Council is calling on the community to ensure Council is continuing to move towards a effects. have their say on the draft 2020-25 Waste and Resource sustainable waste management system. The route is approximately 2.5 km over flat country generally on sealed paths Recovery Strategy which is on public exhibition from The vision for the strategy is to provide a sustainable and with a minimum of road crossings. Families can push a stroller, kids can ride a 11 March to 8 April 2020. cost effective waste service to the Cessnock community, bike, the fit may choose to run, everyone can participate. Registrations open and while prioritising waste minimisation and complying with Waste management is a key service provided by Council 0800 and step-off is between 0830 and 0845 from Branxton Oval; it is anticipated environmental, safety and legislative obligations. involving a major cost. The strategy has been developed the walk can be comfortably completed within 30 to 40 minutes. Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent said following community feedback and it’s extremely The entry fee is $10.00 per adult and $5.00 for primary school children, managing waste is one of our greatest challenges not only important community again have the opportunity to pre-schoolers are free or a family ticket for two adults and their children is $25.00. locally but on a global scale. provide feedback on Council’s plan to manage waste for There will be a halfway water station at Miller Park and on return to Branxton “We can all do our bit to divert waste from landfill and the future. Oval a complementary bacon & egg roll and drink will be available for all improve resource recovery and this draft Strategy is a step Council’s waste team will host a series of drop-in sessions participants. A raffle of fresh fruit and vegetables shall be conducted after the in the right direction for our community. If you have any for community members to chat about the Draft Strategy. walk and all monies raised on the day shall be donated to Lions Australia Diabetes questions, I encourage you to come along to one of the These will be held at a date to be announced. Foundation. drop-in sessions and chat to the team.” Not only has the strategy been written to reflect Come along, participate, have some fun and at the same time brush up your The draft 2020-25 Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy community feedback received in nearly 1000 community knowledge about Diabetes. Looking forward to seeing you there. We’re sure you can be viewed on Council’s website, in Council’s surveys but is also informed by a review of Council’s will enjoy a great day out participating in a wonderful local opportunity for Lions’ Customer Service Centre and in Cessnock City Libraries. Australia to benefit our community as well as raise awareness around how we waste services. This review identified a range of options to stop the spread of diabetes nationally. If you wish to find out more about this exciting event or other Branxton Lions’ Grant funding available under the Seniors Staying activities, please contact Brian Thomas on 0417 282 440. Social Grants Program

Seniors in the in one-off grants for locally driven with people they have never met Cessnock projects that promote social inclusion before and the program is one way to Electorate can look for older people. help our seniors.” forward to having Activities that are helping NSW more opportunities seniors to stay social include walking More information about the program Some unanswered questions ... to get social and groups, table tennis clubs, dancing can be obtained by visiting: If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, then doesn't it follow that electricians make new friends, groups, art classes, and walking www.facs.nsw.gov.au/inclusion/ Member for can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree with the basketball teams. seniors/seniorsstayingsocial Cessnock surgeons debarked, and dry cleaners depressed? Do Lipton Tea employees take availability of Mr Barr said "Loneliness and social Applications to the Seniors Staying Clayton Barr MP 'coffee breaks?' If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled? Why is a person who plays funding from the isolation can have adverse effects on Social Grants Program close at the piano called a pianist, but a person who drives a race car is not called a racist? Why Seniors Staying Social Grants our senior's mental health. Our 11.59pm on Sunday 19 April 2020. do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren't they just stale bread to begin with? Why Program. seniors can make new friends while To apply for funding, visit the do banks charge a fee due to insufficient funds when they already know you're broke? trying out activities for the first time SmartyGrants web page: Why, why, why do we press harder on the remote control when we know the batteries State Member for the Electorate of which can challenge their minds while https:// are getting weak? Why is it that when someone tells you that there are one billion stars in the universe Cessnock, Clayton Barr, MP, helping them stay fit and healthy." nswcommuni- you believe them, but if they tell you there is wet paint you have to touch it to check? encourages eligible organisations to “I would like to see more seniors get ties.smartygrants.com.au/ apply for funding. The Seniors out of their homes and try new SeniorsStayingSocial Staying Social Grants Program has a activities while having conversations total of $600,000 state wide available 4 ͽ| THE NEWS | No. 516 | Wednesday 18 Mar 2020 material as dangerous as radioactive waste, but we have no national plan for its disposal. It is left to the state and local councils to STEVE’S provide for this, and most councils will not have a bar of asbestos in their tips, just as they do not wish to provide storage for nuclear waste. The result is no provision has made to dump waste in local areas. There are three subjects to services to the fight and There is justifiable dread of be called out this week. pledged 2 billion dollars asbestos which drives this. The first is the hysterical plus to the relief and But the fact is, the built criticism levelled at the recovery program, among environment in Australia is federal government by the many other things. laced with asbestos and will press and the lunatic This was all good, but have to be dealt with on a Greens. It all started when again criticism was levelled continuing basis for years ScoMo took his family on at the way it was all to come. Councils must holidays to Hawaii, and the implemented. It could be provide safe dumps for this deputy Prime minister explained that the process substance, and if they don’t (whoever that was) failed to was a learning experience, have any suitable sites for make any response to or but I do not believe we this, the state government offer help to the states haven’t the expertise to will need to establish coping with widespread manage this. centralised dumps in safe bushfires in December last Unfortunately, the areas of their choice. Here year. ministers and the is the problem of the delay The press blasted ScoMo bureaucrats in charge of in the bushfire clean up: for being on hols when the this implementation did not The Federal Government things hit the fan. This was appear to have asked has assumed financial compounded when he cut around for advice. responsibility for the the holiday short and The second point is the clean-up, which will the Franklin on the Gordon historically low-interest rate every Monday evening from us cross that bridge if, and apologised for not being on clean up after the involve handling asbestos- Rivers. There is this to put long-shelved plans to when, it is needed. Anyone duty when needed. Such is devastation. By some contaminated sites all over the 20 April. mindset that it is sinful to work. What’s to lose? But arriving from another the bitterness of the lovey amazing logic, owners of the place. At the pointy end If you would like more build dams. The ANU is we could drought proof the planet would think the press, any action ScoMo destroyed properties who of this task, individual information call Anna on suggesting that the best country at last. apocalypse had arrived. then took to help the States were insured, have had property owners and local 4990 4093. place to store water is in the Cheers, Steve. Also, it was good to see and move around the their insurance companies councils are prevented from artesian basins. This would Limited places available. our federal and state stricken areas to get a grip prevented from financing being involved due to the still require dams to divert political leaders (on TV) on the situation was the rebuilding because they difficulty in identifying, water to the aquifers. We With the declaration by the deep in consultation over described as too little too cannot subcontract the handling and disposing of had a minister in the federal World Health Organisation the extremely serious late. This was called out by clean-up of sites. The asbestos waste in suitable government, only late last that the corona virus is now problems stemming from the Premier of Victoria, Mr clean-up is provided for in dump sites. Hence, only year, describe the Bradfield regarded as a pandemic it the coronavirus. But it was Andrews, who when asked the policies. certified contractors can be scheme to dam eastern has shaken all facets of our not good to see them the loaded question, “are In a comedy of errors, involved, so there is a flowing rivers on the & other society. sitting shoulder to shoulder you getting assistance from started 90 years ago, when waiting list for individual Queensland coast, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's in crowded meeting rooms, the PM?,” answered “I have the new miracle material properties. This could have divert the water through famous assertion that "the shaking hands, travelling had absolute cooperation asbestos was introduced as been avoided if councils hydroelectric plants to the only thing we have to fear is side by side, and doing all from the PM and he has a building material and and State government had with Mike Lowing inland of Central fear itself" could not be the other things they are provided everything we enthusiastically employed been given a blank cheque Queensland, as a more relevant to what we warning us not to do…. have asked for.” as cladding, roofing and to get on with it. Surely the I read with interest that “discredited idea”. This is are witnessing in response Cheers, Mike No mention was made of internal lining of houses to protocols for handling Cessnock City the very plan that should to the coronavirus. This fear the fact that fire prevention, the slow realisation of the asbestos are not beyond Toastmasters intend to hold now be implemented along is very much being driven firefighting and the dangers of the stuff in the local council and the whole eastern coast of public speaking workshops. by the media with alarmist subsequent clean-up is the 1970s. Its use as a contractors. the country. We know it There will be 6 in all & headlines and leading responsibility of the States building material stopped How long does it take to works, and we have done it they commence on Monday stories with gratuitous and Local Governments. It in 1980, but this does not locate and develop a dump? before. The money for this 20 April. statistics. must be said the various rule out its use after that. The third call is the resides in the pension Then we have governments state fire response teams When asbestos is removed collective stupidity which Their flyer said that they funds, which would attract and other institutions achieved amazing things. from a dwelling, there are has steadily developed are to be held on Monday fixed interest for the life of making all sort of As the crisis grew, the strict protocols in the within this country, since nights from 7-9pm so I the loan. Either that or the predictions about the Federal Government handling, storage and the interventions of the various state governments assume, without asking, statistical spread of the virus committed the armed disposal of it. Asbestos is Hawke government, into could borrow at a and need for shutdowns. Let Tasmania’s attempt to dam (On May 22, 1960 a great some time in history was Australia's Future Fund has now brought into the Mw 9.5 earthquake, the completely under water. Australia's Future Fund has debate, I feel completely largest earthquake ever The Maldives rely assets of over $160 billion outnumbered and so will instrumentally recorded, completely on tourism for earning over $100 billion not dive into that debate. occurred off the coast of their economy. They are since its inception & has Guardians should seriously Allan Thomas, B.Eng. southern Chile. currently constructing more averaged close to a 10% consider spending some of (Hons), PhD. This earthquake generated tourist accommodation and return over the last 10 their well-gotten gains for Lochinvar NSW 2321 a tsunami that was a airfield for their expected years. future generations of Aus- tralians by helping contain Global sea rise challenges destructive not only along tourism growth. This would Its mantra ... 'We are "The Virus' which would Firstly, I am not a scientist the coast of Chile, but also suggest that they aren’t Australia's sovereign undoubtedly strengthen the or an engineer but have a across the Pacific in worried about sea level rise wealth fund, responsible Common- business background and an Hawaii, Japan, the in the foreseeable future. for investing for the wealth's enquiring climate skeptic. Philippines and the east There is empirical evidence benefit of future long-term A lot is being said today coast Australia. that many Pacific islands generations of financial about the potential of sea I personally witnessed this are actually growing not Australians. We were position. Clouds water which means that level rises due to the con of from Stockton when a large being covered by the sea. established to strengthen Joni Mitchell certainly there must be some climate change. swell entered the harbor (Jun 3, 2010 - Climate the Commonwealth's J. Smith, started something all those additional heat now coming Research shows that seas and actually pushed one of scientists have expressed long-term financial Maitland years ago. Clouds are now from somewhere. I could are not actually rising but in the Stockton vehicular surprise at findings that position ....' NSW all the rage. As I understand not continue better than by most cases inundation is ferries up the Hunter River. many low-lying Pacific Maybe Chair Peter it, both Steve and Clr using this direct quote from caused by storm surges The next day the news read islands are growing, not Costello & the Board of Doherty in his Letter to the the internet: around the planet. This has that the Chilean earthquake sinking. ... "We've now Editor, appear to be “Warmed by CO2, the been happening since time had caused the surge in the got evidence the physical inferring that water vapour atmosphere is thus able to began. tide. foundations of (clouds) plays a much absorb more water vapour. The Sydney Island Fort In the Hunter there are two these islands will still be bigger role in global And that water vapour, in Denison’s history refutes quarries; one at Mount there in 100 years." Kench warming than does CO2 turn causes further the scare mongering sea Vincent and one half way says the growth of and therefore we should not warming – it amplifies the rise levels since they began up Mount Falk road in the the islands can keep pace be worrying so much about effects of carbon dioxide. measuring tidal movements. Wattagan Mountains. with rising sea levels). CO2. But for water vapour So anthropogenic CO2 One interesting sea level Both quarries are visited by Suppose I am just a skeptic to be playing a bigger role, serves as the chief engine rise appeared in 1960 when geology students to study and read the opposite of the doesn’t that mean that there of global warming, with Fort Denison experienced a the sedimentation and vast warmist’s is now more water vapour water vapour playing a higher level than normal array of marine fossils in Rod Doherty, Business in the atmosphere than crucial secondary role.” measurement. It was caused the quarry. Diploma BSB60201 there was before? Water Regarding the subject of by a tidal wave created by This would suggest that the University of Ballarat vapour is formed by heating sea level rise which Steve the Chilean earthquake. east coast of Australia at

THE NEWS | No. 516 | Wednesday 18 Mar 2019 ͽ 5 Lions Youth of the Year comes to Branxton and Greta

On Sunday 15th March 2020 at the Greta Workers Sports and Recreation Club, the Lions Club of Branxton hosted the Regional Final of the Lions Youth of the Year Regional Final.

The Youth of the Year Ξ The four Youth of the Year participants at the Lions Club of Branxton Regional Final held at Greta Workers program was established Club on Sunday 15th March were from left to right: Delta Hateley (Merewether High), Rose Lucas (Mount during 1964 with the View High); John McDonald (Hunter Valley Grammar School), and Keely Harris (Callaghan College). objective of developing and honing participant’s skills associated with interview technique, personal Ξ Delta Hateley (Merewether High School) was the overall winner of the Regional Final, seen here with Cl interaction, networking, Bob Pynsent, Mayor of Cessnock City Council and Brian Thomas, President of the Lions Club of Branxton. public speaking and the NAB and NAB has previously been successful and Callaghan College. “thinking on your feet.” As now entered its 23rd year of in Youth of the Year events The format of the program students leave school and sponsorship of this quest at a Club level and in a requires each entrant to enter employment or further and have been heavily Zone final. There were four participate in a forty minute education, such skills are involved in its running participants in Sunday’s interview with three judges invaluable tools in with over 350 staff being event; one from each of the to verify, clarify and to establishing career paths on involved in judging each following schools: Mount amplify the claims they positive trajectories. year. View High School, Hunter have made on their entry The Youth of the Year At the regional event level Valley Grammar School, form, to test each program is sponsored by each participant has Merewether High School candidate’s general knowledge on current affairs and permit the BUTLER, Peter John judges to assess the 2-1-1973 ~ 16-3-2003 entrant’s presentation during the interview. During the public speaking portion of the event, each candidate was called upon to provide two two-minute Ξ The winner of the Public Speaking prize was Keely Harris (Callaghan College) presented by Nicole Craft unprepared speeches on of Cessnock Toastmasters. nominated topics followed

by a five-minute prepared competition, and that was Callaghan College was Branxton can be contacted speech. The winner of the Delta Hateley from awarded the prize for through the Secretary, Alan regional final goes on to the Merewether High School. Public Speaking. Beckley, mobile: next level of the Keely Harris from The Lions Club of 0426-261948.

Today, like many other day’s, bring special thoughts of you Central Hunter Business Chamber VISION STATEMENT Of happy times we shared and things we used to do to Improve the economic opportunity for every member of the And once more it’s a reminder that life’s road is sometimes rough Because the times we shared just wasn’t long enough Branxton, Greta, North Rothbury & Huntlee New Town Community For you were someone special who we all loved so much Central Hunter Business Chamber MISSION STATEMENT Who’ll always be remembered with affection, warmth & love. to create a better everyday life for the citizens of Branxton, Greta,

Missing you heaps, North Rothbury & Huntlee New Town by working with business, Mum, Dad, Melissa & families Government and major stakeholders to inspire and implement so- lutions for improved trading environment, improved infrastructure and stronger economic growth for Branxton, Greta, North

“A journey of deepening faith” Rothbury & Huntlee New Town.

Imagine what it is like to be born blind, to not be able to see the faces of your parents or any of the beauty of creation. Imagine what it might feel like to grow up being told that the reason that you are blind, that you have a disability, is because you or your parents did something wrong, and so you deserved your lot in life. Imagine how this man felt when Jesus opens his eyes so that he may see. In our Gospel reading, Jesus sees a man born blind and rather than judging the man and his family or walking past, he uses this encounter to correct wrong thinking and show God’s compassion for his wounded children. The disciples asked Jesus whose sin it is that caused him to be born blind, his parents or his own? They ask this question because they lived in a time when a disability was thought to be a punishment of God for sin. Jesus saw suffering as part of being human rather than discipline and consequences handed down by God. He gives the man his sight. But this story is not only about Jesus giving sight to a man born blind. It is about a man who came to believe in Jesus, and it is about the man’s journey of faith. He did not open his eyes and instantly have a deep faith. The more he was questioned about how he received his sight and who it was that gave him his sight, the stringer and deeper his faith became. Initially the man said that is was ‘the man called Jesus’ [John9.11] who gave him his sight. When the Pharisees questioned him and asked what he had to say about Jesus, he referred to Jesus as ‘a prophet’ [John 9.17]. Later, when after being questioned a second time, and being found by Jesus, the man declares ‘Lord, I believe.’ [John 9.38]. Something extraordinary happened for this man. Physical sight was given to him, and in that giving, he found his faith. Neither one of these gifts should ever be taken for granted. Of the two gifts, the gift of faith is the most precious because without faith, even though we see, we can still be in the dark. This story is also about our own journey of faith and our deepening relationship with Jesus. As we share our faith stories, our faith becomes stronger and deeper. As we give a reason for the hope that we have found in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, our faith journey continues to draw us closer to the heart of God. As we continue our Lenten journey, may we see that we are moving to the Cross and Easter Day. May our faith hold us and guide us. May we always see that we are beloved children of God and may we give thanks for the gifts of sight and faith. A prayer in our time of need Loving God, we ask for your blessing for all people. May those who are sick be healed according to their needs. May those who are anxious be calmed, supported and comforted. May those who are vulnerable be protected and feel confident. May those who care for others be strengthened for their work and attentive to the needs of those in their care. May those whose responsibility it is to make decisions for others be wise and proactive in their leadership. May we all know the power of your unchanging, unconditional love in our lives and the lives of those we love. May we know You as our guide and friend, our companion on the journey of life and faith. We bring all our prayers to you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Every blessing, Reverend Nicole 6 ͽ THE NEWS | No. 516 | WEDNESDAY | 18 Mar 2020 $600,000 is available across We knew that 2020 was Street (PO Box 242), Just as extraordinary would the State as part of the Sen- going to be a significant Cessnock 2325. be the cancellation or iors Staying Social Grants. year for Singleton as we curtailing of ANZAC Day We want to provide more commemorated the You can also follow me on services. We’ve been opportunities for our seniors bicentennial of the Members say …. my Facebook page shocked by the impacts on to get out of the house and European exploration of “www.facebook.com/ our favourite sports and try new activities while hav- our area. But who could claytonbarrmp”, go to events like the Royal Easter ing great conversations with have predicted the deluge Cessnock Library TAFE. Recently, in Twitter and search Show and our Stomp event, people they have never met of events that this year Tuesday 24 March from Parliament, the Premier was @claytonbarrmp or check but disruption to our most before. Loneliness and so- will be remembered for 3-5pm Greta asked time after time to “rule out my website at solemn and sacred day would cial isolation can have ad- not just for Australia, but Rotunda, New out” the privatisation of www.claytonbarr.com.au be most disappointing. verse effects on our senior’s around the globe. England Hwy, TAFE and she would not do Cheers Clayton *********** mental health, so we are The social fabric of the Greta (in that. It will be a pleasure to take looking to encourage pro- world has been challenged conjunction with In politics, Oppositions are part in the Official Opening grams which foster inclusion in the greatest possible compost give- often accused of scaremon- of Stage 3 of Bridges Hill and encourage positive social extreme, where social and away) gering when Governments Park in Cessnock on outcomes for people over 65. cultural institutions have Thursday 26 March make their decisions. But Saturday. Etched into the side Funding could go towards literally closed down – from 3-5pm when all of the fears and of Convent Hill, the Park is a enhancing an existing pro- from arts and cultural Poppet Head park, concerns raised at the time credit to Cessnock Council gram, expanding a program festivals, to football. Kitchener (in come true, I wonder what the and its staff. Both State and to suit a wider audience or Which is why it was even conjunction with complete opposite of scare- Federal Governments have creating new programs to more pertinent that last compost give- mongering is – perhaps it is, kicked-in some cash, but the combat social isolation. weekend’s Back to away) we tried to warn the majority of the funding has Activities which are already Singleton 2020 events come from ratepayers and I helping NSW seniors stay went ahead as planned, Bob Pynsent, Mayor Cessnock Wednesday 1 April Government and save them from 9-11am at from themselves. reckon they’ll see value for social include ocean swim- showing yet again how City Council JOEL FITZGIBBON MP Kurri Kurri DON’T BUY THE BLAME money. ming clubs, walking groups, our community bands Member for Hunter table tennis clubs, dancing together through good Congratulations to Branxton Library BEING PUT ONTO CORO- *********** groups, art classes, and walk- times and challenging Lions Club for hosting the To find out more visit NAVIRUS AND THE BUDGET Thank you to all those who ing basketball teams. times. And reinforcing, Youth of the Year Regional https:// Every household has the Complacency Worse than took the opportunity to attend Social inclusion is a key yet again, just what a Final. The quality of our www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/ responsibility to go about Over-Reach my Seniors’ Forum last priority of the NSW Ageing privilege it is to have been young people is outstanding community/exhibition. their day to day activities Moving around the electorate week, and thanks to our Strategy and is part of the elected to serve our and this program fosters If you have built a new home using the money that they I encounter very different hosts, the Muswellbrook NSW Government’s key community as mayor and excellence. Well done to all during the 2019/2020 have available. Equally, reactions to, and views about, Senior Citizens Association. commitment to meet the even more so at such a of the entrants. financial year you can apply there should also be some the Coronavirus and the As always, the guest needs of our ageing popula- time in history. Congratulations to Kurri to get up to six free plants for money held aside in case of response of governments. But presenters were well received tion. We may be Kurri High School on their your property from Cessnock emergency, like the car one thing is certain, the and those who attended Applications close on 19 commemorating the annual community business City Council. All forms are breaking down, or less shifts challenges we face are seemed to benefit from their April 2020. occasion when 200 years breakfast. The breakfast due by 5pm on Friday 20 at work or a broken fridge. without precedent. expertise. I thank the Police, NSW LOWERS AGE ago, a party of about 15 provided for an opportunity March. The forms can be The current Government While it is tempting to Huan Services, Hunter Legal LIMIT FOR PHARMACY men tracked an overland to have meaningful found at Council’s website. have, for 9 years now, been conclude governments and Centre and Muswellbrook FLU JABS route between Windsor conversations about suicide, Cheers, Bob spending money like drunken business are over-reaching, Council for their Families will have more and the Hunter River particularly amongst our sailors and signing multi- the key objective is to slow involvement. access to influenza Valley, arriving at young people. The input of billion dollar contracts for down the rate of infection ************ vaccinations with the NSW Whittingham on 15 March Gus Worland from projects that may or may not transmission. If the virus The Singleton Bicentennial Government lowering the 1820. Gotcha4life and Andy Dennis be in the public interest and spreads too quickly, our celebration program was age pharmacists can adminis- But Back to Singleton from Tomorrow Man and that have no reserve of extra health system will not be able packed full and a credit to the ter flu jabs to children from 2020 is much more than Tomorrow Woman were money held back in case of a to cope. That would lead to a Singleton Bicentennial 16 years to 10 years. that. It’s a tribute to the extremely valuable for our cost blowout. large number of deaths, Commemorations Working Last year was the longest flu thousands of years of community. It is important At the same time as this particularly amongst the Group, Mayor Sue Moore season on record and in 2017 people who have lived in we continue to have these spending has occurred, the elderly. and the Council. The Back to more than 650 people in this area, and who meaningful conversations Government has also chosen There are a number of things Singleton evening was a great NSW died from flu-related nurtured the land that now with each other. At our up- to sell off public owned that make Covid-19 different success and a wonderful walk to the influenza viruses which down Memory Lane. The conditions, and now we have supports our prosperity. coming Youth Week we’ll be businesses and assets that COVID-19. It’s the spirit of certainly talking about mental used to provide reliable an- have been part of our lives. crowd included many who Covid-19 is more infectious have helped to shape While the flu vaccine won’t community that continues health. The Cessnock and Member for Cessnock nual income which has made than flu and our population Singleton including former combat COVID-19, it will today, and which is Kurri Kurri Libraries are Clayton Barr MP the state’s finances less help reduce the severity and demonstrated in the Back hosting workshops that talk capable of dealing with has not developed an Mayors Neil McNamara and spread of flu, which can to Singleton 2020 young people through simple Raising the BARR shocks and hiccups. immunity to it. Unlike the John Martin. lower a person’s immunity program of events. relaxation techniques and And all this time, the flu, we don’t yet have a ************ FOR ITS NEXT TRICK THE and make them susceptible to It was wonderful to see breathing exercises. The Government has chosen to vaccine to stem its spread. Pound-for-Pound the GOVERNMENT PLANS TO other illnesses. the people who came out focus is on learning how to ignore warnings about Covid-19 is also more likely Singleton Bulls must be the SELL TAFE By allowing pharmacists to to enjoy Singleton de-stress. The TEDX Night at changing climate and the to lead to death. best and most entertaining I have dedicated many lines administer privately Homecoming on Friday the Cessnock Performing impact on “business as usual” So, while we don’t want over fund-raisers in the Hunter. in this regular column to the purchased flu vaccines to night, as well as the Arts Centre will also see our and they have chosen to take -reach, complacency could be Last week’s lunch with Sir recent struggles of TAFE people aged 10 years and Singleton Day Out on local young people take to money out of important much worse. Peter Cosgrove was another since the introduction of the over, families now have Saturday afternoon. The the stage talking about ideas public services like bio- *********** amazing success and a credit ironically named Smart and more choice when booking- Singleton Soiree on that matter to them. Topics security, trade training If the House of to the Rugby Club. It was Skilled in 2012-2014. For in for a flu jab. Saturday was particularly that are expected to feature (TAFE), and regional Representatives and the standing room only in the the past 7 years the Senate Parliament don’t sit Club House and the The NSW Government has special, as old friends and include mental health and employment of public Government has held the invested approximately $130 new came together to Tourette Syndrome. What a servants that often keep next week it will be the first General’s presentation didn’t belief and strategy that by million in the 2019-20 Im- reflect on what we all love great opportunity to shine a communities “alive” during major disruption to disappoint. Congratulations massively increasing the cost munisation Program budget, about Singleton. spotlight on what our young times of drought. legislative proceedings since to Club President Shane of going to TAFE, for including Commonwealth The best part was that the people have to say. To find With all of this in mind, I the Second World War. The Thompson, MC Anthony example fees going from and state vaccines. festivities did not end out more about Youth Week have been warning that a circumstances are different, Partridge, and whoever it is $500 up to $18,000, that NSW Chief Health Officer there. A year-long Back to 2020 and the other great financial train wreck was on but anything less than a full behind the Club’s unique TAFE would thrive. Dr Kerry Chant said this Singleton 2020 program events planned please visit its way for the state for most sitting would be major event. beer label! Over these recent 7 years, year’s flu vaccine is expected showcased all that is www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/ of the past 6 years. I had Up to 5,000 people work in Joel Fitzgibbon is the under that Smart and Skilled to be available from special about Singleton, community/events- specifically predicted that the Parliament House on sitting Shadow Minister for model, student numbers at mid-April and she urges and what the people from ceremonies/youth-week. train would crash around days: MPs, Senators and their Agriculture and Resources TAFE have fallen by more everyone who can be vacci- our area have achieved Council is calling on the 2020, 2021 and 2022. It’s staff, Parliamentary staff and and the federal Member for than 175,000, that is more nated to do so. since the Wonnarua/ community to have their say not rocket science and just the many who are critical to Hunter. than 25% of all students, and People aged 65 and over, Wanaruah first settled, on the draft 2020-25 Waste like running a household the operation on the building. Cheers, Joel more than 5,700 staff have pregnant women, Aboriginal followed by our early and Resource Recovery budget, it is predictable that The many daily visitors to the been sacked from TAFE, people and those with high- pioneers. Strategy which is now on cut off many streams of building (including school most of those in regional groups and tourists) swell the risk medical conditions can Just how those events will public exhibition until 8 income, spend the money communities. be vaccinated for free by proceed in light of April 2020. Waste wildly and put nothing in the population significantly. With TAFE now partially GPs under the National Im- COVID-19 now remains management is a key service bank for a bad day that things One option being considered destroyed by the Smart and munisation Program. The to be seen, just as how the provided by Council will come crashing down. at the time of writing is to Skilled approach of ramping free NSW-funded vaccine is next few months will involving a major cost. The For some reason, the 4 restrict Parliamentary up fees and charges, one available to all children aged unfold around the world. strategy has been developed Government Treasurers in business to the management might think that this six months to five years. Council is closely following community NSW, since 2011, have failed of the virus and its economic approach had not been the Cheers, Michael following the advice and feedback and it is extremely to apply the household consequences. The major best approach and one might recommendations from important community again budget ruler over the $80 parties may agree to allow take some responsibility for any necessary legislative government and health have the opportunity to billion dollar NSW budget. MICHAEL JOHNSEN MP the incredible skills shortage measures through both authorities, and strongly provide feedback on Member for Upper Hunter that is hurting business and For enquiries regarding the encourages everyone in Council’s plan to manage Houses, with no more communities. But that State Government or its Members and Senators our community to take waste for the future. A State Matters would be normal person departments, or to put you in precautions such as number of drop-in sessions present than is necessary to HELPING NSW SENIORS thinking. contact with someone who maintaining personal will be held during the meet the quorum STAY SOCIAL In recent weeks, that can help, please contact my hygiene, most notably exhibition period. These are requirement, which for the Organisations in our Upper Government have now office. My office can be House of Representatives is Hunter electorate can now hand washing, and social on at the following times and suggested that TAFE might contacted by phoning 4991- distancing. locations: 30 of the 151 Members. This apply for funding for be best delivered by private 1466, by email to would be an historical programs which help keep Cheers, Sue Thursday 19 March [email protected] corporations and hence they response. our seniors social and con- from 4-6pm or call into 118 Vincent are exploring privatisation of nected with the community. Sue Moore, Mayor Singleton Council Gravel, Soils, Sands, Local Trenchers, Trades Auger & Forks

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P: 4938 1773 Phone: 0487756170 P: 4938 1773 8 ͽ THE NEWS | No. 516 | WED | 18 Mar 2020

&

What is a pandemic?

Garlic salt and pepper prawns

Go seafood fresh for your midweek dinner. Garlic salt and pepper prawns are tasty and quick to make. The WHO has declared community. recover within six days. Ingredients the Covid-19 outbreak to When is a pandemic Now the WHO has 2 tablespoons rice flour be a pandemic. But what declared? declared Covid-19 a 2 teaspoons ground dried peppercorn medley does that mean? Ultimately, the WHO gets pandemic, what will it (see notes) What is a pandemic? the final say. There is no mean for the way the 1 teaspoon sea salt Declaring a pandemic has threshold, such as a certain outbreak is treated and 600g raw peeled prawns, tails intact nothing to do with number of deaths or prepared for? 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil changes to the infections, or number of The WHO has stressed that 1 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves characteristics of a countries affected, that using the word “pandemic” 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped disease, but is instead needs to be met. For does not signal a change in 1 long red chilli, finely chopped associated with concerns example, the Sars its advice. It is still urging 1/4 cup lemon juice, plus lemon wedges to gently tossing, for 3 to 4 minutes or until just cooked through. over its geographic coronavirus, identified in countries to “detect, test, serve Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with 2 spread. According to the 2003, was not declared a treat, isolate, trace and Warm pita bread, to serve tablespoons of remaining oil and World Health pandemic by the WHO mobilise their people”. Iceberg lettuce wedges, to serve prawn mixture. Organization, a pandemic despite affecting 26 Dr Nathalie MacDermott, Method Step 3 is declared when a new countries. However, its National Institute for Step 1 Return prawns to pan. Add coriander, disease for which people spread was contained Health Research academic Combine flour, pepper and salt in a large garlic, chilli, lemon juice and remain- do not have immunity quickly, and only a handful clinical lecturer King’s snap-lock bag. Add prawns. Seal bag. ing oil. Cook, tossing gently, for 2 spreads around the world of nations were significantly College London, says: Shake to coat prawns in flour mixture. minutes or until heated through. beyond expectations. affected, including China, “The change of term does Step 2 Serve prawns with warm pita, lettuce How does the WHO Hong Kong, Taiwan, not alter anything Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large frying pan and lemon wedges decide whether to call it Singapore and Canada. practically as the world has over high heat. Cook half the prawns, a pandemic? If declaring a pandemic been advised for the last Cases that involve triggers global panic, this few weeks to prepare for a travellers who have been can defeat the purpose of potential pandemic, which infected in a foreign trying to raise awareness. has hopefully been taken country and have then Much has been written seriously by all countries. returned to their home about whether the “The use of this term country, or who have been declaration of H1N1, however highlights the infected by that traveller, colloquially known as importance of countries known as the “index “swine flu”, as a pandemic throughout the world case”, do not count in 2009, caused unnecessary working cooperatively and towards declaring a panic, overwhelming openly with one another pandemic. There needs to emergency departments and and coming together as a be a second wave of causing governments to united front in our efforts infection from person to overspend on antiviral to bring this situation under person throughout the medications. Coronavirus control.” community. symptoms are generally Once a pandemic is mild and most people declared, it becomes more likely that community spread will eventually happen, and governments and health systems need to ensure they are prepared for that. An epidemic, on the other hand, is a sudden increase in cases of an illness or disease that can be unique to one country or Last Sunday the Coalfields Classic Motorcycle club held their 19th Annual show at Tatt’s Hotel in Greta.. They had over 100 bikes on display with supporters travelling from all the Valley to attend the yearly event. They were gifted to have the sun shining and a huge array of sparkling clean motorbikes some nearly 100 years old beautifully restored. A good crowd, with many families, supported & enjoyed the event. A ‘Well Done’ to the organisers.

Peter Saunders travelled from Scone and supported the event on his restored GSX1100 Suzuki. The bike took out the Vicki, Merv & Frank, manning the club merchandise and information stand. People’s Choice award. Congratulations 10 ͽ| THE NEWS | No. 516 | Wednesday 18 Mar 2019 WITH ......

Gemma BUNNER BA/ REPORT LLB (Hons), Acc Spec (Personal Injury) & Kerri SHAW B.Comm/ LLB (Hons) Greta Museum invites you to their street library – no forms to fill in, just take a P: (02) 4046 1805 | F: (02) 4017 0646 book or two of your choice, keep it/them, OR return it/them and, if you wish, Trivago contravened a number of sections of Australian donate some of your own. Consumer Law The library is put outside if it’s not too On Monday 20 January 2020 representations, in breach of into believing that the hot or wet, or may be just inside the front the Federal Court handed the Australian Consumer Trivago website provided an door. down its decision in Law, that: impartial, objective and Australian Competition and the Trivago website transparent price comparison Available when the museum is open at Consumer Commission v would quickly and for hotel room rates which 96 High Street, Greta, between the Trivago NV [2020] FCA 16. easily identify the would enable them to historic courthouse & Greta Bakery each The Court held that travel cheapest rates quickly and easily identify comparison website Trivago available for a the cheapest available offer Saturday & Wednesday, 11am- 3pm. misled consumers about hotel room for a particular (or the exact Enquiries, call Neridah on 0427657150. cheap hotel deals on responding to a same) room at a particular Trivago’s website and in its consumer’s hotel. television advertising. search; Trivago admitted parts of the In August 2018, the the Top Position Offers ACCC’s case but disputed By Amanda Sheppeard institute have been asking For those still unsure ing suburb. Australian Consumer and were the cheapest others. Big changes are coming to for more clarity for a long about the changes, she “Overall, it shows us that Competition Commission available offers The Court received and (ACCC) instituted for an identified analysed complex computer the property industry on time,” she said. “Now they has clear advice. we like to stick to where we proceedings in the Federal hotel, or had some science expert evidence from March 23. have to be very specific “If you’re in doubt, know,” says Court against Trivago other characteris- both parties. The sweeping reforms are about disclosure of disclose,” Ms Pilkington realestate.com.au’s Chief claiming that Trivago ran tic which made The Court substantially aimed at improving the material facts.” said. Economist, Nerida television advertisements them more found for the ACCC on the professional and However, Ms Pilkington Dee Uther knows all to Conisbee. depicting its website as an attractive than any contested parts of the case educational standards of said there was still clearer well what it’s like to There’s a multitude of impartial and objective other offer for that and found that Trivago real estate agents, direction needed on the have a difficult reasons why we move out medium for price hotel; contravened a number of increasing transparency and level of investigation conversation about a and move on. It could be comparisons of booking sites the red strike through sections of Australian accountability and stream- agents and property property’s past history. time to upsize or downsize. such as Expedia, Hotels.com text on the web- Consumer Law. There will lining the licensing frame- managers will need to The managing director It could be financial, or you and Booking.com, as well as site was a be a subsequent hearing on work. undertake to uncover of Uther + Sun Property may simply want a tree the hotels’ own websites. comparison relief including penalties to One of the most important material facts that may be was leasing an change. The advertisements between prices be paid by Trivago. changes for both property relevant to a sale or lease. apartment on the north Not only are people moving represented that the Trivago offered for the The decision sends a strong buyers and tenants is the She said landlords and shore through a previous close by, but the data shows website would assist same room message to businesses to increased clarity around vendors should also have a agency, where a murder they also often moved to consumers to identify the category in the ensure that any comparison what agents and property responsibility to disclose had previously taken high development areas tools offered to consumers cheapest prices for hotel same hotel; managers must disclose information. place, and she was where buyers and renters accurately and clearly depict accommodation. However, the red text without about a property they are “If the vendor (or landlord) completely upfront with have the chance to live in a the nature of the search according to the ACCC, strike-through was selling or leasing. doesn’t tell an agent (or prospective tenants. new home in an up-and- Trivago’s website instead a comparison results that can be obtained Material facts they must property manager), how is “It was an issue for a coming suburb. prioritised advertisers who between prices through the use of the tool disclose include whether the agent to know and then few people but I did find Across the country, it were willing to pay Trivago offered for the and the benefit to consumers the highest cost per click fee. same room if they rely on such results, a they property has been disclose,” she said. a tenant who wasn’t appears that Queensland The ACCC’s case was that at category in the pertinent issue given the flooded from a “natural “I am still waiting on bothered by it,” she had the most migrators with weather event” or affected government to give me said. various times in the period 1 same hotel. increasing presence of online a total of 305,277 people comparison websites and by bush fire in the last five formal advice on this.” Ms Uther said the December 2016 to 13 Sept The ACCC also alleged that making their way to a new 2019 Trivago made Trivago misled consumers tools. Cheers, Kerrie years; has “significant The issue of disclosure industry reforms would health or safety risks”; is came into the spotlight in create more work for home. listed on the loose-fill 2004, after a family put up agents and property Increasing your By Tim McKibbin, REINSW asbestos insulation register; an $80,000 non-refundable managers. CEO has been the scene of a deposit on a home in North “There are a few things home's value Social media is now crime of murder or Ryde, unaware it was there that raise thoroughly ingrained in our manslaughter in the last where notorious murderer eyebrows but we just Homebuyers are generally lives. However, as we’ve five years; or has been used Sef Gonzales had have to do it,” she said. first drawn to external learned over the last for the production or supply butchered his family in She said her agency had appearances, bricks, tiles, decade, there are downsides of a prohibited drug or plant 2001. been following best floor coverings and paint. News to sharing all your life in the last two years. After becoming aware of practice in relation to When you decide to sell, online. The disclosure also extends the crime, the family made disclosure for a long part of the discussion you Jobseekers realised this to properties that are, or are a formal complaint and time. should have with your first, when employ- part of, a building that were allowed to rescind “For us, we’re not too agent is what you can do to ers reviewed their social contains external their $800,000 and have concerned, but there’s a increase its appeal and sale media accounts during the combustible cladding and their deposit refunded. The lot of conversations we value. hiring process. Now has been subject to a fire home sold to another buyer need to have with our Before you get the photog- landlords are tapping into safety order, a building for $720,000 a year later. clients in the weeks raphers in, ask your agent the same resources. rectification order or The law was subsequently ahead,” she said. to outline improvements, Social media can reveal a lodgement of a changed to prevent the sale starting with the lowest cost How is value determined? lot that may not be included development application for of a home without Where are we for maximum return-on- in your application. rectification. disclosing murders that investment. Your agent is By Tim McKibbin, REINSW CEO are taken into Ensuring your social media Agents will be held liable if took place in it. moving to best placed to advise you on The value of a property is consideration. With accurately represents your they fail to disclose these Ms Pilkington said she how to present your prop- subjective and potential when we move automated valuations, broader lifestyle and facts, whether or not they hoped there would be a erty to appeal to the maxi- purchasers will, for many value is determined from activities can support your intended to conceal them clearer requirement on out? mum number of buyers. reasons, place a different value algorithms designed over rental application. This will from the prospective landlords and vendors to Some simple changes might on the same property. time. As each algorithm is then correctly present you purchaser or tenant, “if they share relevant information By Emily Hutchinson include tidying your gar- The historical test is to different, each valuation to the landlord, who knew of the fact, or should with their agent or property With autumn selling dens, repainting internal consider what a willing but not differs. ultimately wants to ensure have reasonably known manager. season upon us, and walls or replacing window anxious purchaser would pay a So what is the real value of their investment is about the fact”, the new law She said the reforms millions more buyers coverings. Whatever you willing but not anxious vendor. property? It is what some- protected. states. brought with them another on realestate.com.au decide to focus on, ensure So why do we get different one is prepared to pay for While privacy laws do exist The changes have been layer of accountability, when compared to last you are working on im- valuations? it. As the old saying goes: to protect consumers, generally welcomed by the which would require more year, many Aussies will provements that offer the Firstly, valuation is an art, not "there is nothing like a what you make public can Real Estate Institute of time and paperwork, and soon be on the move, best return on investment. a science. Secondly, the good auction to ruin a be used to ascertain NSW (REINSW). the institute was still but where will they be instructions given to the valuer valuation". your suitability as a tenant. President Leanne working through the moving to? will influence their determina- Real Estate News is Pilkington said the peak requirements. Australia Post data tion of value. For example, a proudly Sweeping changes body was working hard to There will be an education reveals which suburbs bank valuation is usually more How can social ensure agents and property process for industry people are moving to sponsored by …. conservative than a market to property media affect managers were well- professionals, as well as a when they move out – Branxton & valuation. industry come informed about the changes six-month grace period, and it appears we aren’t In disputes over a property, a your rental Vineyards Real before they came into allowing them time to going far at all, with valuer may be asked for a net into effect this Estate application? effect. comply without risk of most people simply valuation after the costs of sale month “We as the real estate penalties. moving to a neighbour- 4938 3300 THE NEWS 516 WEDNESDAY 18 Mar 2020 ͽ 11

for the gender equal boardroom, role Girl Guides holds in Local Collective celebrates a gender equal government, empowering young women to International Women’s day gender equal media coverage, grow confident, self respecting gender equal workplaces, and responsible community On Sunday 8 March 2020 The guest speakers in a beautiful gender equal sports coverage, members. Hunter Valley Boutique location. more gender equality in health Many of the attendees Collective (HVBCI) hosted a It was great to see a wonderful and wealth. Gender equality remembered warmly their breakfast for members and group of over 100 people from plays an essential role for participation in Girl Guides. guests to celebrate around the Hunter come economies and communities to The HVBCI were pleased to International Women’s Day. together to celebrate this years thrive donate $1000 to the Branxton International Women's Day This year the HVBCI partnered Girl Guides from the proceeds The event was held at Peterson theme of ‘Each for Equal’. with was the Branxton District of the event. House where attendees enjoyed ‘Each for Equal’ focuses on Girl Guides. Unit Leader, Chris Guest speaker, Lyndell Fogarty, a lovely breakfast and inspiring gender equality, the race is on Bray, spoke about the important co-founder and CEO of Perform

are at our core. She talked about the importance of having a tribe, people who get you for who you are and lift you up, sharing your ups and downs with them. Lyndell talked about being courageous, stepping into the unknown and being brave as we do, building up resilience if we fall and being proud when we rise. She spoke about ‘Each for Equal’ and reflecting on the positive impact we make in the world each and every day. The HVBCI would like to thank all of for businesses who contributed to the event, the guest speakers and the attendees for making the day a success and look forward to hosting an HR inspired attendees to look International Women’s Day within, past our everyday labels of event next year. what we do and honour who we

————————Famous Quotes ——————— "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking." -Steve Jobs

"If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavour." -Eleanor Roosevelt

"If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough." -Oprah Winfrey

"If you set your goals ridiculously high and it's a failure, you will fail above everyone else's success." -James Cameron

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." -John Lennon 12 ͽ THE NEWS 449 WEDNESDAY 15 MARCH 2017 BRANXTONBRANXTON && VINEYARDSVINEYARDS REALREAL ESTATEESTATE For Sale P: 4938 3300 BRANXTON BRANXTON

Three bedroom, 2 bathroom Family home 3 good sized bedroom family home on large block just a 2 minute walk to the main street & across the road to Branxton Public School. Features include Two bathrooms, separate lounge-room, modern kitchen, dishwasher, split air-con system. All this on 970 square metre fully fenced block. INSPECTION RECOMMENDED Large modern family ASKING $399,000 $389,000 ono home This charming home is situated in NORTH ROTHBURY 14.65HA a sought after street in Branxton; STUNNING 36 ACRES BLANK CANVAS READY FOR YOUR DREAM HOME handy to schools, shops, golf club and Hunter expressway. This charming house has all the modern conveniences of today's living; good size bedrooms, of- fice, timber floors, lovely spa- cious kitchen to die for, modern bathroom and all this opens onto fantastic entertainment area which could cater for over 100 people. Extra unit at rear with own shower and toilet. Still plenty of room for the kids to play or park the van. Must inspect to see all ….

With optional potential home sites, the property has plenty of opportunity for a Asking $515,000 weekender country escape or unique rural lifestyle existence. Under a 2-hour drive from Sydney, approx. 70 min drive from the M1 interchange Wahroonga… Things You Will Love About This Escape Acreage… - Approx. 14.65 hectare (36.2 acre) rural holding with dwelling entitlement - Stunning views from elevated sites - Potential building sites - Unique lifestyle acreage - Abundant wildlife and native flora ASKING 745,000 NORTH ROTHBURY East Branxton Low Maintenance 2 Bedroom Unit Are you seeking your first home or maybe an investment. Well this is the opportunity to buy at a low price. A brick and tile two bedroom unit with a large open living area LOT 524 and large bedrooms. The property has its SOLD own private outdoor space and internal access to the garage. Updated Bathroom and Strata managed with low fees. It is currently tenanted at $260 per week. Situ- ated on a quiet street and conveniently Lots 521 & 523 Littlewood Road, located close to the Hunter Expressway Vacant blocks 4ha (10 acres) very private bush blocks. Fully Fenced & within minutes to Hunter Wine Country

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NORTH BELFORD NORTH ROTHBURY ROTHBURY Vacant Building Block Vacant

Vacant building 2559m² building block Building Vacant Land with building approved A 809 square metre lot which is relatively flat; block ~ 809m² an easy build-on. Lot 1 DP 1205549 Wonderful views from the back to the north Vacant Building Block Well over half an acre of good level overlooking Huntlee & the mountains to the Blocks Fantastic visage block. north.

ASKING $160,000 ONO ASKING $135,000 ASKING $130,000 ono

About 1.30pm on Saturday year-old woman with upon Cessnock Road, 15 February 2020, a 39- common assault. Neath. The vehicle THE NEWS| No. 516| Wednesday 18 Mar 2020 ͽ 13 year-old woman was She was issued a Future accelerated from Police walking through a Pokolbin Court Attendance Notice before travelling right into music festival with a friend and a Provisional Long Street, Cessnock and when she was allegedly Apprehended Violence continuing on travelling in verbally abused by a Order and will appear the direction of Ferguson woman she knew. before Cessnock Local Street, then travelling in a Report About 4.45pm, the same Court on Wednesday 15 Northerly direction upon woman allegedly shoulder- April 2020. Wine Country Drive, charged the 39-year-old Can you help Nulkaba towards Broke. woman when she was Anyone with information is For Sale Police are seeking returning from the bar. The information or any person urged to contact Crime BRANXTON woman fell and suffered in possession of dash cam Stoppers on 1800 333 000 bruising and soreness to her footage relating to a White or Hunter Valley Police. E: shoulder and chest. Toyota Prado which was 74180476 relates. “SUTTON GROVE” NSWPF civilian On Wednesday 19 Febru- involved in a Pursuit with employee charged ary 2020, the injured Police about 9.05am on Information can also be Something for woman attended Kurri provided by our Crime with assault – 10th March 2020, to come everyone Kurri Police Station and forward. The vehicle Stoppers online reporting

Pokolbin made an official report of bearing New South Wales page: https:// As you enter this lovely A civilian employee of the the incident. Registration plates www1.police.nsw.gov.au/ family estate you will NSW Police Force has been Following investigations, SRH66X. Information you provide see wide open spaces. 5 charged with assault officers from the Hunter The vehicle failed to stop will be treated in the following an incident at good size bedrooms, all Valley Police District for Police whilst travelling strictest of confidence. Pokolbin. arrested and charged a 27- with built-ins & main with walk-in robe & ensuite. There are multiple living areas with a large covered decking off the family area & covered BBQ area. Other features include ducted air conditioning, all gas cooking, 18 metre shed with toilet & 3-phase power, lovely gardens, water tank & dam. All this on .8HA (Approx 2 acres) Expressions of Interest BRANXTON & VINEYARDS House of the Month - February 2020 REAL ESTATE 1 Olivia Close, North Rothbury has been picked by last month's winner, as their choice as the best house from North Rothbury, Huntlee and Hanwood. Congratulations on your beautiful home! M: 0412 566 041 P: 4938 3300 This months winners gets to select next month's winner, and with all this rain everyone should be in with an excellent chance!

12 ͽ THE NEWS 449 WEDNESDAY 15 MARCH 2017 BRANXTONBRANXTON && VINEYARDSVINEYARDS REALREAL ESTATEESTATE For Sale P: 4938 3300 NORTH ROTHBURY A large family home with everything you could ask for

Features include 3 good sized bedrooms all with builtins, open plan living; sitting room, dining room, modern kitchen, separate lounge room & ensuite to main. The living area opens onto outside entertainment area deck. Large carport & large shed completes the true

picture.

ASKING $439,000

14 ͽ |THE NEWS | No. 516 | Wed 18 Mar 2020 If you would like to get Entertainment, Market Biggest Morning Tea on Hunter River Reserve lookinginvolved, much contact Stacy better at Stalls. Bookings - Marie - Monday, 25th May, 2020, is 0429 444 305. 0402015850. first on the Calendar and we Monday, 27/07/20 – AIO look forward to seeing as Day, Venue to be con- many there as possible that firmed. Consisting of can make it. It would be a BRANXTON Birthday, International good way to honour loved GRETA (Country of Study for 2020 ones suffering from, or lost -21 TBA at State Confer- to, cancer, and celebrate ence in May), Cultural and those who have managed to Agricultural/Environment win the battle. It would (Flora – Waratah, Fauna – also be a good opportunity Branxton/Greta CWA held Whale). to get together after the their secondt meeting for The Land Cookery/Product traumatic time of the 2020 on Tuesday, 10th Promotion (Pork) Day will drought and bushfires and March. be approx. late Oct. early catch up with friends and On the Agenda were the Nov. depending on when make new ones. Already following calendar events: Roslyn Shearer can get a looking forward to it. Monday, 25/05/20 - Austra- Judge for the Cake Compe- President and members lia’s Biggest Morning Tea, tition. Further information Branxton/Greta CWA. Branxton Community Hall, on this day will be advised 10.00am, $15 entry. All in later editions. monies to Cancer Research, Meanwhile, the Australia’s

Daily Thoughts …. All computers wait at the same speed. Anon The Hunter River Reserve together to help plant out "A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin." H.L. Mencken contains one of the last 200 canopy trees on the “Rain is what makes flowers grow and taxis disappear.” Anon remaining stands of intact lower slopes of the "I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you native vegetation reserve. Conditions were see all kinds of things you can't see from the centre." Kurt Vonnegut, Jr along the Lower Hunter perfect for planting with a “You cannot achieve the impossible without attempting the absurd.” Anon River, a host of native good amount of moisture in “Don't be so open minded that your brains fall out.” Anon wildlife, and direct river the soil and the light drizzle “What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?” access via historic didnt scare the group Anon sandstone steps and away. pathways. "Everyone worked well together and we enjoyed Hunter Region Landcare being part of such a Network received a grant worthwhile project" from the Communities commented Margaret, one Environment program to of the volunteers. It is very regenerate the Lower rewarding seeing the Hunter Valley Dry results of all those new Rainforest endangered trees in the ground and to ecological commu- think about the positive nity. Contractors and impact we are making for Landcare have been the future of our climate tackling a large infestation and our native wildlife. of madeira vine, balloon vine, green cestrum, lantana Landcare volunteers meet and other weeds. at the Reserve the first Last Saturday, 7th March Friday of every month to 2020, twenty members of continue weeding and the local community came maintain the plantings.

■ Photos above: Top photo ~ the volunteers after a hard days work. Middle photo ~ before & above after.

Daily Thoughts Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections. --Unknown # Match times to be confirmed closer to match days

BRANXTON CROQUET CLUB IMPROVE YOUR BODY AND MIND SATURDAY AND TUESDAY FROM Greta Museum 9a.m. Continues to open and exhibit John Rose Avenue, Branxton Army and Migrant Camp photos (turn left on New England Highway at and memorabilia, as well as coal mining, sporting and some first traffic lights in Branxton) family histories, and artefacts, All welcome. from the local area’s past. For further information on this great no-contact sport go ahead and Open each Wednesday and contact the Secretary Saturday 11am – 3pm at 96 High Street, Greta, in the former Greta Council 6574 7194 Chambers.

whether it will be his only Rebellion then went on to become advisor to on to become Australia’s best known peace. Branxton & contribution to Australian literature the President of China. economist. 9. Reginald Baker, better known after such a marathon …. I hope not. 4. Sir Hubert Wilkins the photographer and 7. John Peter Russell, engineer as Snowy, reputed to be Austra- Vineyards Real I would hope he follows in the steps explorer who was twice decorated for bravery turned painter, friend of Van Gogh, lia’s greatest all-round sportsman in the First World War and then became the Monet, Rodin and Matisse. Ignored who later became an actor and Estate of another great Australian first person to fly across the Arctic Ocean from in his lifetime, his best paintings film producer in Hollywood. P: 4938 3300 economist HC “Nugget” Coombs, America to Europe. now worth more than a million. 10. Frederick Kelly, three times who produced histories and essay 5. Ethel Richardson who after training as a 8. Gilbert Murray, scholar, play- winner of the Diamond Sculls at M: 0412 566 041 collections well into his 80s. musician in Germany adopted a male pen wright, poet, professor at the age of Henly, but who was more inter- These ‘10 remarkable Australians’ name and wrote what many consider to be the twenty three, married into the British ested in his career as a concert FREE PROPERTY MAR- left a mark on the universe, living Great Australian Novel. aristocracy and spent the second pianist and classical music com- KET APPRAISALS remarkable lives, but to be forgotten 6. Lyndhurst Giblin, international sportsman, half of his life campaigning for poser. in Australian history annals (the gold prospector, plantation manager, member of parliament and decorated soldier who went book’s subtitle is They Made Their on to become Australia’s best known The New York Times Best Sellers Mark on the World But Were economist. (15 March 2020) Forgotten). 7. John Peter Russell, engineer turned John Howard said that the book painter, friend of Van Gogh, Monet, Rodin and Combined Print & E-Book Fiction brought to life ten remarkably Matisse. Ignored in his lifetime, his best 1. New this week ~ ONE MINUTE OUT by Mark Greaney. The ninth book in the Gray Man series. Court different, highly influential, and paintings now worth more than a million. Gentry tries to stop the head of a group trafficking women and children. above all else, talented 8. Gilbert Murray, scholar, playwright, poet, 2. 5 weeks on the list ~ AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins. A bookseller flees Mexico for the United States with her son while pursued by the Australians. “Most importantly, the professor at the age of twenty three, married into the British aristocracy and spent the head of a drug cartel. book is so easy to read…because second half of his life campaigning for peace. 3. 76 weeks on the list ~ WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens. In a quiet town on the North each character is so refreshingly 9. Reginald Baker, better known as Snowy, Carolina coast in 1969, a young woman who survived alone in the marsh becomes a murder suspect. different.” reputed to be Australia’s greatest all-round 4. 54 weeks on the list ~ LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE Howard also said in his memoirs, sportsman who later became an actor and film by Celeste Ng. An artist upends a quiet town outside Cleveland. “Lazarus Rising”, that Macfarlane producer in Hollywood. 5. New this week ~ CHASING CASSANDRA by Lisa Kleypas. The sixth book in the Ravenels series. was the “stand-out economic 10. Frederick Kelly, three times winner of the Cassandra teaches a railway magnate a lesson. official” of the era, whose advice and Diamond Sculls at Henly, but who was more Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction interested in his career as a concert pianist 1. 7 weeks on the list THE MAMBA MENTALITY by Kobe Bryant. Various skills and techniques used on the sense of balance were “far superior and classical music composer. court by the late Los Angeles Lakers player. to that of anybody else who provided 2. New this week DARK TOWERS by David Enrich. The New York Times finance editor traces the history I suspect that most of the population, 1.Harry Hawker the aviator and aeroplane economic advice to us”. designer who was the first to attempt to fly and illicit dealings of Deutsche Bank. generally speaking, regard Macfarlane said that his motive for across the Atlantic Ocean. He only got half 3. 3 weeks on the list OPEN BOOK by Jessica Simpson with Kevin Carr O’Leary. The singer, actress and accountants & economists as .. writing the book was not altruistic, to way but lived to tell the story. fashion designer discloses times of success, trauma and addiction. well .. boring. rescue these people from obscurity, 2. George Finch the mountaineer from the 4. 5 weeks on the list A VERY STABLE GENIUS Early this month I was given a copy to create a memorial to their world’s flattest continent who in the 1920s by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig. The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists use firsthand accounts to chart of a recent publication by an memory. “That would be a by- climbed higher than anyone had ever climbed. patterns of behaviour within the Trump administration. 3. George Morrison the adventurer who was 5. New this week UN-TRUMPING AMERICA by Dan Pfeiffer. A former senior advisor to President Obama Australian economist which has product. My motive was less noble. I altered my views particularly on speared in New Guinea, shot in the Boxer offers suggestions for Democrats. simply believed lots of other people Rebellion then went on to become advisor to economists. would find them equally interesting.” the President of China. The book in question is by an Remarkable read & keep them 4. Sir Hubert Wilkins the photographer and ex-governor of the Reserve Bank of coming! explorer who was twice decorated for bravery Australia & it is one of the best They 10 remarkable Australians are in the First World War and then became the reads I have had this year but, saying 1.Harry Hawker the aviator and aeroplane first person to fly across the Arctic Ocean from that, the year is only young! designer who was the first to attempt to fly America to Europe. The author & retired economist is across the Atlantic Ocean. He only got half 5. Ethel Richardson who after training as a non-other than Ian MacFarlane AC, way but lived to tell the story. musician in Germany adopted a male pen 2. George Finch the mountaineer from the name and wrote what many consider to be the ex-governor of the Australian Great Australian Novel. Reserve Bank, who I am led to world’s flattest continent who in the 1920s climbed higher than anyone had ever climbed. 6. Lyndhurst Giblin, international sportsman, believe spent many years doing the 3. George Morrison the adventurer who was gold prospector, plantation manager, member research and that makes you wonder speared in New Guinea, shot in the Boxer of parliament and decorated soldier who went

ABOUT …. . of the Australian financial He was a director of Ian John Macfarlane, AC system, to central banking, Woolworths Limited (born 22 June 1946), and to the operation of between 2007 and 2015 and Australian economist, and monetary and economic ANZ Bank between 2007 Governor of the Reserve policy in both domestic and and 2016. He was also on Bank of Australia (RBA), international spheres". the International Advisory Australia's central bank, became head of the bank's Macfarlane ended his term Boards of Goldman Sachs from 1996 to 17 September Research Department in as Governor on 17 Septem- between 2007 and 2017, the 2006. He is also former 1988, Assistant Governor ber 2006 after 10 years China Banking Regulatory Chairman of the Payments (Economic) in 1990, Deputy presiding over Australia's Commission between 2011 System Board of the Governor in 1992 and economic expansion. He and 2014 and has been a Reserve Bank and Chairman Governor in 1996. was replaced by Glenn director of the Lowy of the Council of Financial Macfarlane has been Stevens. The Treasurer at Institute for International Regulators. awarded honorary that time, Peter Costello, Policy since 2004. Macfarlane was educated at doctorates from five said of Macfarlane: "Ian In his Boyer Lectures. in Monash University, Australian universities: a Macfarlane has been an 2006 and in an interview Melbourne, from which he DSc from the University of exceptionally successful with The Diplomat in 2008 received the Bachelor of Sydney, a DLitt from governor of the Reserve Macfarlane spoke about the Economics degree with Macquarie University, a Bank ... And when history of changes he has observed in honours in 1968, and the DCom from the University the last 10 years is written, it the financial sector during Master of Economics degree of Melbourne, a LLD from will show as one of, if not his long career. He believes in 1971. He tutored in Monash and a DSc from the the greatest periods of that increasingly the economics there before University of New South economic management in financial sector itself has joining the RBA in 1970. Wales. He was elected a Australian history." Prime become the source of From 1971–72 he worked at Fellow of the Academy of Minister John Howard wrote economic shocks, rather the Institute of Economics the Social Sciences in in his autobiography than reacting to real and Statistics at the Univer- Australia in 1998. "Macfarlane was the economic shocks such as sity of Oxford. Following In January 2004 Macfarlane stand-out economic official increases in oil prices. this, he then moved to the was awarded Australia's in the lifetime of my govern- Macfarlane has also noted Organisation for Economic highest honour, Companion ment. His advice and sense that recent trends in credit Co-operation and in the General Division of of balance was far superior markets can be seen as a Development in Paris, where the Order of Australia (AC). to that of anybody else who result of global imbalances he served until 1978, before He was honoured "for provided economic advice to primarily originating in returning to the RBA. He service to the stabilisation us". Asia. 17 ͽ | THE NEWS | No. 516 | WEDNESDAY 18 Mar 2020

What’s on & More ….

COMING EVENTS….

Detailed Cattle report for Gunnedah Tocal Field Days Last reported 10th March 2020 Whilst not the record, the numbers were very low. Feed pressure gone and spray rigs and tractors starting being the most likely cause for the reduction. Most of the regular buyers were in attendance, however not all were successful in securing stock. The quality and condition was fair to good with a high percentage of well finished stock available. The ever increasing demand for cattle of all types resulted in dearer trends through all young cattle. The low numbers being a factor in price change. There were some strong gains in both vealer and yearlings. A single pen of well Visit Hunter Local Land Services in the Land, Plants and Environment section to finished heavy grown steers went to a feedlot at greatly improved prices. The limited supply of cows sold to dearer ask your questions, meet our team, enjoy demonstrations and get the information trends with processors and feedlotters competing. A plainer quality penning of bulls experienced strong gains. you need about land management, pest control, animal health, agricultural Detailed Cattle report for HRLX Singleton production and more! Last reported 11th March 2020 We can help you with: Numbers lifted, with the majority fair to good cattle, however there were some very plain pens spread throughout the market. The majority were younger cattle, with approximately 54 cows in the penning. The usual buying orders  Managing and caring for livestock competed, with the market trend firm to dearer. The over 200kg vealer steers to the restockers gained 13c, with breed  Identifying and managing weeds and pest animals and quality contributing in places, as prices made from 394c to 518c/kg. The vealer heifers also to the restockers  Managing valuable native vegetation and waterways improved 16c and received from 380c to 436c/kg. Yearling steers to the lot feeders and restocker orders lifted 15c, as the better end throughout all the weight ranges sold from 298c to 470c/kg. The yearling heifers also to the restockers  Preparing your property for flood or fire and feeder orders sold close to firm, with the medium and heavy weights making from 366c to 400c, as the lighter end  Improving soil health, pasture and grazing reached 412c/kg. The higher yielding and prime conditioned younger cattle suitable for the butchers reached 424c to Our team will be conducting short talks and demonstrations on Saturday and be 5c/kg dearer, week-on-week. The heavy weight grown steers to the processors made from 312c to 386c, as the Sunday: older heifers topped at 326c/kg. Cows trended 5c to 15c dearer, as the plainer drafts to the processors and restocker 10am Cane toad identification and handling orders made from 240c to 308c, while the better covered heavy weights received from 290c to 322c/kg. The best 11am Basic soil testing heavy weight bull reached 310c/kg. 12pm Livestock health and diseases Detailed Cattle report for Scone 1pm Cane toad identification and handling Last reported 10th March 2020 2pm Basic soil testing Numbers eased and the quality in the penning remained fair to good. The majority were younger cattle, with good 3pm Livestock health and diseases percentages in prime condition and suitable for the butcher orders. Approximately 17 cows were penned. The usual When 1 May 2020 9:00 am - 3 May 2020 4:00 pm buyers, along with online computer buyers were active in the competition. The light and medium weight vealer steers Where Tocal Agricultural College, Tocal to restockers gained 50c, and sold from 414c to 490c/kg. The vealer heifers also to restockers lifted in price by 18c to 20c, and sold from 390c to 484c/kg. Yearling steers trended to be 15c to 20c dearer, with the medium weights to the 2020 Hunter Livestock Forum lot feeder orders making from 390c to 422c, as the light weights to the restockers reached 448c/kg. The yearling How can you make the right decisions for your People, Business and Land? heifers were mainly purchased by the butcher orders. The prime conditioned young cattle to the butchers carried Agriculture is changing, challenging and complex so being confident to make the plenty of weight this week and prices lifted 15c, with the best reaching 406c/kg. Grown steers to feed and restocking right decisions at the right time is important. orders sold from 322c to 408c, as a single bullock to the processors made to 336c/kg. Cows sold at similar prices, The 2020 Hunter Livestock Forum will explore on-farm decision making week-on-week, with the medium weight D2 pens making to 280c, while the better covered heavy weights made from considering the people, land and business elements. 267 to 284c/kg. It will provide Hunter Livestock producers the strategies and tools for improved Detailed Cattle report for Scone Decision making in a changing world - being able to make the right decisions is Last reported 10th March 2020 critical. Numbers eased and the quality in the penning remained fair to good. The majority were younger cattle, with good It doesn’t matter what we grow or how we grow it we still need to make decisions percentages in prime condition and suitable for the butcher orders. Approximately 17 cows were penned. The usual for a sustainable enterprise and industry. buyers, along with online computer buyers were active in the competition. The light and medium weight vealer steers Hunter Local Land Services to restockers gained 50c, and sold from 414c to 490c/kg. The vealer heifers also to restockers lifted in price by 18c to For more information please contact Hunter Local Land Services on 1300 795 299. 20c, and sold from 390c to 484c/kg. Yearling steers trended to be 15c to 20c dearer, with the medium weights to the When 26 Jun 2020 9:00 am - 26 Jul 2020 3:00 pm lot feeder orders making from 390c to 422c, as the light weights to the restockers reached 448c/kg. The yearling Where NEX - NEWCASTLE EXHIBITION& CONVENTION CENTRE heifers were mainly purchased by the butcher orders. The prime conditioned young cattle to the butchers carried Newcastle plenty of weight this week and prices lifted 15c, with the best reaching 406c/kg. Grown steers to feed and restocking orders sold from 322c to 408c, as a single bullock to the processors made to 336c/kg. Cows sold at similar prices, week-on-week, with the medium weight D2 pens making to 280c, while the better covered heavy weights made from Racing Review & News 267 to 284c/kg.

the number of moving no doubt will be a Aussie racing must realise its wagering agencies of up to coronavirus surge on racing for the wagering industry Coronavirus pieces in racing - that priority. business will be greatly 70 percent of their business. in Australia – and also how for many months and someone in the industry has But will that be enough? affected by the health Tripp, the founder of it could potentially impact operators would probably Comment: already been in contact It looks like it has worked catastrophe sweeping the betting companies such as the wagering providers. have to look at new with someone who has the well enough in Hong world. Sportsbet and BetEasy, is “What about if one of the products. Where will coronavirus and they too Kong where ghost That could be on a currently a director of the top jockeys comes down “Wagering businesses have have been infected. meetings have been held micro-scale (will media Melbourne Storm NRL club with it, or someone to stay close to this – they racing end As Richard Freedman in recent times - although broadcasters even be allowed and will take over as manning the jockeys rooms have got to be prepared, tweeted on Friday morning, wagering turnover is to interview participants, chairman of the Storm in becomes infected or and they have got to be up? racing stables could yet be down 15 percent. surely next week's Golden May. another participant who is prepared to market new Slipper barrier draw function He is receiving daily at the track, then racing things as some of the By Ben Dorries significantly impacted by Hong Kong seems to coronavirus. have done a remarkable will have to be cancelled?) or coronavirus updates in his would surely have to shut products they bet on may Racenet.com.au a macro-scale (is racing itself rugby league role as sports down,” Tripp told Racenet. not be able to operate,” Many other Australian job in keeping down the We would be businesses are already coronavirus cases and and the wagering around the world try to deal “Racing is core to BetEasy Tripp said. extremely naive to think ordering their employees to people are starting to businesses it supports under with the global pandemic. and to all the wagering If racing continues to go someone in the vast work from home. head back to work. threat?). On Friday morning, businesses in Australia and ahead - but with fans Australian racing industry Yet stable staff and the vast But the vast geography of But whatever way you look at officials took the drastic if an outbreak (in racing) banned - there are some hasn't been exposed to majority of people who Australia - this wide it racing and all major crowd step to cancel the Austra- does occur and racing does suggestions it could coronavirus. work in racing cannot do brown land - must make it and participant sports in lian Grand Prix in shut down then what do actually increase wagering Whether it be a jockey, that. harder for racing and Australia have massive Melbourne as coronavirus they do? turnover. strapper, steward, farrier, If you are a trainer, you other sports to stay on top challenges to manage in the concerns took hold. “About 70 percent of the On-track turnover these track rider, administrator or can't train 100 horses in of the coronavirus issue. short-term at least. And Australian cricket said business of wagering days is minimal and if more even media employee. your backyard. Online wagering pioneer And if you look into the fans would be banned from operators in Australia is on people are isolated at home The virus doesn't The same goes for Matt Tripp (see below) is crystal ball, it's hard to see it upcoming matches – in- racing – and 50 percent of and with little do to, betting discriminate, although it numerous other segments no dummy - he's one of not having a bigger cluding three one-day that is on thoroughbreds. on races (even if they are seems the highest risk of of the industry. the smartest people I've impact on racing than the EI internationals against New “It would potentially mean ghost meetings) could contracting it is if you have So what does Australian ever met. crisis in 2007 which dragged Zealand in Sydney and in that at least 50 percent of actually become more been in contact with some- racing do? Tripp worries there is a racing to its knees. Hobart. the business would be popular. one who has been overseas. It seems only appropriate chance racing in Australia Racing must hope for the best Many racing jurisdictions gone, probably for a few Dubai World Cup night on Although Australian racing that, first and foremost, could actually be shut but plan for the worst. around the world are now months.” March 29 will now be held has been besieged by state Australian racing is run down entirely at some Matt Tripps’ comments running ghost meetings – Tripp estimated than 20 behind closed doors, due to squabbles, it is basically a behind closed doors like it point in the future. Online wagering pioneer Matt with fans banned – and the percent of the sportsbooks the fears surrounding sport without borders is in many jurisdictions Whether that eventuates, Tripp fears there may be little rapidly evolving situation of wagering agencies were coronavirus, while all race because horse travel and overseas. who knows? option but to shut down rac- could see that happen wiped out when the NBA meetings in Ireland will be human travel in racing, both There obviously must be But the landscape is ing entirely at some point as sooner rather than later in suspended its season this run behind closed doors for domestically and interna- testing procedures for those changing so rapidly, one coronavirus concerns escalate Australia. week. the rest of the month. tionally is extensive. participants who are wonders where it will all – in a move which could Tripp worries about the He forecast the coronavirus The chances are high - with allowed on course and that end up. potentially strip Australian potential impact of the would be a major challenge Matt Tripp

The Invisible Man Trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist, Coronavirus scammers are seeking to profit off the deadly Cecilia Kass (Moss) escapes in the dead of night and disappears into hiding, aided by her sister (Harriet Dyer, NBC's The InBetween), their childhood friend (Aldis virus Hodge, Straight Outta Compton) and his teenage daughter (Storm Reid, HBO's Euphoria). But when Cecilia's abusive ex (Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Netflix's The By Ken Dilanian and Haunting of Hill House) commits suicide and leaves her a generous portion of his Emmanuelle Saliba vast fortune, Cecilia suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of eerie coincidences

Some scammers have turns lethal, threatening the lives of those she loves, Cecilia's sanity begins to impersonated the World unravel as she desperately tries to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody Health Organization and can see. the CDC, while others have masqueraded as REVIEW: 'Invisible Man' offers more health authorities in other countries. than just a retread of familiar horror The new coronavirus has tropes By Amanda Greever been a bonanza for scammers and spies, who are exploiting the global Blumhouse Productions thirst for information about films can be a bit hit or the outbreak to make miss. The production money and steal studio has released main- information, government stream hits like “Get Out,” officials and cybersecurity “Paranormal Activity” and experts say. “The Purge,” but it’s also Criminal hackers, produced films like last scammers and even month’s “Fantasy Island.” governments have been Like I said, it’s hit or miss. sending fake coronavirus- “The Invisible Man” is a themed emails designed to modern take on a classic trick people into opening story. The original tale by attachments that download H.G. Wells is the story of a malicious software, scientist who creates a allowing access to their serum that makes him data, experts told NBC invisible. The character frustrating things for me to but at times, you have to News. Some messages have also became one of the watch in a film. Cecilia’s wonder if Cecilia is the cat impersonated the World safety information." Sophos. scrupulous individuals to let classic monsters family and friends are eyeing her prey. Health Organization and the A newer and lesser- Cybercriminals "recognize their guard down and fall popularized by Universal doubting her sanity. The film offers classic Centers for Disease Control known scam has recently that when there is a crisis, victim" to scams, the Studios. The Blumhouse Granted, it makes sense, jump scares and chilling and Prevention, while been uncovered by people are hungry for statement added. production — directed by but there’s something scenes. It also has an others have masqueraded as Sophos: emails information — they are The scams go well beyond Leigh Whannell — creates incredibly heartbreaking incredibly shocking scene communications from purporting to be from looking for whatever is the U.S. The security firm a monster of its own, one about watching people you that made everybody in the health authorities in other CDC doctors and U.N. new," said Shawn Henry, Fortinet found an email possibly even more trust and love turn their audience gasp when it countries, including officials that encourage who once headed the FBI's written in Italian, posing as a terrifying. backs on you. But, it’s happened. I cannot tell you Ukraine, Vietnam and Italy. users to download cyber division and now message from an Italian Elisabeth Moss stars as another one of Adrian’s what it is, but you’ll know The FBI is tracking malicious files. works for a security firm, health agency, that induced Cecilia, a woman who's games. She’s lived when you see it. so-called phishing Get breaking news and CrowdStrike. users to click on an been abused and controlled through them, and she While we’re talking about campaigns that seek to use insider analysis on the "When people are hungry attachment that looked like a by her partner for years. knows how to deal. the atmosphere and overall people's interest in the rapidly changing world of for information, they are Microsoft Office document. Adrian (Oliver Jackson- Honestly, watching Cecilia mood of this movie, it has coronavirus to get them to media and technology vulnerable, because they've In fact, the user was Cohen) is a fiber-optics go to battle is fantastic. a number of flourishes, click on links that right to your inbox. got their guard down." downloading Trickbot genius and successful You feel for her because such as camera angles that encourage them to reveal "A must read," says one CrowdStrike and other malware. entrepreneur. He’s also a the people she loves thinks make it appear it’s from sensitive login information, bogus email purported to leading cybersecurity firms Other hackers are sending narcissist who controls she’s a raving lunatic and someone’s point of view, a top FBI official said. be from a CDC doctor, say the coronavirus has emails with what purports to every aspect of his life, her life is hell, but possibly the bad guy. It "One of the things that's which the company become the top new theme be a secret cure for the including the people in it watching her put on her creates not only a sense of most concerning to us are showed to NBC News. in schemes that use social coronavirus. When recipients and even his dog, Zeus, proverbial armour is kind tension and verisimilitude, phishing scams with a "Find in the attached engineering to induce click on the link, they are through force. When of awesome. Cecilia is a but a certain guilty coronavirus theme," said everything you need to recipients to open asked to enter their Cecilia manages to break victim, but she’s also a pleasure akin to Herb Stapleton, a section know about the spreading attachments or click on credentials, according to the away, Adrian fakes his woman who’s being voyeurism. It makes a lot chief in the FBI's cyber and management of the links that then open their security firm Proofpoint, suicide and leaves her $5 abused, hurt and of moments richer. criminal section. "This is a deadly Wuhan computer files to attackers. which also found fake WHO million. controlled by a man. When All of these things would vector or an approach that Coronavirus…" "This is dominating emails. Cecilia is staying with an Adrian begins threatening not mean a lot if the central we didn't see three months If a person clicks on one cybersecurity right now," Authorities in the U.K. are old friend — and cop — the people she loves, she performance was weak. ago and now is suddenly of the attachments said Jim Yacone, a former also warning about James (Aldis Hodge) and goes full Wonder Woman, And, I’m here to tell you successful." promising guidance on senior FBI official now at coronavirus-related email his daughter, Sydney She-Hulk and Xena that Elisabeth Moss kills it Sophos, a global security how to "help prevent the the SANS Institute, a scams. (Storm Reid). She’s got a Warrior Princess all rolled in the lead role. She shows company, provided NBC coronavirus," malware cybersecurity research and The FBI, the Secret Service very small circle of friends into one. Maybe a bit of a number of sides, as she News with examples of the will be downloaded onto education organization. and security firms urge and supporters. Basically, Dana Scully, too, as she deteriorates and grows phishing scams, including the unsuspecting user's It's not just criminals — spy people to: it’s James, Syd and her goes to Adrian’s home to possibly into something sister, Emily (Harriet find tangible proof that stronger. She exhibits one offering information device. One malware agencies appear to be using  Avoid opening Dyer), who also serves as she’s not crazy. agency and learns how to purported to be from the package, called the technique, as well, attachments and clicking on her lawyer. The news of “The Invisible Man” is a make strides to take back World Health Organization. "Trickbot," typically tries experts say. links within emails from to steal banking Security firm FireEye Adrian’s death offers a story we all know. But, her life. A fake email has the logo senders you don't recognize. of the World Health credentials, and the other, documented a China-based taste of freedom, but it’s Whannell’s film offers a Bottom line: “The Invisible Organization on it.Sophos named "Fareit," which effort to extract information  Always independently short-lived when she fresh take on the classic Man” is a deceptive film. It Ltd. can log a person's key- from Vietnamese verify that any requested begins being tormented by tale of an invisible mon- appears to be your standard The coronavirus phishing strokes, typically tries to government officials, as information originates from someone who’s not there. ster. Gaslighting isn’t a thriller, but it becomes scam, which has been steal any and all login well as multiple campaigns a legitimate source. Cecilia isn’t stupid. She new story device, and something bigger, some- around since early credentials. targeting Ukrainian  Refuse to supply login knows what Adrian is neither is a woman thing stronger, at a certain February, has targeted users "In volume, the malicious officials. credentials or financial data capable of, and she escaping from an abusive point. I’d recommend around the world. Police ones are a fraction of the The U.S. Secret Service in response to an email. suspects him of being relationship. But, in this seeing what that is for departments from Australia total number of things said in a statement warning Visit websites by inputting invisible from the very get- story, we worry about yourselves. to the U.K. have issued trying to take advantage the public: "Coronavirus is their domains manually. go. Unfortunately, trying to Cecilia, but we also never Amanda Greever is a warnings to be on the of the coronavirus, but a prime opportunity for "Making the public aware of tell folks you see invisible doubt that she’s going to former editor, designer and lookout for it. obviously they are the enterprising criminals how to protect themselves is people never goes well, beat the bad guy. For writer at The Daily Times. The WHO also issued its ones we worry about the because it plays on one of a really important step in and even those who love every one of Adrian’s She now works in public own guidance making it most because they are the the basic human conditions stopping this type of her doubt her. Gaslighting calculated moves, she has relations. clear that it would never ones that cause harm," … fear." activity," Stapleton said. is a very old trope, and it’s one of her own. It’s a "ask you to login to view said Chester Wisniewski, "Fear can cause normally also one of the most game of cat-and-mouse, a research scientist with Behind the stimulus: THE NEWS | No.516 | WEDNESDAY 18 Mar 2020 ͽ 19 You can e-mail, fax or simply drop your WD or  NSWD into our office:- 12 Clift Street, Branxton or Frydenberg's two weeks of NOT SO Fax: 4938 3301 or madness and E-mail: [email protected] All contributions welcome By Rob Harris Goodness me; the measures of slander towards those who care for our planet and our children/grandchildren, (Please don't trash your home!). Why do climate deniers resort to name-calling and slander when challenged. I suggest that there rhetoric is so fragile they actually believe it; how sad! The only degree required is a degree of common sense. Last Thursday I had a wonder around Bridges Hill Park & Recreation Area in Cessnock. If you don’t know it it is just up the hill from Cessnock Catholic Church. What took my interest was the new sandstone I saw leading up to the area but when I got to the actual park I was astounded by the sheer volume of sandstone that adorns the park; there is more sandstone there than in Gosford! It should be named Darkinjung (aboriginal for sandstone) Park. I did some further research when I got back home & not really to my surprise on the CCC website under ‘Community facilities & Capital Works Program 2019/2020 I saw $2,049,019 for upgrade to the park playground & a further $200,000 for toilet block. I live in North Rothbury and our park is a community play & meeting area, much used. The local tidy town have been wanting an electric BBQ (there must be ½ dozen BBQ’s there!), an irrigation system & an extension of the shelter for storage; probably $50,000 but to no avail; totally unequitable! ‘Darkinjung’ Park Classified’s Classified’s Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Cost:- For one-off domestic advertising The News will not charge you. Otherwise it is $2/line. Computer Tuition: From basics to highly skilled & learn all Josh Frydenberg has the sniffles (he insists it's not "targeted, modest and scalable" stimulus about ebay. P: 0429 381 908 repairs. Comtronics P: 4991 1128 Share Accommodation: East Branxton $180 + share "the" virus) and is getting through his most package. Drum lessons: Young Musician studying Bachelor of Music utilities cost P: 0407 383 026 important day since becoming Treasurer on three Frydenberg and Treasury secretary Steven will conduct lessons (drum) your home or mine. ($25.00 at Seamstress: Sewing & mending P; Brune 0413 351 057 hours' sleep. Kennedy - who has served both sides of politics mine $30 for away for ½ hour). Beginners welcome. call Wanted: all kinds of Honda mini bikes qa50 z50a z50j1 "I need some sugar," he says in the general direction with distinction - put their heads together. Josh on 0458 611 362 z50jz ct70 st70 & atc70. Contact Drew 0435814841 of one of his hard-working aides. "Can I have a cup Kennedy, as economics adviser in the offices of For Rent: Branxton RSL Hall, air conditioned. Short or long Wanted: Clean Fill Required North Branxton area. No of tea with some sugar?" Labor prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia term. P: 0429 438 460 builders rubble or materials P: 0413161296 Fred It's Thursday and it's been four hours since the $17.6 Gillard, was a significant player in Australia’s For Sale: 2 ton chainblock $100, Hardwood Timber beam 4800 Work Wanted: Need a house cleaner $25/hr P: 0488 588 x 290 x 75, $50. 2470 x 140 x 100, $20, Humes prime coat 333 billion stimulus plan he's been working on, day and fiscal stimulus response to the 2008 global solid exterior door, 2040 x 820 x 35, New $120, sell $50, Work Wanted: Need an extra hand? I do all maintenance, night for the past two weeks, to help protect the financial crisis. 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Brand new batteries just installed as it has P: 4998 1583 or Trevor on 0429 320 787 for quotes. been unused. or a long time. Always kept inside. Comes with Work Wanted: experienced baby sitter looking for work. item in the the canopy and shopping bag. 2200 ONO (value $4500) Inspection Very reliable P: 0458 606 804 budget for a package by arrangement. Please call Cherie on 0458721077 Work Wanted: Lawn & Garden Maintenance, P: 4938 3153 global to really For Sale: Aviary bred Rainbow & Scaly Lorikeets. $20ea or Work Wanted: Piano teacher available to give lessons pandemic, get the $45ea with new cage P: 0421 102 711 P: Phil Aughey on 0447 381 989 "Frydenberg money For Sale: Alpacas Ph 0400697148 Work Wanted: Contract stock work with horses & dogs. says. flowing early," Frydenberg says. "It's a watching For Sale: Free range eggs. $4/doz Greta 0412 976 809 Design & building wooden stock yards ~ rural fencing US President Donald Trump has not long announced brief and obviously we are not ruling out any Riding Lessons: agistment, horses trained. 0407 453 494 P Shaun: 0416 226 538 a ban on people travelling from Europe to America further programs should it be required." for the next 30 days. The ASX200, which was Frydenberg, as a member of the national The “For your Diary” section already down by 2.1 per cent, has gone into free-fall security committee of cabinet, has had a voice of The News is a FREE on the news and ends the day down $130 billion. It in every major decision during the past was the largest one-day drop since the global fortnight. community service. financial crisis, eclipsing the 7.3 per cent drop on Backbenchers speculate in hushed Monday. conversations that Frydenberg was among the Frydenberg, who has been up since before the sun most reluctant of the power leadership group to and has hit the airwaves ahead of a major press enforce a travel ban from mainland China to SAT 25 APL 2020 — ANZAC Day conference, is wired to his phone, with one ear on Australia. FRI 20 MAR – Branxton Public School Primary Cross Country SUN 10 MAY 2020 — Mothers day the TV news channels for updates. A treasurer is usually the hold-out on SAT 21 MAR – Branxton Public School P&C Trivia Night at TUE 12 MAY 2020 — Branxton/Greta CWA Mthly Mtg – Old "It's a big challenge," he says. "But we are up to it." protecting a budget surplus and he knows Branxton Golf Club 7pm St. Brigids Staff Room, Station St., Branxton, 9.30am,TUE A little over a fortnight earlier, Frydenberg was on a Chinese students and tourists added $16 billion WED 25 MAR – Branxton Public School K-2 Cross Country 9 JUN 2020 — Branxton/Greta CWA Mthly Mtg – Old St. plane from Melbourne to Riyadh, as Saudi Arabia to the economy last year. Fun Run Brigids Staff Room, Station St., Branxton, 9.30am, hosted its first G20 Finance Ministers’ summit. It When asked, Frydenberg won't take the bait, FRI 27 MAR – Branxton Public School Performance Assembly Morning Tea following. Visitors and New Members welcome. was the last week in February and the International saying only they were "very tough decisions" 9:20am Contact Marie Shearer 0402015850 for any information FRI 3 APL – Branxton Public School PBL Assembly and Re- 14 JUL 2020 — Branxton/Greta CWA Mthly Mtg – Old St. Monetary Fund was tipping GDP growth would be but "based on the best advice". Brigids Staff Room, Station St., Branxton, 9.30am, Morning revised down by 0.1 percentage points, from the "The PM was very decisive on that," he says. ward Day WED 8 APL – Branxton Public School Easter Hat Parade Tea following. Visitors and New Members welcome. Contact current projected 3.3 per cent to 3.2 per cent for "With hindsight they look to be the right TUES 14 APR — Branxton/Greta CWA Mthly Mtg – Old St. Marie Shearer 0402015850 for any information. 2020. decisions. Absolutely the right decision." Brigids Staff Room, Station St., Branxton, 9.30am, Morning SUN 6 SEPT 2020 — Fathers day But when Singapore's Second Minister for Finance, Frydenberg says although his budget surplus is Tea following. Visitors and New Members welcome. Contact TUE 8 SEPT 2020 — Branxton/Greta CWA Mthly Mtg – Old Lawrence Wong, tells the meeting the wealthy city- gone, he believes the economy will "bounce Marie Shearer 0402015850 for any information. St. Brigids Staff Room, Station St., Branxton, 9.30am, state, one of the countries outside China hit hardest back" stronger than ever on the other side. MON 20 APL 2020 — Public Speaking Workshop. Conducted Morning Tea following. Visitors and New Members welcome. by the virus, is headed towards its biggest budget He says should the stimulus efforts need to be by Cessnock Toastmasters. 6 week course each Monday night Contact Marie Shearer 0402015850 for any information. at 7pm. Details: Contact Anna 49904093 MON 5 OCT 2020 — Labour Day Public Holiday deficit in 15 years and potentially a recession, extended or increased in May's budget, he TUES 13 OCT 2020— Branxton Greta CWA Mthly Mtg – Old Frydenberg takes note. won't hesitate. He will be guided by data from St. Brigids Staff Room, Station St., Branxton, 9.30am, "It was really starting to come home in that the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the banks 4 Apl 2020 Morning Tea following. Visitors and New Members welcome. meeting," he says. "But again there was uncertainty. and the Australian Taxation Office in the A Lot with a Contact Marie Shearer 0402015850 for any information. It was about then things really went bad in Italy and coming weeks. Little things have changed daily since." "This is an event like we haven't seen before," Newcastle Four days later and with the knowledge of what the he says. "And it is the first major global crisis Writers Upcoming Concerts Festival coronavirus outbreak was threatening to do to the in the social media age. SAT 24 OCT 2020 — Rod Stewart Live @ Roche Estate Tim Costello Tim Costello Singaporean and South Korean economies, "And Australia, an island, may be surrounded discusses the SAT 31 OCT 2020 — “Jazz in the Vineyards” (Kate Frydenberg arrived home with a new outlook. by water but it's not a moat when it comes to people and Cebrano) @ Hope Estate SAT 21 NOV 2020 — A Day on the Green (James Blunt & The next day, Prime Minister Scott Morrison the interconnected world we live in." experiences that have Jason Mraz) at Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley announced his Treasurer was working with Treasury Rob Harris is the National Affairs Editor for shaped him, SAT 5 DEC 2020 — Iconic Scottish band SIMPLE MINDS will be to discuss options for, should it be required, a The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. and the power performing at a day on the green wineries. They will be joined by of faith to very special guests, UK electronic pioneers ORCHESTRAL sustain us in the face of the MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK, their first Australian tour since world’s big 1987. issues.

20 ͽ THE NEWS | No. 516 | WED 18 Mar 2020

Jobs and training partnership forged in the Cessnock region THE NEWS Issue No 139 17th July 2003

Employment Facilitator, TAFE NSW, Pick the kid! employment and jobactive agencies, youth organisations, PCYC, and other stakeholders with an interest in training and employment. The formalisation of the Employment and Training Network follows the launch of the Council’s Cessnock Jobs Portal in early 2020. The Advance Cessnock City Jobs Portal cessnockjobs.com.au, was designed to make hiring easier for Hunter Valley employers and job seekers. Since the launch of the Portal many local businesses in the community have A sustainable workforce and supporting the individual, the business and the embraced the platform and have been existing local businesses to employ more community. advertising their vacant positions. The staff locally are the aims of Cessnock Council’s Economic Development and site also has a range of meaningful City Council’s Employment and Training Tourism Manager, Tony Chadwick said resources about local vocational Network. the formalisation of the network is a education, training, local career pathways The collaborative working group is made positive step that will provide a unified and available jobs. up of employment agencies and training voice to advocate for our communities Cessnockjobs.com.au was jointly funded bodies from across the Cessnock Local employment and training needs. by the Australian Government and Government Area. The Network is “The Network has already identified Cessnock City Council as part of the focused on identifying and removing difficulties in obtaining a drivers Skills Audit project. Employers are urged barriers to employment, improving the licence as a local barrier to employment to list their jobs for free on employment outlook for young people, and discussions are currently underway www.cessnockjobs.com.au and share those returning to work and the into possible solutions to overcome this their stories of successful employment unemployed. issue. Other topics discussed included outcomes to The group was formed in 2018 in employer and job seeker matching [email protected]. Noel Goodyer & some of his protégé response to Council’s workforce Skills events, employment clinics for small View the Cessnock City Skills Audit Audit. More recently the decision has business and remembering to celebrate 2018 report online: https:// Noel Goodyer, a big kid at heart, was fare-welled last Saturday by a been made to formalise the group and our successes via adding case studies to advancecessnock.com.au/cessnock-city- legion of his protégés, their parents & committee members of the commit to collaboratively identify the Cessnock Jobs Portal.” skills-audit/. Greta Branxton Junior Rugby League Colts. opportunities to improve training and Members include Council’s Economic ■ Photo above: “The Network” following a meeting Club President John Hunter said that the club would not have employment outcomes for the benefit of Development Team, Hunter Region at Cessnock City Council been a reality without Noel’s input & that the club wished he & his family all the best in the future. (see full report in this issue) If you require assistance please call Mike on 0414 757 826 THE NEWS | No. 516 | Wednesday 18 March 2020 ͽ 21

Branxton Public School

We are proud to introduce our School Leaders for 2020. We have Emily and Tayla (Captains), Ava and Nakia (Vice-Captains) and Brayden and Harrison (SRC Presidents). They have already embraced their duties and are doing a fabulous job of running assemblies and being great role models for our younger students. Our House Captains have also been busy with the Swimming Carnival and upcoming Cross Country events. Badges for our other school leaders were presented at the Whole School Assembly earlier this term. Congratulations to our AECG Junior Representatives, our 2020 Library Monitors and our newly elected SRC Ministers. All of these student help to keep our school running efficiently and have already proven themselves to be keen and responsible leaders. Keep up the great work. The Primary Cross Country is on Friday 20th March and the K-2 Cross Country (Fun Run/obstacle course) is on Wednesday 25th March. We are using the events to raise money for Buy a Bale who are helping farmers by delivering hay and other essential items to those who are drought affected.

Dates for the Calendar Friday 20th March – Primary Cross Country Saturday 21st March – P&C Trivia Night at Branxton Golf Club 7pm Wednesday 25th March – K-2 Cross Country Fun Run Friday March 27th – Performance Assembly 9:20am Friday 3rd April – PBL Assembly and Reward Day Wednesday 8th April – Easter Hat Parade

At Branxton Public School students, staff and community are Respectful, Responsible and achieve their Personal Best.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TO LEASE There is a strong demand for residential rental accommodation in the local area & our office needs more properties to sate the current demand. If you are contemplating renting your property please contact either Helen or Mike on 4938 3300 BRANXTON & VINEYARDS REAL ESTATE P: 4938 3300 22 ͽ THE NEWS| No.516 | Wed 18 Mar 2020 on one metric: working land, Australian terrier, terrier intelligence. American Staffordshire 63. Old English sheepdog In The Garden Coren, in his book, The terrier, Gordon setter, 64. Great Pyrenees Intelligence of Dogs, Bearded collie 65. Scottish terrier, Saint featured the results of 35. American Eskimo dog, Bernard a lengthy survey of Cairn terrier, Kerry blue 66. Bull terrier, Petite Basset 199 dog obedience terrier, Irish setter Griffon, Vendeen judges. 36. Norwegian elkhound 67. Chihuahua The responses, he said, 37. Affenpinscher, Silky 68. Lhasa apso were remarkably con- terrier, Miniature pinscher, 69. Bullmastiff sistent; however, he English setter, Pharaoh Sixth tier - the least noted that many judges hound, Clumber spaniel effective working dogs, who you’re in a hurry, use fast- fabric, quick-dry outdoor pointed out that there are 38. Norwich terrier may learn a new trick after Top 10 gardening exceptions in every breed 39. Dalmatian more than 100 repetitions growing options such as foam cushions, and wheels These Are The and that a lot comes down to Fourth tier - average and obey around 30 percent jobs this month lillypilly or bottlebrush. if you want to change the training. working dogs, who tend to of the time. There’s lots to do around Other instant screening location or follow the sun. 'Smartest' Dog the garden at this time of Here's what he found: learn a new trick in 25 to 40 70. Shih Tzu ideas include tall plants in Revive a hanging Top tier - the brightest repetitions and obey at least 71. Basset hound year. Here’s a list of jobs to large pots or planter boxes Breeds, do now. basket working dogs, who tend to 50 percent of the time. 72. Mastiff, beagle (containers with wheels are learn a new command in less 0. Soft-coated wheaten 73. Pekingese Rake fallen leaves into a ideal). Alternatively, pot up Hanging baskets always According to a pile and add to the compost suffer in the heat, and are than five exposures and obey terrier, Bedlington terrier, 74. Bloodhound some climbers, and add an at least 95 percent of the Smooth-haired fox terrier 75. Borzoi heap. hard to re-wet when they Canine attractive trellis to the pot time. 41. Curly-coated retriever, 76. Chow chow Continue deadheading dry out. Following our fort- or planter box to provide 1. Border collie Irish wolfhound 77. Bulldog roses to encourage new nightly routine will help Psychologist privacy while the plants GUS LUBIN 2. Poodle 42. Kuvasz, Australian 78. Basenji autumn buds to form. grow. Plus, you can take keep even your most deli- 3. German shepherd shepherd 79. Afghan hound Fertilise lawns so they can them all with you if you cate baskets happy and 4. Golden retriever 43. Saluki, Finnish Spitz, There are, again, exceptions. achieve maximum growth move. hydrated over summer. 5. Doberman pinscher Pointer Coren talks in his book about before the cool weather Curtains ~ There are Pictured is a winter basket 6. Shetland sheepdog 44. Cavalier King Charles a trainer who managed to arrives. plenty of ready-made cur- of scaevola, dichondra, 7. Labrador retriever spaniel, German wirehaired win obedience competitions Take advantage of any tains you can buy to hang plectranthus and viola. 8. Papillon pointer, Black-and-tan coon- with multiple Staffordshire autumn rains by spreading a as walls for your pergola or You’d swap out the viola 9. Rottweiler hound, American water bull terriers (#49). fresh layer of mulch over balcony, from sheer ones for summer. 10. Australian cattle dog spaniel There are also, again, other beds after they’ve had a with tab tops, to heavier 1 Start with some detailing, Second tier - excellent 45. Siberian husky, Bichon ways of measuring good soaking. ones with eyelets to thread sifting through and remov- working dogs, who tend to Frise, English toy spaniel intelligence. Cover shaded ponds with over a curtain rod. But will ing dead and diseased mate- learn a new command in five 46. Tibetan spaniel, English Coren tells us about a Nova to 15 exposures and obey at foxhound, Otterhound, Scotia Duck Tolling Re- firmly fixed netting to catch they be durable enough to rial. Prune anything that’s least 85 percent of the time. American foxhound, Grey- triever (#20) he owned that autumn leaves before they leave outside for long peri- getting out of shape and foul the water. detracting from the display. 11. Pembroke Welsh corgi hound, Harrier, Parson was in some ways too smart ods? That’s no problem if 12. Miniature schnauzer Russel terrier, Wirehaired for competitions. Install an insect hotel to they are easy to remove 2 Fill a large vessel with encourage a range of enough water to cover the 13. English springer spaniel pointing griffon "He was so bright and atten- when it looks like rain. 14. Belgian Tervuren 47. West Highland white tive that he read my every pollinators to take up Consider curtains made potting mix when the residence in your garden. basket is submerged. Add 15. Schipperke, Belgian terrier, Havanese, Scottish motion, head turn, and even from tulle or a similar sheepdog deerhound the direction that I was look- Buy spring bulbs. In warm some liquid fertiliser to the gauzy fabric to create at- 16. Collie Keeshond 48. Boxer, Great Dane ing with my eyes, as a com- areas, put cold-loving tulip, water, according to product mosphere, let in light and 17. German short-haired 49. Dachshund, mand," he writes by email. daffodil, crocus and provide privacy; you may directions, and mix well pointer Staffordshire bull terrier, "That made him very diffi- hyacinth bulbs in the fridge need to sew weights along until diluted. Every few ͽ Number #1 Border Collie 18. Flat-coated retriever, Shiba Inu cult to compete with in obe- for a few weeks of pre- the hem for breezy days. months, add some wetting English cocker spaniel, 50. Malamute dience trials, since, for in- planting chill. agent to the solution, too. The other option is to get There's no easy way to rate Standard schnauzer 51. Whippet, Chinese stance, a glance with my Plant and transplant trees some curtains made in a 3 Lower the basket into the 19. Brittany spaniel shar-pei, Wirehaired fox eyes in the direction of the and shrubs while the soil is water and gently push it dog intelligence. It can be fabric that’s UV-resistant focused on more than one 20. Cocker spaniel, Nova terrier high jump might be inter- still fairly warm. down until the potting mix and designed for the out- thing. Scotia duck tolling retriever 52. Rhodesian ridgeback preted by him as a command Begin feeding potted plants is completely covered. Al- doors – handy if your per- As canine psychologist 21. Weimaraner 53. Ibizan hound, Welsh and that would send him off, fortnightly with liquid gola supports are on an low it to soak in the water Stanley Coren wrote back in 22. Belgian Malinois, terrier, Irish terrier taking the jump beautifully fertiliser to strengthen them angle and you need a cus- until bubbles stop rising to the '90s, there's adaptive Bernese mountain dog 54. Boston terrier, Akita of course, but nonetheless before winter arrives. tom solution. the surface (about 10 min- intelligence (i.e., figuring 23. Pomeranian Fifth tier - fair working disqualifying us from that Check plants for pest Day beds ~ If you have utes), which indicates that stuff out), working 24. Irish water spaniel dogs, who tend to learn a round of competition." 25. Vizsla new trick in 40 to 80 De Waal, in Are We Smart infestation, as populations limited space or you’re the potting mix is saturated. intelligence (i.e. following 26. Cardigan Welsh corgi repetitions and respond Enough to Know How Smart may have increased during renting, consider an out- 4 Lift the basket out of the orders), and instinctive the warm weather. water and rest it on a couple intelligence (i.e. innate Third tier - above-average about 40 percent of the time. Animals Are? spoke in door day bed with a can- working dogs, who tend to 55. Skye terrier defence of the Afghan hound Privacy screens opy. These giant enclosed of short lengths of timber talent) - not to mention spa- placed across the top of the tial intelligence, kinesthetic learn a new trick in 15 to 25 56. Norfolk terrier, (#79), noting that they may lounges are the perfect repetitions and obey at least Sealyham terrier not be unintelligent but instant solution to create container. Allow to sit until intelligence, interpersonal all the excess water has intelligence, and more. 70 percent of the time. 57. Pug rather independent-mined, your own private nook. 27. Chesapeake Bay 58. French bulldog stubborn, and unwilling to There’s room for you (and drained. Indeed, as animal behaviour- ist Frans de Waal has argued, retriever, Puli, Yorkshire 59. Brussels griffon, Maltese follow orders. a friend or two) to relax. 5 Return the basket to its humans tend to judge animal terrier terrier "Afghans," he wrote, "are Tuck one into an unused hanging position. If you’re intelligence in limited and 28. Giant schnauzer, 60. Italian greyhound perhaps more like cats, corner, or position it to in the middle of some hot Portuguese water dog 61. Chinese crested which are not beholden to or windy weather, hang it in unfair terms and often bungle block a neighbour’s view the experiment. 29. Airedale, Bouv Flandres 62. Dandie Dinmont terrier, anyone." into your garden. The luxu- a cooler, more protected 30. Border terrier, Briard Vendeen, Tibetan terrier, spot until the extreme While labs at Yale, Duke, rious models offer features and around the world are 31. Welsh springer spaniel Japanese chin, Lakeland like all-weather (think hose conditions pass. 32. Manchester terrier studying this question, for -down) resin wicker, dura- now, we do at least have data 33. Samoyed ble but soft UV-resistant 34. Field spaniel, Newfound- Come in to INSPECT what’s new in your local museum! Yearning for a quiet, pri- vate spot to entertain friends, curl up and read, or just sit and contemplate your garden… without onlookers? If a neighbour- ing property looks into your (Wood rimmed child-safe magnifying glass that cosy reading nook or back deck, why not add some really works) stylish screening to block the view? There are plenty Greta Historical Museum of ways to achieve this, from DIY and quick-fix 96 High Street Greta ideas that you can whip up in an afternoon, to more Open 11am-3pm permanent solutions. Here are a few ideas. Screening plants Wednesdays & Saturdays These are an obvious solu- tion for creating privacy. If

Thursday 27th February dies not playing Pennants been won by Isabel Skeates Grade, once again winning— River District Pennants con- the final after enjoying the Excellent scores featured in played an Individual Stable- with 70 net from Jill Slatter this time in the uncompromis- tinued with A Grade having bye. Unfortunately, the B the Vets Medley Stableford ford with Jan Hovey produc- 72 and Joy Provenzano 3rd ing par event, with an excel- a rare poor day losing to Grade team, despite their with James Schofield claim- ing a fine 38 point round for with 74. Ball winners were: lent plus 4 score. Adrian Maitland 5-0 at Singleton; B good efforts, just missed the ing Division 1 with 44 the win with consistent Toni Helen Vandenbruggen v76, Chomiszak, a once very prom- Grade enjoyed a good win final, finishing third in their points from brother Danny Fisher runner up with 36 Dale Hamilton 76, Mary ising junior, is also showing defeating Muswellbrook 3-2 competition. 41, Wayne Burgess has won points. Fortey 79 and Melita Wat- his golfing prowess hasn’t left at Muswellbrook whilst C RESULTS Division 2 with 39 points Tuesday 3rd March Greg son 79 c/b. Nearest-the- him with an equally good plus Grade won their way into from Greg Burke 36 on Ireland with 43 points has Pins went to Sue Williams 4 score to just miss on a countback and Dave won the Tuesday Stableford (3rd & 10th) Christine countback. Peter Wilton’s Memberships Gellwiler took Division 3 from Richard Craft 40 on Tancred (8th) and Sharon even score gave him third Greta Workers with 38 points from Greg countback to Greg Mudd Blackett (17th). Next week place. Robert Hale once again Skyrocket after Amloh 37 c/b. Ball winners from Maitland GC. Ball the Ladies will play Indi- showed his skills to win B Hawks Nest were: Wazza Fairlie 40, Ken winners were: Chris Taggart vidual Stableford Grade with his plus 3 score, Branxton Veteran Golfers Success Harris 40, Mark Green 39, 37, Damien Porter 37, Tom Thursday 12th March also on a countback from Results 5-3-20 The Greta Workers Chris Norman 37, Ruff 37, Bell 36, David Michael Men- The Vets Par round has Reece Caldwell, with John Stableford Social Fishing Club has Peter Payne 36, Phil Small zies 36, Aaron Fox 36, seen some great scoring Burgess, the 2019 C Grade hit an all-time high with 36, David Archibald 36, Graeme Flynn 35, Andrea across all divisions with Club Champion, showing his 1st R Hebbe 23 pts over 60 members and Gerry Irwin 36, Pater At- Babalis 35, Michael Watson Col Bradley claiming stint in B Grade is well de- 2nd R Showman 21 pts still increasing. Last tewell 35, Geoff Geason 35, 35, Rick Turnchini 34, Brett Division 1 with +1 from served with his plus one to 3rd J Sheedy 19 pts (c/b) reminder that fees go up from 1st April onwards to $50 Graeme Flynn 35, Curly 35, Janssen v34, Mark Barrow Richard Craft square on finish third. Anthony NTP Ladies M Hunt single $100 family. Ray Boyd 35, Peter 33, Ken Scott-MacKenzie countback, Division 2 to Charlesworth won C Grade Gents L Hunt The recent Hawks Nest outing was taken out by Scotty McIntyre 35, David Peel 35 33, Garry Marsden 32, Dean Geoff Geason with the with a plus one score, also on Members draw - No draw Beckett with a huge haul of fish. Scott on home turf and Graeme Smith 34 c/b. Morison 32 and Ian Dal- standout round of the day a countback form Glenn Lock- conducted bagged Salmon, Flathead, Tarwhine, Whiting and Bream Nearest-the-Pins went to gairns 32 c/b. Nearest-the- +6 from Wayne Burgess +2 wood, with Darren Mathers The inclement weather and scored a massive 167 points miles ahead of his father Tom Bell (3rd) Bobby Pins went to Ian Dalgairns and Division 3 to John third with his even score. A depleted our numbers some Glenn (90.5) and the rest of the pack. Judy Masters logged Logue (4th) John Pascoe (3rd) James Hogg (4th) Tancred with +1 on count- Minus 4 score was needed to what to-day, however 8 of the third highest score with Bream, Flathead and (8th) Steve Rawlings (10th) Drrell Porter (8th) Tim Dunn back to Neil Peterson. Ball win a ball in an event where our gallant members took to Leatherjacket (62.5). Cohen Miller-Spliet weighed in a and Greg Amloh(17th). The (10th) and Jacob Pease winners were: Rob Hannah any score better than your the course for to-days club record Flathead 2.7kg and had a squire to add which February Mist Glen Out- (17th) +1, John Stewart +1, Alick handicap gives you a plus, and round. All was not lost as bumped his score up to 54 points. The Committee are standing Performance by a Thursday 5th March Early Bender sq, John Carmody scores worse than your “Lake Branxton” is full and thrilled with the involvement of everyone so far in 2020, Vet has been won by Curly showers left many of the sq, Wayne Barber sq, handicap gives you a minus. the course is responding to it’s great to see everyone making the most of it before we Tomlinson. Vets at home with only a Graeme Flynn sq, James The shot of the day belonged the fallen rain. Congratula- th come into the colder weather/winter sports/corona virus Saturday 29th February small field turning out for the Schofield sq, Murray to James Elphick on the 9 , tions to Ron Hebbe, Vice etc. that may pose a drop in weigh-ins. The 2BBB winners were Irish Stableford with John Flannigan sq, Tom Bell sq, finishing just over a metre Captain and long term Our Next Outing will be an Open on the Easter Long Michael McNab and David Stewart doing best with 71 Norm Barry -1, John away. member of the BGC, on Weekend. You are permitted to fish from the Thursday Peel with 48 points on points from Garry Marsden Harrison -1, Paul Smith -1, On Sunday the Pennants con- winning the round. Many night to the Monday. Weigh in will be 4pm Monday 13th countback to Mathew 69 and Richard Craft 3rd Dave Fury -1, Peter McIn- tinued with the A Grade hav- thanks to all members who April at the Greta Workers Club. A bbq lunch will be McKee from Grafton with 68 c/b. Ball winners tyre -1, Kevin Gibson -1, ing a bye. B Grade won 3-2 participated. provided courtesy of the Fishing Club. GC and Henry Grebenshi- were: Doug Wand 68, Geoff Alan Kendall -1 and Greg against Singleton at Maitland, Results 12-3-20 Another thanks again to all our 2020 Sponsors Gocon koff from SA Metro GC, 3rd Botd 68, Bill Freeman 68, Amloh -1 c/b. Nearest-the- C Grade won 4-1 against Stableford Rural Fencing, MacDougall Rural Concreting, The Bottlo went to Michael Stewart and Lindsay Meyn 66, Rob Han- Pins went to Geoff Geason Hunter Valley at Paterson Div 1 Winner G Sheldon 31 at Greta, The Sea Shanty at Rutherford, and the Harvest Luke Rogers with 47 on nah 66 and Kevin Smith 66. (3rd) Col Bradley (4th) whilst the Vets had a win pts R/u G Anderson 28 pts Bistro at Greta Workers Club. Our Club polos from countback. Ball winners Saturday 7th Rob Hannah (8th) and defeating Maitland 2-1 at The 3rd M Ryan 25 pts Flanagan Menswear look great and our Banner from CAN were: Leon Dureau & Glen March Stephen Zok has David Peel (17th). Next Vintage but were unlucky to Div 2 Winner P Anderson 33 Graphic design is a beauty! Williams 47, Paul Neuss & produced the only sub Par week the Vets will play a just miss the playoffs when pts (SOD) (c/b) R/u J Atton Any new members can pay online or come down to our Michael Tsakissiris 47, round to win A Grade and Medley Stableford on Hunter Valley won their game 33 pts 3rd K Thomas 30 pts weigh ins or Wednesday raffles. Shawn Parish & Scott Conti the Monthly Mug with 68 net Monday due to a large on the last hole, meaning Ladies Winner C Caldwell Pictured below Cohen Spliet-Miller with his 2.7kg 46, Paul Bullock & Ray from Russell Calderwood 71, group booking on Branxton finished third in 25 pts R/u T Martin 15pts 3rd Flathead and a group photo of a heap of our members at Newton 46, Troy Wallis & B Grade to Bruce Chambers Thursday. their division. J Harris 14 pts the March weigh in. Angello Wood 45, Lindsay with 71 with Nic Bates 2nd Saturday 14th March A Saturday, 7 March 2020 NTP Ladies T Martin Meyn & Richard Craft 45, with 72 and C Grade to Paul good field turned out for STROKE MONTHLY MEDAL Gents J Sheedy Peter Huckfelt & Ron Hig- Neuss 72 from Ron Hig- the Medley Stablford in - STROKE Members draw - Not won ginbottom 45, Dean & Tracy ginbottom Adam Jackson 71, winter like conditions Field: 57 The wet weather is still with Morison 44, Stephen Zok & Wade Attewell 71, Peter which made scoring a little Winners B Douglas Elphick us however, it stayed fine Mike Carter 44, Dean Free- Huckfelt 72, Paul Bullock tough, A Grade was de- 63 with some overcast and bairn & Paul McCudden 44, 72, Michael Gilbert 73, Dean cided on countback after 5 Grades A Benjamin Porter 68 sunlight for most of the Greg Harder & Peter McIn- Freebairn 73, Richard Craft players returned 36 points, Grades A Mick Barrett 71 round, making the day tyre 44, Michael Stewart & 74, David Peel 74, Geoff David Peel received the Grades A Peter Wilton 71 comfortable or the players. Tim Poteris 44, Alan Boyd 74, Ray Newto 74, judges nod with Waratah Grades B Peter Marquet 69 Congratulations to Paul Provenzano & David Agnew James Schofield 74, Terry GC visitor Dan Wilson Grades B Robert Miller 72 Anderson, a recent winner of 44, James Schofield & Roughan 74, David gros- runner up, B Garde went to Grades B Neil Jordan 72 the Millenium Trophy, on Wayne Drayton 44, Mick & bernd 75, Andrew Zok 75, Brian Connolly also on Grades C Colin Hughes 73 winning his division and Lloyd Barrett 43 c/ Peter Attewell 75, Sam countback to Julie Van Grades C Darren Mathers 75 achieving the “Score of the b. Nearest-the-Pins went to O'Keeffe v75 and Tom Bell Den Berg are they also Grades C Lennard Porter 77 Day”. A well done to all Tom Bell (3rd) Scott Conti 76 c/b. Nearest-the-Pins went returned 36 points and C NTP 2/11 B 2nd Richard other winners and place (4th) Terry Roughan (8th) to: Tony Bowie (3rd) Peter Grade to Dean Blair with Alley 242cm getters. Jeremy Holden (10th) and McIntyre (4th) Don Bradley the only sub Par round of NTP 4 B 4th Robert Miller LN Bootes, Hon Sec Leon Dureau (17th) (8th) and Jeff Morton (17th). the day 37 from Max Hind- 217cm Hunter Valley Golf Club The Individual Stableford Next week's event will be a marsh with 36. NTP nor NTP 9/18 B 9th Troy Mc Caw Sunday 23rd February The winner played in conjunc- Medley Stableford ball winners are known at 91cm Weekly Challenge has been tion with the 2BBB was Pennants: A Grade still this time. Next week's NTP 13 A 13th Ed Garland won by Scott Burgess with Dean Freebairn in a 3 way have 3 matches before the event will be a Blue Tee 264cm an outstanding 43 point countback from Ron Hig- final today suffered a 2-3 Challenge. Balls 17 Distributed down to round from Allan ginbottom and Michael loss to Kurri leaving a Branxton Golf Club score: 78 Cruckshanks with 34 points. Stewart who all returned 39 'mountain to climb' for the Saturday, 29 February Saturday’s Monthly Medal Tuesday 25th February points. remainder of the season, B 2020 proved to be a very difficult Gary Arnold has produced Pennants: A Grade Grade needing a win to play SATURDAY COMP - PAR task for most players with a one of his best rounds for suffered a 1-4 loss to in the finals were unfortu- Field 58 nett 78 good enough to win a some time recording 43 Cypress Lakes at Branxton, nately eliminated 2-3 , C Grades A Benjamin Bridge ball. However, the overall points for a clear win, B Grade had a 4 1/2 - Grade's season is over after 4 Monthly Medal winner must Richard Craft took runner up 1/2 win over Muswellbrook suffering a 2-3 loss to Sin- Grades A Adrian have been playing a different with 41 from Peter Franks 38 at Maitland , C Grade had a gleton at Branxton and the Chomiszak 4 course as his 63 nett score in 3rd. Ball winners were: 1-4 loss to Branxton at Seniors missed out on the Grades A Peter Wilton 0 blitzed the field - a wonderful Peter Tierney 36, Tom Bell Paterson while the Seniors final going down to Paterson Grades B Robert Hale 3 round in any circumstance. Sports Results proudly sponsored by 36, Darrell Porter 36, John have qualified for the semi- 0-3 in their semi-final Grades B Reece Caldwell Benny Porter won A Grade Branxton & Vineyards Real Estate Stewart 35, Garry Marsden finals with a 2-1 win over at Kurri. 3 with a very pleasing 68 nett … for all your real estate needs 35, Graeme Flynn 35, Jason Murrurundi at the Vintage. Tuesday 10th March Grades B John Burgess 1 score, one of the few scores to Cowburn 35, Steve Piggot P4938 3300 Sunday 1st March Doris Graeme Flynn has won the Grades C Anthony play under their handicap. 34, Geoff Sweetman 34, M: 0412 566 041 Hoare of Charlestown GC Tuesday Stableford with 38 Charlesworth 1 Mick Barrett and Peter Wilton Drew Dewar 34, Nick has won the Weekly points from Gary Arnold 37 Grades C Glenn Lockwood played well to fill the minor Wilson 34, Rob Hannah 34, Challenge from Richard with Drew Dewar 3rd with 1 placings with their nett 71 s. Rick Turnchini 33 and Chris Hoare with 38 on countback 35 points. Ball win- Grades C Darren Mathers 0 Peter Marquet won B Grade Taggart 33 c/b. Nearest-the- to Ryan McGregor in 3rd. ners were: David Peel 34, NTP 2/11 A 2nd Benja- with his 69 nett score, with Pins went to Richard Craft Ball comp details are not David michael McKenzie 34, min Bridge 233cm Robert Miller and Neil (3rd & 17th) Eric Smith (8th) available at this time. Terry Baas 34, Brian Kinsey NTP 4 B 4th Reece Jordan, blasts from the past, and Wayne Cowen (10th) Monday 2nd March The v33, Angello Wood 33, Caldwell 560cm finishing second and third Wednesday 26th 2020 Ladies Pennants began James Hogg 33, Dean Mori- NTP 9/18 C 9th James respectively. Col Hughes won February The Season at Cypress Lakes GC with son 32, Arthur Cuttriss 32, Elphick 104cm c Grade with his nett 73 score, Opening Day 2 Person Hunter Valley sharing the Tom Bell 32, Damien Porter NTP 13 A 13th Tom with Darren Mathers runner Ambrose has been won by points with Branxton after 32, Paul Smith 32, Greg Foster 570cm up with his 75 and Lennie Jenny Chambers & Dale both teams finished with 2 Ireland 32, Dan Taylor 32, Balls 17 Distributed down Porter’s nett 77 good enough Hamilton with 67 net from wins, 2 squares and 2 losses. Eric Smith 32 and John to score: -4 for third. The shot of the day Isabel Skeates & Jill The club extends best wishes Grayson 32. Ben Bridge, the 2019 B belonged to Troy McCaw on Ramsden 68 with Mary th to our Ladies for the remain- Wednesday 11th March Grade Club Champion, the 9 , finishing only 93 cms Fortey & Jill Slatter 3rd with der of the season. The La- The Ladies Stroke event has continues to impress in A away. On Sunday the Hunter 69 net.

between got them right back Trent Fuller (12) providing momentum, and they were into the contest. At 3-62 in the runs. eventually all out in the 30th the 22nd over the match was Third grade White went over for 94. Darren Thomson still very evenly poised. The through to the decider after and Josh Dagg made 26- next four wickets fell being washed out on both apiece, with Brent Watson cheaply, with the visitors days, reaping the reward for (12) the only other batsman requiring 28 to win off the finishing higher on the table. to make double figures. final six overs with two The ‘Grand Finals’ …. Third grade White suffered wickets in hand. But the Greta/Branxton contested the same fate when they moment of the match the Cessnock District went down to Bellbird by 70 Local cricket season ends with mixed results occurred when Peden’s key Cricket grand finals last runs at Miller 1. Bellbird man Crowfoot fell to a Saturday, with both teams made a modest 9-147 batting First & third grade beaten in grand finals but take Club Championship brilliant outfield catch by unfortunately going down. first, with Jamie McNamara Kyle Hall diving forward at First grade took on Mulbring Greta/Branxton’s best with deep mid-wicket. The Blues for the second year in a row the ball with 4-29 off 10. remained composed to claim at East End, with the Marlins Dan Minchin (1-27 off 8), the final wicket to book their once again too good by Will Young (1-15 off 3) and place in the decider. Martin claiming their fifth Aaron Stephenson (1-38 off Shearer bowled beautifully consecutive title by 91 runs. 8) were the other wicket for the home side to claim Blues captain Joey Butler takers. Plenty of Greta/ 5-34 off 7.4, with Brent won the toss and with a little Branxton batsmen made Watson (2-25 off 9) and bit of dampness about he starts in reply, but no one Darren Thomson (2-21 off 9) asked the opposition to bat really pushed on to pose a collecting a brace of wickets first. The Greta/Branxton threat. Minchin completed a each. seamers bowled beautifully good all-round game with Second grade went down by to restrict Mulbring for the 18, with Cory Stephenson 66 runs to Wine Country at majority of the innings, but and Young making 13- Miller 2. Wine Country wickets in hand allowed apiece. with Mark Bercini posted a competitive 7-173 them to score freely after the The lead-up to grand batting first, with Greta/ drinks interval, and they finals; the semis ... Branxton’s wickets shared eventually closed their forty Greta/Branxton first and between Pat Fitzgerald (2-35 overs off at 9-185. Patrick third grade won their semis off 10), James Shoulders snr Andrews finished with 3-32 with second grade presented a tricky wicket to Branxton were 2-6, but 25, with Josh Dagg and Greg (2-42 off 7), Alex Walkling off 6, with Martin Shearer (2 ■ Photo: First Grade ‘Runner’s Up’ unfortunately going down. (1-16 off 5), Andrew Bercini -42 off 8), Connor Thomson Back L-R Sean Wright (club bat on. A delayed start saw started to gain some Andrews making 14-apiece. president), Darren Holz, Darren First grade overcame a the match reduced to 36 momentum in the middle The Blues were dismissed in (1-43 off 10) and Will Regan (2- 26 off 6) and Darren gallant Peden’s Hotel by 17 (1-37 off 10). The Blues Thomson (1-37 off 10) all Thomson, Martin Shearer, Kyle overs, and Greta/Branxton order on the back of a the 32nd over for 129. Hall, Brent Watson, Patrick runs at Miller 1. were asked to bat first after sensible knock from vice- Peden’s Hotel lost key were all out for 107 in reply, taking wickets. The regular After being washed out on with Bercini (24), Reuben loss of wickets in reply Andrews losing the toss. As expected, skipper Nathan Holz who wickets early and were 3-10 Front L-R Connor Thomson, Josh the Saturday, the reserve day Andrews (18), Shoulders snr prevented Greta/Branxton the ball was moving around notched 45. Opener Mark after 7 overs in reply. A 52- Dagg, Joey Butler (c), Nathan Holz Sunday was overcast and plenty early on. Greta/ Bercini was next best with run fifth wicket stand (14), Ben Hogan (12) and from gaining any sort of (vc), Mark Bercini, Greg Andrews.

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