The Local - July 2023

OAM for Pat

The only question you could reasonably ask about Pat McMahon being awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM) is why it took so long.

Pat, a longtime Lambton resident, was awarded her OAM in the King’s Birthday Honours in June after more than 60 years of tireless community service.

Pat has been an active member, board member, volunteer co-ordinator, honorary secretary, secretary manager, vice president and president of many, many local community groups and organisations dating back to the early 1960s.

The local groups that Pat is or has been involved with over the years include Lambton - New Lambton RSL Sub-Branch Women’s Auxiliary, the War Widows Association, New Lambton RSL Club, New Lambton Chamber of Commerce, (continued on page 5)

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LOCAL Matters

Health (s)care

Since I last sat at my keyboard to write this column I’ve had a serious health moment. I’ll spare you all the details. Suffice it to say that if not for a couple of quick-thinking first responders at the gym, and some excellent paramedic care soon after, I may not be writing this column.

After my first ever trip in an ambulance I spent five nights in John Hunter Hospital. Happy to report that I’m now home, resting up and getting The Local to the printers just in the nick of time.

But my medical episode is not the subject I wanted to talk about. What I really wanted to mention is the amazing work that the nursing, medical and allied health staff at John Hunter Hospital perform for us, day in and day out.

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ABN 48 260 331 896

There they are at the top of the hill, 24 hours a day, doing their thing. Of course lots of people have amazing jobs that they are clearly good at and dedicated to. But I’ve decided that nothing compares to health workers.

At the beginning, at the end, and at various points through our lives we depend on our nurses, doctors and other health professionals to help us live our best lives.

From what I witnessed recently our health workers, our nurses especially, are very busy. With the exception perhaps of the heights of the Covid pandemic, they are busier than ever before.

I was shocked to read recently in the daily newspaper that Hunter New England Local Health District is set to lose close to 140 full time equivalent nursing positions when the temporary pandemic position expire in the next year.

The State Government cannot allow this to happen. At this stage however it sounds like they are happy to blame the former government and just watch on!

....and here’s some fine print

Help restore missing finial

Have you ever noticed something missing from the Mechanics Institute building on Elder Street in Lambton?

If you look up you will notice one of the finials is missing. A finial is a decorative ornament at the top, end, or corner of a building.

One of the two finials on the building fell during the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake.

Ron Robinson, chair of the Lambton Mechanics Institute, said the building had some structural damage during the earthquake and with a grant from the State Government and loan funds from the Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Appeal, the priority was to save the locally listed heritage building.

“At the time there was so much other damage in Newcastle, it was hard to justify money being used to fix a purely ornamental feature”. Mr Robinson said.

“In more recent times we’ve had enquiries from the public asking why the building has only a finial on the eastern side.

“The time now seems right to repair the western finial after 33 years.”

Mr Robinson says that with the help of Linda Babic, from Lambton’s Heritas Architects, he has been exploring ways in which they might put the surviving pieces together and reconstruct the finial.

Ron said that whilst securing funding for heritage work is always hard, it is particularly difficult when the building is not in inner Sydney or even inner Newcastle. “It would be a shame if one of the most significant heritage buildings of the former mining village of Lambton was left with a missing finial.”

“We are seeking help both technical expertise and the financial resources to ascertain if we can resurrect the missing finial.” Mr Robinson said.

Anyone or any organisation that would like to assist Lambton Mechanics Institute in this restoration project can contact Ron Robinson by email at ron.robinson@ outlook.com.au

Game-changer for Darling St Oval

A $3 million project funded by City of Newcastle, Newcastle Olympic Football Club and the State and Federal Governments, is set to become an inclusive and fully accessible football facility for passionate spectators and home and away players alike at Hamilton South’s Darling Street Oval.

The redevelopment will feature female-friendly changerooms, a new grandstand seating more than 300 football fans, improved disability access, a new community space as well as the refurbishment of existing amenities and a new formal off-street carpark. Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the grandstand upgrade, which is expected to be completed by December 2023, will ensure every footballer and spectator feels welcome and supported.

“This project will deliver a facility for the entire community. With accessible parking spaces, new shared footpaths, lift access and amenities for people with a disability, Darling Street Oval will be able to meet the needs of all its members.” Cr Nelmes said.

Newcastle Olympic First Grade women’s captain Laura Hall said the upgrade would be incredibly beneficial given the growing participation of girls and women in football.

L to R: Newcastle Olympic FC Director of Marketing Kosta Patsan, Newcastle Olympic President George Sofianos, Cr Carol Duncan, Tim Crakanthorp MP, lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Sharon Claydon MP with Newcastle Olympic players Jemma House and Laura Hall with Newcastle Olympic juniors

“In just three short years, Newcastle Olympic Women’s Program has grown to over 150 female players and coaches. With the Women’s World Cup about to start, that number will only continue to increase,” Ms Hall said.

OAM for Pat

(continued from front page)

One to One, New Lambton Community Centre, Lambton Park Bowling Club, Lambton Park Ladies Bowling Club, Our Time Ladies, Lioness Club of Lambton-New Lambton, Lambton Probus and Adamstown Probus.

Her membership of and service to some of these many groups and organisations continues in 2023.

When asked what her reaction was when she first learned of her award a few months ago Pat told The Local that she wondered if she could keep the secret.

“I am pleased to say I did keep it to myself. I can keep a secret.”

“I’ve never done any of the community work for the recognition. I am truly honoured to receive this award.” Pat added.

Pat will receive her award at a special ceremony at Government House in Sydney in September or October this year.

A grateful community says ‘Thank you Pat’.

Win a double to NTC production

The next production from Lambton’s Newcastle Theatre Company is titled Mother of the Maid. Isabelle Arc is a Godfearing woman. She can neither read nor write and her skirts smell ripe as cheese. But she can do all sorts of handy things

such as gutting a lamb, lancing a boil and hiding the family valuables during a raid. She has never blamed God for a blessed thing. When she lost a baby daughter to the bloody flux she barely shed a tear. Not that she didn’t

love the child but she knows that motherhood is a numbers game. Isabelle is grateful to have a daughter as healthy and hardy as her Joan.

Isabelle sometimes wishes that Joan would be a little chattier. But still, Isabelle Arc counts

her blessings. Grateful, grateful, grateful. That’s what Isabelle tries to be. Set in a world ravaged by 90 years of war between the Kingdoms of France and England and the torment of the Black Death, Mother of the Maid is the story of Joan of Arc’s mother, a sensible, hardworking, God-fearing peasant woman whose faith is upended as she deals with the baffling journey of her odd and extraordinary daughter. This riveting play is an epic tale told from an unexpected and remarkable perspective.

Mother of the Maid opens on Saturday 15 July at 8pm. Evening performances will be held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 29 July. 2pm matinees will be performed on Sunday 16 and Saturday 22 July. The Local has one double pass to the winner’s choice of performance of Mother of the Maid. To be in the running for the double pass just text the words ‘Mother of the Maid’, your first and last name, and your preferred performance day/time to 0455 210 000 by Friday 7 July.

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

YPT stages a cool classic

Young People’s Theatre is thrilled to bring Elsa, Anna, Olaf and the magical land of Arendelle to life on stage these school holidays. Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, Frozen JR. features all the memorable songs from the animated film plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.

With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure and plenty of humour, Frozen JR. Is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

“We all know and love the film, but seeing the story unfold on stage, live in front of you, makes the experience even more magical”. Said director Chelsea Willis.

“It allows us all, young and young at heart, to really connect with the characters and understand the

journey they are going on. I look forward to watching the kids’ faces and reactions in the audiences as much as I look forward to seeing the production on stage.

“Adults will be entertained as

much as the kids!” Chelsea added. Frozen JR runs from 4 July to 5 August at YPT Theatre in Hamilton. For details and tickets go to ypt.org.au or phone the box office on 4961 4895

Let

You are not alone. Approximately 20% of adults do not wear their hearing aids!1 There are a number of factors that adults don’t wear their hearing aids: Don’t see a benefit, background noise, fit and comfort, sound quality and volume control to name a few.

What

Quality aftercare - regular checkups and adjustments as your hearing changes.

5yr extended VIP warranty* valued at $3,999 on selected devices.

BOOK YOUR HEARING CONSULTATION online or call 4956 3825

Is your letterbox feeling lucky?

If one of the letterboxes pictured above is yours, you’ve won a $25 shopping voucher from one of three great local retailers. Phone us at The Local on 0455 210 000 by Friday 14 July to claim your prize. There’s a $25 voucher for Lambton Fruit Market, a $25 voucher for Piggott’s Pharmacy and a $25 voucher for Q’s Books at Hamilton to choose from.

First in best dressed with the choice of vouchers. The vouchers must be claimed by 14 July and redeemed at your chosen retailer no later than 31 August 2023. Congratulations to the residents of 37 Compton St, North Lambton and 49 Hobart Rd, New Lambon who each claimed a prize last month by correctly identifying their letterboxes.

It’s time for your annual diabetes foot check!

• We use the latest technology to detect any problems early, so that they can be prevented.

• Thorough and professional assessment by our experienced podiatrists.

• Feet with diabetes need a checkup at least once a year to keep them on track.

The Local Quiz

Congratulations to last month’s quiz winner, Norma Lindsay of New Lambton. Norma has won a $25 voucher to spend at Piggott’s Pharmacy. Last month’s mystery photo was taken at Broadmeadow Railway Station. This month’s quiz questions are below. You’ll find the answers within the pages of this issue except, of course, the mystery photo.

Question 1: What is the three letter abbreviation for the Medal of the Order of Australia award?

Question 2: Who is the maid being referred to in Newcastle Theatre Company’s production of Mother of the Maid?

Question 3: What is a finial?

Question 4: The former Warath Council and Courthouse building is utilised by which local school today?

Question 5: In what street and suburb would you find the mural covered building pictured above?

67 Nelson Street, Wallsend

Telephone: 4950 0955

Email: wallsend@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Web: soniahornery.com.au

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

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Susanna Clarke’s debut novel is a stunning exercise in the art of storytelling.

Her characters are not without their flaws, equally detestable and equally beloved, making them relatable and human.

Set during the Napoleonic wars, the novel devotes much of its time to its titular characters and their unusual quirk- magic. But unlike the magic we see in Ursula Le Guin, J R R Tolkein, or J K Rowling, that is innate and inborn, Clarke sets a world where magic is like any other discipline. It is learned from books, and can be acquired if one has access to books and libraries. But of course, Gilbert Norrell tries to restrict the use of magic to the elite, and this is where his disciple, Jonathan Strange, comes in. The rest of the narrative is a long-drawn battle between two of England’s greatest magicians.

Clarke sets the history of magic into perspective through this mammoth book which might be slightly ponderous, but the end product is rewarding and enriching. The research that has gone behind this epic historical fantasy is nothing short of stellar.

Even the footnotes that adorn almost every other page are detailed and strenuous.

It has romance, fantasy, mystery, and a looming air of authenticity which makes the reader suspect if there is indeed a whiff of magic in the air!

Review by Sreelakshmy

Is there a book you would like to review? Please get in touch with us at Q’s Books email: info@qsbooks.com.au

THAT WAS THEN This is now with

Waratah Council Chambers

At times it seems that half the buildings in this city are being demolished to make way for something new. So it’s nice to occasionally note a significant anniversary in the life of an historic building. After the Waratah Coal Company opened a mine in 1863, the population grew rapidly as miners and their families settled nearby. The residents petitioned the government, and the Municipality of Waratah was formed in 1871 to advance the town’s interests.

The new council first met in several rented premises, but soon decided to acquire a building of their own. In September 1872 they awarded contracts amounting to £376 for the construction of council chambers on a one-acre site beside the public school on Georgetown Road. They held their first meeting in the new chambers on 16 June 1873, but it was an inauspicious start. The Newcastle Chronicle reported ….

“The interior presented a most cold and dismal aspect, being insufficiently lighted and furnished, with one table and a few chairs. From the entire absence of anything approaching a celebration of the event, and the depressing appearance of the inside, the impression conveyed was that the councillors were thoroughly ashamed of the building, themselves, and the occasion.”

Undeterred by this gloomy assessment, the councillors were intent on making Waratah a pre-eminent administrative centre. They invited the Government to use the chambers to hold a fortnightly Court of Petty Sessions. When neighbouring Lambton lobbied for a Courthouse in their town, Waratah responded by offering to sell their chambers to the government for Court use.

The building sale was completed in 1879, but it was not until 1882 that council vacated, and Waratah finally had a dedicated Courthouse.

The Court operated in the building until August 1922. It was then used as a classroom to accommodate growth of the adjacent public school.

✔ are a parent or have direct parenting/ caring experience

✔ love children

✔ are non-judgemental, caring and reliable

✔ have a desire to make a difference in the lives of young children and parents

✔ can attend our free training and preparation course

We will match you to a local family with children 0-5 years needing a little extra support. Our next volunteer preparation course (1 day per week for 6 weeks) starts soon.

Despite its “dismal” start 150 years ago, the building is still in use today, part of the Dynamic Learning campus of St. Philip’s Christian College.

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

Here to HELP

Consultation improves government decisions

Dear Here to Help,

Someone told me recently that government is meant to consult the community before it makes big decisions. How did I never know this? How does this work? How do I become involved?

And why do some of government’s decisions still so… well weird? Surely, if government talks to us, they should get things right?

Government consultation is a passion of mine. While living in Luxembourg, I was invited to write a chapter

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in the IFA’s annual publication – I called it “making good tax law – the role of public consultation”. In government, I managed the Board of Taxation’s review of government community consultation practices. While researching the book chapter, I spoke to various government officials in Europe, to find out how they conducted public consultation. One response I will never forget was some German officials, who, deadpan, told me “we pay tax too, and we are involved in the process, so we understand what it’s like to be a taxpayer.” The corners of my mouth started turning up – surely this was a joke. But their eyes told me no – they were completely serious!

It’s hard to find the right balance in public consultation. The less turnover an individual, company or not-forprofit has, the harder to obtain their feedback into public policy (which is the technical term for government decision-making). Big business and wealthy individuals tend to better resource government relations. Inevitably, this means that government hears the bigger end of town’s views frequently, and the views of the smaller end of town are not as well represented in government decisions. I used to regularly ask how the proposed public policy would impact the smaller end of town. However, the responses were generally unconvincing. While working for government, I was responsible for a complex technical corporate legal amendment. Numerous pieces of legislation interacted and I had done a lot of research into them. I wanted to be sure that our proposed amendment would not result in unintended interactions with other laws. At the confidential public consultation, I asked attendees to please double check that particular provision and let me know if there were any issues. They assured me that our proposed amendment was fine. However, on the day the Bill was introduced to Parliament, there was a prominent article in the paper saying “we told government this wouldn’t work.”

You can imagine that upset me! Indeed, the current pwc media shows how the consultation process can go awry. Hopefully, that helps explain why and how government decisions do make mistakes and also why government might not consult as often as we might like.

To be heard, there are a number of options:

• if you know what area of public policy interests you, you can sign up on the department’s consultation website, for example, ato.gov.au/general/consultation/

• if there is not a current consultation that interests you, some departments have a policy feedback form or email address;

• there is also the option of approaching your local Member of Parliament.

LAW Matters

Mutual or mirror wills

Mirror wills are the wills of partners that contain essentially the same provisions but which do not create legal obligations on the parties to keep the same provisions until their respective deaths. The parties have therefore made no agreement not to change their will, for example, on or after the passing of the first to pass away. The last surviving partner is free to change their will at a later time as they wish or as their circumstances change. These types of wills are made by couples frequently.

Mutual wills on the other hand are wills made by partners which create legal obligations on the parties not to change the provisions of their respective wills, even after the passing of the other.

Mutual wills are becoming more common with the prevalence of blended families and in situations such as when the bulk of assets have been primarily brought onto the relationship by one of the parties and there is a desire for the couple to look after each other as well as to provide for children of an earlier relationship.

The legal obligation to not change a will may be created by oral or written agreement and is essentially a contractual agreement not to change their will, including after the other party has passed away.

The effect of having mutual wills is that the beneficiaries under the wills are able to seek enforcement of the agreement in the event that the last surviving partner does not honour the agreement and deals with the assets in a difference manner to that envisaged under the terms of the mutual wills. There are potential difficulties with using mutual wills, they do necessarily prevent the last surviving partner from wasting the assets or selling property, creating difficulties for later recovery and potential costs for the estate. Their use also does not prevent family provision claims being made against the estate. There are circumstances however when mutual wills might be considered, usually when the partners are older and there is unlikely to be any significant change in circumstances for the survivor, where there is genuine consensus as to how estate should be dealt with, and where the surviving partner does not wish to be restricted by the use of life estates or rights or residence.

Disclaimer

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. Formal legal advice should be sought in particular matters.Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

HEALTH Matters

Easing the signs of perimenopause

The symptoms of perimenopause are generally due to fluctuating hormone levels. To reduce the discomfort of perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy may be an option for some women. These are available in many forms including tablets, patches, creams, gels, implants, and pessaries. Dosage and form of treatment depend on your hormone levels. Consult your doctor for the best option for you.

Natural therapies include:

• herbal medicine such as black cohosh, chaste tree berry, peony, sage, shatavari, red clover

• Nutrients like vitamin B complex, vitamins A, C, E

and D3, calcium, zinc, fish oil, evening primrose oil

• Functional foods that contain phyto-oestrogens e.g., linseeds, rye, millet, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, seaweeds, buckwheat, wholegrain, soy, alfalfa, green beans, mung beans, red beans, split peas, olives, pumpkin seeds, parsley, chickpeas

• Probiotics

Dosage can be individualised based on how you are feeling. To get the most effective results from natural therapies, come in and chat with one of our friendly naturopaths.

You can also help by:

• getting plenty of sleep – go to bed and rise at the same time every day and aim for 8 hours each night.

• maintain healthy body weight and exercise regularly.

• avoid hot and spicy foods like curries.

• avoid sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.

Menopause is the term used for when a woman stops having a period for at least 12 months. It is a normal stage of every woman’s life which occurs between the ages of 45 to 55.

Before menopause occurs, a woman may experience changes to her period. Some of the symptoms of menopause include hot flushes, sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, decreased libido, sleep disturbance, urinary symptoms.

For further information and advice have a chat with our friendly team of naturopaths at Visionary Health, Beaumont Street, Hamilton.

Jumper on. Jumper off. and repeat...

Sound Familiar?

Symptoms of Peri-menopause can be frustrating. sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, decreased libido, sleep disturbance, and urinary are all symptoms of Peri-menopause

Speak with our friendly team of naturopaths today for a tailored treatment for you.

PHYSIO Matters

Pain is the pits

Pain squashes. It boxes you in, flattens your joy and makes life harder - both physically and mentally. Having had knee issues most of my life - I would rather poke myself in the eye with a fork than have my knee pain limit my ‘elite’ soccer career.

Honestly, It’s been a tough week. So many hard and horrible stories of people affected by pain. I’d rather eat my own shoelaces than hear another patient’s story of dodgy treatment or poor advice or no-empathy-nokindness-management. Its a rash. Its a pustule on the pink cheek of health care.

But - Instead of more of my drum banging - here’s a

summary of what we do differently @Brightside and how it can help you:

1.We listen

Properly. Thats why we have up to an hour for an initial consultation. We don’t need to know your brand of underwear or what you think of Pat Cummins’ captaincy but we do want to know enough so we treat you as a whole human.

2.You need a diagnosis

Seems simple, but having a clear idea of what is happening and why you are in pain can be helpful!

3.How long will it take?

99% of our patients want an answer to this question. Admittedly, sometimes this is tricky but we should be able to give you a rough idea of how long you need to see a physio for and how long it might take to get your mojo back.

4.What can we do to help?

If we understand the what, the why and the how long - we can then make a plan to get you back to your full life. We love helping with hands-on therapy, exercises (the weirder the better) and as many bad jokes as possible.

To start the journey to a big life and a better-brighter you, book online at brightsidephysio.com.au or call the brilliant humans at Brightside at 4062 8862.

PHARMACY Matters

Fat and cholesterol

Our bodies need cholesterol and fats (triglycerides), but having too much cholesterol or fat in our blood can increase our chances of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels can be lowered with healthy eating, lifestyle changes and medicines.

Types of fats

Fats occur in our food as polyunsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats, saturated fats and trans fats.

Polyunsaturated fats

They include: • Omega-3 fats – occur mainly in oily fish and fish oils (e.g. salmon, sardines, tuna), some plant and seed oils (e.g. canola, soyabean), walnuts and linseeds (flaxseeds) • Omega-6 fats – occur mainly in fish, plant and seed oils (e.g. canola, sunflower, soybean, sesame), some nuts (e.g. walnuts, peanuts, pecans, brazil nuts, pine nuts) and linseeds.

Monounsaturated fats

Monounsaturated fats occur mainly in fish, plant and seed oils (e.g. olive, canola, sesame), some nuts (e.g. hazelnuts, peanuts, cashews, almonds, macadamias, pecans, pistachios) and avocados.

Saturated fats

Saturated fats occur mainly in foods from animals (e.g. milk, cream, cheese, butter, yoghurt, meats), coconut and palm oils, commercially baked products (e.g. pastries, cakes, biscuits, pies, buns) and deep-fried fast foods (e.g. chips, crisps).

Trans fats

Trans fats occur mainly in commercially baked (e.g. pastries, cakes, biscuits, pies, buns) and deepfried fast foods made with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable fats or oils. Our bodies convert fats from our food into triglycerides and

cholesterol. Saturated fats and trans fats increase the level of ‘bad’ cholesterol in our blood. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats reduce the ‘bad cholesterol and increase the ‘good’ cholesterol.

Cholesterol (which is similar to fat) also occurs naturally in foods from animals (e.g. dairy products, meats, egg yolks, shellfish, liver, kidney, brains). Saturated and trans fats in food increase ‘bad’ cholesterol blood levels more than cholesterol in food does.

Cholesterol and triglycerides

Our bodies need a certain amount of cholesterol to make cell membranes, bile salts, hormones and vitamin D. Our bodies need a certain amount of triglycerides as a source of energy. Some of this cholesterol and triglycerides comes from food and some is produced by the liver. Cholesterol and triglycerides travel in the bloodstream in lipoproteins.

Tests

A blood test can measure blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Ask your doctor for this blood test if you: • are over 45 years old • have a family history of heart disease, diabetes or high cholesterol • have had a heart attack or stroke or have heart disease • .have high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease • are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander aged 35 years or older • smoke • are overweight • regularly eat high fat foods.

Self care

To lower your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels: •Eat less saturated and trans fats. Replace foods containing saturated and trans fats with foods containing polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Eat regular, healthy meals, including plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods. Limit foods high in fat, sugar or salt. • Use low fat cooking methods. Bake, grill, poach, steam or stir fry instead of shallow or deep frying. • Exercise at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes on all or most days of the week. • Keep to a healthy body weight. • Don’t smoke. • Limit alcohol to no more than two standard drinks per day.

Medicines

If your cholesterol or triglyceride levels remain high even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, your doctor may also recommend regular treatment with a medicine that lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels (e.g. atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin).

Local Community Group Notices

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

HOME-START FAMILY SERVICES

Home-Start is a voluntary service offering support, friendship and practical help to families with at least one child under 5 where the parents are experiencing difficulty in their parenting roles or are under stress. For information about volunteering or Home-Start services ph 4952 9488 or go to: www.homestartaustralia.org/

COMMUNITY GROUPS

LAMBTON RESIDENTS GROUP

All residents of Lambton area are welcome to come along to our monthly meeting. You too can be a part of some exciting and worthwhile initiatives and projects for the local area. The group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Next meeting will be at The Mark Hotel on Wednesday 12 July commencing at 5.30pm. For more information email: lambtonresidents@ gmail.com or call Angela on 0422 633 737.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

NOVOCASTRIAN QUILTERS

We meet at New Lambton Community Hall, 14 Alma Rd. Come along to one of our groups on 2nd & 4th Tuesday & 3rd Saturday every month. All sewing levels welcome. For further details email novocastrianquilters@gmail.com or ph 0425 383 424

SENIORS GROUPS

BEL AIR VIEW CLUB

Bel Air View Club meets on the third Monday of each month at South Leagues Club Merewether at 10.30 am. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to join us for friendship and interesting guest speakers and to help support the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program which assists young Australian school children create a better future for themselves. For any further information please phone Gillian on 4963 5655.

THE PROBUS CLUB OF SHORTLAND INC.

We are a Combined Club who meets at the beautiful Hunter Wetlands on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 9.30am, for friendship and fellowship with the meeting starting at 10.am. We are currently looking for people over 55 years who have retired and would like to join us for Coffee Mornings, Outings of day trips and away trips, good Guest Speakers, and a great morning tea at our Meetings, followed by a BBQ on the following day. We have 4 lunches at the Wetlands per year. If you would like to find out more about this Club, please contact Alan on 49683325 or email westalan@hotmail.com

LAMBTON SENIORS GROUP

CIRCLE DANCING

Come and join us for Circle Dancing on the 4th Saturday of the month in the hall at the corner of Valencia & Villiers Streets, Mayfield. It starts at 1.30 and concludes at 3.30. We have water breaks. Circle Dance is a style of social dance done in a circle. It ranges from a gentle to moderate pace. No partners are required. The next class will be held on Saturday 22 July. For more info contact Annie 0403 228 443 or Margaret 0417 663 064.

Interested in playing cards? Canasta is a great social game and is played every Thursday from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm at Jesmond Bowlo, 48 Mordue Parade (near the Jesmond Mall). You’ll be most welcome and we’ll happily teach you, either from scratch or just refresh your knowledge. Free off street parking. Phone Nola 4952 3685 or Des 4955 5032.

Local Classifieds...

BUDGERIGARS

Bush and modern budgies for sale, starting from $15 Ph 0456 919 046

CANARIES

Good quality young birds, yellow males, some female $30 each

Ph 4952 1300

Large dining table with 6 chairs in good condition $300 Ph 0431 610 116

FILM CAMERAS

7 x Nikon and Minolta SLRs, filters, 3 x rangefinder cameras.

1 x Mamiya 645 medium format. Variety of darkroom gear. Best offer. Ph 0408 684 132

LAWN MOWER & WHIPPER SNIPPER

Electric lawn mower and whipper snipper, new battery. Getting too old to mow! $100 Ph 4952 2575

SINGLE BED

Box style, white with lid that opens to provide good storage. Excellent cond. $200 o.n.o. Please text first Ph 0409 900 047

FREE RABBIT HUTCH

Two level wooden rabbit hutch, good condition, pick up Lambton. Ph 0417 298 525

Solution to crossword on page 28

NOTICES LOST KEYS

Keys with little daschund dog attached on string, possibly lost between North Lambton & Elder St Lambton. Reward offered Ph 0410 650 064

DECEASED ESTATES

Deceased Estates & memorabilia bought. Cash $ call Steve Ph 0419 266 223

DECLUTTERING

Like to increase the price of your home by decluttering? I can help you. I also offer cleaning, gardening and makeovers.

Ph 0415 389 811

IELTS TUITION

Experienced university lecturer. IELTS/IDP Certified. Lessons via Zoom & Google Docs. Suitable for foreign nationals applying for Permanent Residency/Sponsor visas & university applications. Offering instruction for all academic levels. Testimonials available. From $40 per hour. Contact Chris by email: chrisausspeak@gmail.com or SMS Ph 0416 624 710

JAZZ YOUR GARDEN GARDEN CARE & WEEDING

We specialise in garden, path and driveway weeding, garden mulching and plantings, general garden tidying. Hedging to 6 feet. General liability insurance to $10M. Call or text Nathan for a quick quote Ph 0448 173 084

MATHS TUTOR

Local tutoring business specialising in mathematics from K-12. Quality provider of faceto-face learning. $60 per one hour session. Individualised programs for differing student needs.

Ph 0428 207 986

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

They are free and they work! Email or post your ad today!

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

They are free and they work!

Email your ad to admin@ hunterlocal.com.au by 15th of the month.

Local Classifieds...

POSITIONS VACANT NOTICES

Be paid to deliver The Local to letterboxes

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

TAMWORTH HOLIDAYS

Room in share house from $40/ night from July or $75/night for Country Music Festival January 2024 Ph 0493 465 917

THEATRE TICKETS

Billy Elliott The Musical Saturday matinees 1pm 14 & 21 October, 2023 at Civic Theatre Newcastle. For bookings Ph 4952 8590

TULIP TIME COACH TRIP Trip to Bowral on Saturday 23 and Wednesday 27 September 2023. Phone for details and bookings Ph 4952 8590

WANTED

DOUBLE BED Wanted, a double bed with slats, in good cond Ph 0431 610 116

You must be available to do the deliveries around the end of each month. Two to four hours of walking per delivery area each month. Good rates paid per 100 letterboxes. All ages are welcome to apply. If you would like to join our team of deliverers email: mark@hunterlocal.com.au or text him on 0455 210 000 for more details.

Something to sell or to tell? Try these FREE Local Community Classifieds. They work!

Name _____________________________ Address ________________________________

Phone ________________________ Email______________________________________________________________________

Write the wording of your advertisement below. (Max. 25 words please)

Text: _______________________________________________________________________

Classification (eg. For Sales, Notices, Garage Sales, Wanted etc):__________________

Complete this form and post it to: ‘Local Classifieds’ PO Box 130, Lambton 2299 or email: admin@hunterlocal. com.au by 15th of the month. We reserve the right to not publish advertising considered inappropriate or not in the spirit of the free classifieds offer. Private party ads only. For business classifieds advertising please email admin@ hunterlocal.com.au