Busy beaches: The Hunter's beaches were pumping during the long weekend as people enjoyed sunny skies and great surf. A traffic management plan was in place at Birubi Beach because of the high number of visitors, while the inaugural Few for Shoe surfing team challenge was held at Dixon Park Beach to raise awareness of mental health and suicide.
Image: Dave Anderson
Focus on mental health response: A joint committee has been set up between NSW Health and NSW Police to help the agencies better respond to mental health incidents. NSW Police launched a review late last year into how it responds to mental health incidents. It was prompted by the death of Newcastle woman Krista Kach who was hit by a beanbag round fired by police after a 10-hour stand-off. An update on the review is expected by the end of this year.
Water storage update: The latest water storage data from the state government has showed while dry conditions have eased, the Hunter's drinking water dam levels have dipped. Fifty-five per cent of the region is at non-drought status and 42 per cent is recovering. More than 77 per cent of the entire state has a non-drought declaration status.
Shrinking workforce: A business group has described the Hunter region's workforce as "stuck in a groove", the latest data showing several sectors are losing workers. The Australian Bureau of Statistics' monthly data for August reveals an increasing unemployment rate in the region after 11,200 jobs were lost. But Business Hunter chief Bob Hawes says there are people not participating in the workforce despite strong population growth.
Airport progress: The Newcastle Airport's new international terminal is on track to open on August 1 next year, its chief executive Dr Peter Cock says. The final roof beam was installed at a ceremony last week after it was signed by those who brought the $55 million expansion to life, including workers and key members of the Hunter's business and political community. It's hoped the terminal will reach lock-up stage by Christmas. The airport is in talks with three international carriers but none have signed on yet.
New maritime museum hopes: It's hoped Newcastle's maritime collection will soon be put on display again in a world-class facility, Newcastle's Maritime Museum Society president Bob Cook says. The Newcastle Maritime Centre closed in 2018 and the collection has been in storage ever since. There are plans to create a pop-up display on the foreshore ahead of a larger facility eventually opening. Mr Cook says with the new term of council, he believes they've reached a turning point.
MP urges govt spending with newspapers: Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell is calling for more spending on government advertising campaigns to be directed to regional newspapers to help keep them afloat. The final printed copies of several regional papers, including the Dungog Chronicle and Gloucester Advocate, were published last month. Last week independent media outlet Myall Coast Communication launched free printed editions in Gloucester and Dungog.
Newcastle psychologist mourned: A Newcastle psychologist who treated thousands of first responders for trauma will be remembered as a confidant who saved many lives, the NSW Police Association says. There has been an outpouring of grief on social media for Dr Roger Peters, who died last Friday after a long illness. Over many decades he treated thousands of emergency service workers, as well as advising on government policy in Australia and abroad.
More sport in Maitland: Attracting more large sporting clubs to play in Maitland is a priority for the Maitland City Council, its Mayor Philip Penfold says. The Newcastle Jets women's team announced it will play four of its 2024-25 season home games at the Maitland Regional Sportsground. The club will also play a pre-season game in Cessnock this weekend.
Dally M recognises our Knights: Two Newcastle Knights were recognised among the best players and moments at the Dally M awards. Yasmin Clydsdale was named in the NRLW team of the year in the second row, alongside Dally M medallist Olivia Kernick from the Roosters. Centre Abigail Roache won tackle of the year for a try-saving tackle in Newcastle's round five victory over the Eels.
