Winter 2017 NEWCASTLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

TIM CRAKANTHORP MP YOUR STATE MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE

414 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 P. (02) 4926 1126 F. (02) 4926 2134 E. [email protected] Rail plan hit with concerns Message from Newcastle Herald, 13 May 2017 Tim Crakanthorp Welcome to my Winter Newsletter The safety of Newcastle commuters is in jeopardy with the for 2017. I hope that you are Government considering a proposal to remove guards from enjoying the cooler months. the new Intercity Train Fleet operating on the Central Coast to I have been working hard for the Newcastle line. community throughout the first half of this year. I stopped the proposed cuts Earlier this year, my office was to the home services of the After Hours contacted by Novocastrians 24/7 Palliative Care program from the who work as train guards. Calvary Mater Hospital going ahead. They were concerned after I also worked hard to secure Newcastle hearing reports that instead of a NSW Government Palliative Care two crew members staffing a Roundtable, the only one outside a train it was going to be cut to Coalition-held seat. a driver-only service. Through questions submitted in When I raised this in Parliament I have found out that the Parliament, I was given a the case of any accident that may occur Government intends to cut our train vague response from the Transport as emergency services are generally not guards from the new Intercity Train Minister, “where safe to do so, NSW situated close by. Fleet, wherever possible. I will fight TrainLink proposes operating the New these cuts, as the health and safety of Intercity Fleet trains as driver only.” Guards have advised me that they have Novocastrian commuters on the Central resuscitated passengers, helped when Coast and Newcastle train line is It does not, however, specify which fatalities have occurred as well as assisting paramount. I will also continue the fight services are deemed safe. when there was an assault or clearing to have the Intercity Train Fleet, valued Key to this issue is the fact that the Central debris from the track. at $2.3B, built here in the Hunter. Coast and Newcastle train line passes The NSW Government’s proposed While in Parliament, I met with through remote areas, with large distances cut-backs are irresponsible and put the Minister for Arts regarding the between stations, with some stations commuter’s lives at risk. I call on the Newcastle City Council’s Art Gallery not manned at all. This puts the safety of Minister to rule out removing guards on proposal, the Minister for Disability staff and passengers at risk, especially in the Central Coast and Newcastle line. Services regarding the Stockton Centre group home deaths and the Minister for the Environment regarding the recently uncovered soil contamination Did you know? in Newcastle. You can get congratulatory letters from State Members On a more positive note, it was also my of Parliament including the Premier sent, on request, to pleasure to get out and about in the NSW residents turning 80 years of age and every fifth community to present $50,000 worth year thereafter up to 90 and then every year thereafter. of local sports grants to deserving Newcastle sports clubs (see page 4). You can also get messages to couples celebrating 50 years of marriage As your local Member, you can be and every year thereafter. rest assured that I will keep fighting for FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO Newcastle, and keep fighting for our www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/programs_and_services/congratulatory_messages fair share. Tim

Inside Government fails Newcastle commuters (P2) Out & About (P3) Local Hero (P5) Local school cuts (P6) 2 NEWCASTLE | COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER Newcastle commuters failed by this Government I recently brought to the attention of the State Parliament a horrendous safety issue that could have had catastrophic consequences for Novocastrian commuters.

The Government left the state’s commuters in peril, ignoring track maintenance and safety issues on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line of the intercity train network. Between the period of 2011-2015, the mandatory regular inspections of the train line did not occur and the repairs that were deemed critical, were not made. These deficiencies, The report said that these faults could, featured in a report written by the and did, cause significant damage. Office of Transport and Safety This issue highlights how, Derailment was also a very real investigations, included corroded or under this Government’s possibility and an empty passenger missing rail fastenings, as well as not watch, hundreds of train did derail on 26 November 2013. securely fastened or not structurally thousands of commuters on The works should have been subject sound segments of rail, issues which the Newcastle and Central to six monthly inspections but they had not been addressed by Sydney Coast line were unknowingly were not. Train’s Maintenance Regime. The risking their lives when track maintenance and safety issues report determined that the root The fact that the train was empty were being ignored. cause of these deficiencies was the was sheer luck, the alternative is insufficiencies in the training provided unimaginable. to inspectors. Newcastle gets seat on Palliative Care Roundtable At the As explained in my last newsletter, In response to this, I fought for beginning I successfully lobbied against the and was successful in securing proposal, resulting in the Government a Palliative Care Roundtable in of this year, abandoning their plan. Newcastle in June. This was a great a plan to opportunity to discuss the needs and The NSW Government then decided the future of Newcastle in terms of dismantle to discuss the issue of palliative palliative care. the After Hours 24/7 care in NSW at a series of seven Palliative Care Service roundtable events. However, despite provided by the Calvary Newcastle being the second largest Ultimately, this is a win for city in the state and a major regional the community, a win for Mater in Newcastle was palliative care centre, no roundtable being considered. Newcastle, and a win for was planned for the region. Instead, palliative care. all roundtable discussions were planned in Coalition-held seats. 3 NEWCASTLE | COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER Out and About

Newcastle High School came to see their local MP in action Kurt Fearnley and Christie Dawes open the Newcastle at Parliament House! Athletics track at the Fernley Dawes Athletic Centre.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Cheering with the new Member for Africa Day with Tendavi Chivunga and Selfies at Harmony Day with the dancers from the Shakila Kader. Gosford, Leisl Tesch AM MP. official ceremony of the Newcastle Region Library.

Lisa Sthalekar, originally from Celebrating WOW Day with these local heroes. the Hunter, one of the most There is plenty of orange in the badge! Former Premier Kristina Keneally accomplished cricketers in dropped into Newcastle recently. Australia.

Traditionally dressed Keirki and Ky and President Nick Thodos at the Hippocrates Learnt about all things food and fitness at UP&UP co-creator, Shane Kennedy Australian Greek Aged Persons Pint of Science with Linda Drummond, gave a tour of the recently upgraded Association Gala Ball. Dr Emma Beckett and Karen Hearden. mailboxes around Hamilton South. COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER | NEWCASTLE 4

Newcastle City Junior Australian $50,000 for local Football Club received $5,000 Newcastle sporting clubs The Local Sports Grants are awarded to local sporting clubs and groups to assist with sport club development, community sport events, facility development and capital equipment.

Sporting groups in Newcastle deliver many personal and community benefits including maintaining health Hunter Badminton received a and fitness and nurturing talented athletes. For this Grant for a new roof $20,000 reason I was proud to announce $50,000 worth of grants for some fantastic sporting organisations. THE SUCCESSFUL CLUBS IN NEWCASTLE WERE: $20,000 Hunter Badminton: Installation of a new roof on their building. $1,400 Newcastle and District Softball Association Inc: Assist people in attaining their coaching accreditation. $20,000 Newcastle City Australian Football Club: Help pay for a new electronic scoreboard at No.1 Sportsground. $5,000 Newcastle City Junior Australian Football Club: Help to purchase uniforms and footballs. Newcastle City $2,850 Stockton Junior Cricket Club: Australian Purchase of uniforms. Football Club received $20,000 $750 Striker Softball Club: for an electronic scoreboard Purchase of uniforms and portable shade shelters. For more information and to register for updates about the next round visit: https://sportandrecreation.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/localsport NOTE: FUNDING MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE NSW GOVERNMENT LOCAL SPORTS GRANTS PROGRAM. The night the war came to Newcastle In the last session of Parliament I spoke proudly to acknowledge one of the most significant events in the history of this region – June 8, 1942, some 75 years ago, when the Japanese attacked Newcastle. It’s a date that is forever fixed in the city’s memory. Few people would know that the guns A few days later, between 2.15 am at , were the only land- and 2.31 am on 8 June, the submarine based guns in Australia to return fire then fired 34 shells at Newcastle. Our to an enemy naval vessel. The attack, gunners at Fort Scratchley fired four intended to threaten the people of shells back but did not record a hit. Newcastle, instead galvanised the city One man was wounded by shrapnel in and its people. Fort Scratchley did as Parnell Place and another was thrown by it was intended when its construction the blast. A nearby house was peppered was ordered in 1878; to protect the with more than 20 holes. A second shell city and the people of Newcastle. The landed about 50 metres away at a tram Inspecting one of the guns Imperial Japanese Navy’s intentions terminus, but failed to explode. The war that fired back. were to disrupt Australian shipping and came to Newcastle on that day but it did industry, in Newcastle that meant the not break us. It is believed that it was like to thank all the members of the Fort BHP Steelworks. Firstly the coaster Iron intended to generate an “air of disquiet”, Scratchley Historical Society for the Chieftain was torpedoed and sunk by but instead it galvanised the city and its outstanding work they do preserving and a submarine southeast of Norah Head. people. As a patron of the Fort, I would maintaining the site. 5 NEWCASTLE | COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Remembering Local the Pasha Hero Bulker storm Philippa Anderson Ten years ago, Newcastle was PRO SURFER caught in one of the most severe storms in the Hunter’s history. Merewether local, Philippa Anderson is a surfing star with dreams to match. The 25 year old recently took out the inaugural World Surf League sanctioned Siargo Women’s International Surfing Cup at the Cloud 9 break in the Philippines. But this is only beginning of her story.

What do you hope to achieve in 2017? My top goal is to qualify for the World Championship Tour and stay in the Top Ten.

What motivates you? Knowing and understanding this amazing opportunity I have, motivates me to give it everything each day to work towards my goals and really Photo courtesy: Julian Ellis appreciate each day that moves me forward to achieving my dreams.

Beginning on 8 June 2007, this storm had Who are your heroes? devastating impacts, taking the lives of 10 people, Growing up watching cartoons, the Power Rangers were who I wanted sweeping away homes and businesses, and to be! Now my heroes are Serena Williams and Stephanie Gilmore. leaving inundated areas without power for days. Most notably, a 40,000 tonne bulk carrier by the What is your ultimate dream? name of Pasha Bulker was floundering off the The ultimate dream, I have a few! Hopefully one day I can achieve coast. The storm, with its 124 km/h winds and all or at least one. 10 metre swells made short work of the 225 metre Qualify for the World Championship Tour. ship, beaching it off Nobbys and cementing it into Win at Snapper Rocks (which is my favourite). Newcastle folklore. Buy a holiday house in South Africa. Now a decade on, the boat has changed its name Build and set up a centre in the Philippines and Africa which helps kids and the beach has recovered. from all ages, disabilities and backgrounds to give them a future. We need to reflect on the lessons that we have Set up a program to teach people ways to reduce waste in all forms. learnt from that weekend and ensure that we as a community remember those who did not survive. Do you have a favourite motivational quote? Since the Pasha Bulker storm we have had the My favourite verse from the Bible is Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things April 2015 super storm and the January 2016 through Christ who strengthens me.’ floods. These weather events are getting more But also ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ in the gym and frequent and extreme. In Newcastle these events ‘It’s not over til the fat lady sings’ when I’m competing. bring out the best in our community and show our strength when we work together in the face of adversity. What do you enjoy doing when you are home? Hanging out with my friends, surfing, going for walks or watching a home game when the Jets or Knights are on. I would like to again, commend all the emergency services who were involved in helping Newcastle through one of our darkest times. 6 NEWCASTLE | COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

State Government fails to stand up for NSW schools: Newcastle Electorate to lose $5 million This Government has broken its promise to ensure its Federal Liberal colleagues honour the Gonski funding agreement, costing Newcastle schools $5,394,517! The Federal Liberal Government will cut funding to almost SEE THE TABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL every public school all while under Premier Berejiklian’s watch. More than $846 million will be slashed from public AMOUNT CUT SCHOOL $181,632 Adamstown Public School schools due to be delivered in 2018-19, right across NSW. CUT $85,025 Carrington Public School This is despite her promise in January to “make sure the CUT Federal Government sticks to all of its commitments in CUT $28,639 Fern Bay Public School relation to Gonski”. This is a slap in the face for the people CUT $110,189 Hamilton North Public School of Newcastle. CUT $191,542 Hamilton Public School Newcastle will have a massive $5,394,517 wiped from CUT $273,121 Hamilton South Public School the budget of its schools. This includes $673,301 less for CUT $618,677 Hunter School of Performing Arts Lambton High and $618,677 less for Hunter School of CUT $201,769 Islington Public School Performing Arts. CUT $673,301 Lambton High School Premier Berejiklian must assure students, parents and the CUT $273,460 Mayfield East Public School teachers of Newcastle that they won’t miss out as a result CUT $333,711 Mayfield West Public School of this broken promise. CUT $195,373 Merewether Heights Public School Overall this is a significant setback in the development of CUT $540,451 schools and progress of education in Newcastle. CUT $145,126 Newcastle East Public School As the father of four young children I understand the CUT $726,889 Newcastle High School importance of a quality education for our children. It is CUT $232,553 Stockton Public School critical we invest in our children and ensure schools have CUT $369,634 The Junction Public School the resources they need. CUT $213,425 Tighes Hill Public School Housing affordability Housing affordability is one of the most pressing issues facing Australians at present, and it is particularly severe in .

Under the NSW Liberal NSW LABOR WILL: owned land and create the Affordable Government, it has never been 1 Support negative gearing Housing Land Register (AHLR) harder to buy a home. The reform and halve capital gains tax 5 Mandate 25 per cent affordable Government has had six long years discounts housing on Government owned land to act but has failed to do so. Labor 2 Increase the taxes on foreign investors 6 Mandate 15 per cent affordable has a plan and a vision for dealing 3 Introduce a tax on properties that are housing on all privately developed land with the housing affordability crisis vacant for longer than 6 months 7 Refocus UrbanGrowth to support first and it involves real action. 4 Conduct a full audit of all publicly- home buyers

UNDER LABOR’S PLAN, families and those on moderate incomes struggling to get a roof over their heads will now have a chance to do just that, buy an affordable home.

CONTACT TIM Keep in touch with Tim and find out what’s happening across Newcastle. Like Tim’s page on facebook FightingForNewcastle A: 414 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 Follow Tim on Twitter @crakanthorp E: [email protected] P: (02) 4926 1126 F: (02) 4926 2134

TIM CRAKANTHORP MP YOUR STATE MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE

Authorised by Tim Crakanthorp MP, Member for Newcastle, 414 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300 and printed by Greg Tapp Printing, 48 Industrial Dr, Mayfield East NSW 2304 using parliamentary entitlements, JUNE 2017.