News From Around the Hunter & MidCoast

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News From Around the Hunter & MidCoast This page will include various news subjects for the areas of the Hunter Valley and MidCoast regions

08/12/2022

🔹 IMPORTANT COVID UPDATE - Lake Macquarie
🔹 Just a heads-up that the latest Covid variants are running rampant in the local community. There were 900 new local cases reported on Tuesday alone while another 17 deaths have been reported in the local health district over the past two weeks.
🔹 I'd stopped reporting weekly numbers because it's no longer mandatory to report a positive Covid case and therefore the figures are not entirely accurate. However, the number of cases which are currently being reported are concerning.
🔹 It's also important to remember that while these Covid variants do not pose a great threat to most of us with vaccinations up to date, they do to many people, especially older people and the immunocompromised.
🔹 The latest figures are below, and the best advice I can give you is to be aware of the latest wave and avoid crowded indoor places.
🔹 Masks, while not compulsory, provide significant protection against infection.

🔹 Lives lost in Hunter Health district in past week: 8
🔹 Lives lost in NSW in past week: 35 (5572 since start of pandemic)
🔹 Hospitalisations in the Hunter this week: 78
🔹 Admitted to ICU in the Hunter this week: 3
🔹 New cases in the Hunter last week: 2414
🔹 New cases in NSW last week: 37,088
🔹 See NSW Health's full weekly report here:https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/weekly-covid-overview-20221203.pdf
🔹 All data issued by NSW Health on December 8. All data relates to week ending December 3.

07/11/2022

Tomorrow night (Tuesday 8 November) there will be a full lunar eclipse, causing the blood moon phenomenon.

A lunar eclipse is when the sun, the Earth and the moon align allowing the moon to pass through the shadow cast by the Earth. The red colour is a result of how light is filtered through atmosphere - red has the longest wavelength so makes it, whereas colours like blue have a shorter wavelength so the light scatters.

The key times are:

Moonrise - 7.19pm
Partial eclipse begins - 8.09pm
Totality begins - 9.16pm
Maximum eclipse - 9.59pm
Totality ends - 10.41pm
Partial eclipse ends - 11.49pm

Because of the position of the Earth and the moon, this will be the last lunar eclipse we will see in totality until 2025.

07/11/2022

Scam alert! Don’t get fooled by emails or SMS claiming to be from myGov that ask you to give your personal details via a form or link to get a refund.

myGov will never ask you to click on a link or open any attachments in texts or emails.

If you get a suspicious message, don’t open any attachments or click on any links.

You can find more information about return scams and how to protect yourself from them here: servicesaustralia.gov.au/mygov-refund-email-scam

17/10/2022

🔘 LIGHT PLANE CRASH
- (MAITLAND LGA)

- 2:46PM, Monday 17th October

A man has been seriously injured in a light plane crash at Luskintyre, in the state's Hunter Valley.

The aircraft is believed to have exploded in flames as it crashed into a field on approach to an airstrip, 50-metres from Luskintyre Road, north-west of Maitland, around 2pm.

FRNSW fire crews from Rutherford and Branxton-Greta Fire Stations were quickly on the scene, along with NSW Police and NSW Ambulance, and have covered the area with fire retardant foam.

A man, aged in his late 40's, was found lying on the ground near the wreckage.

He is being treated for serious burns to his arms and legs.

▪️View and be alerted to more incidents near you by downloading the NSW Incident Alerts App. Try for free today; https://apple.co/39Y5tW2

17/10/2022

⚠️🌧 SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL, MAJOR FLOOD RISK
- LARGE PARTS OF

- 7:28PM, Monday 17th October

This is certainly not the news we wanted. Heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms will spread across the state this week, adding more water to already flooded rivers.

The red shading on the map above shows areas that are expected to see more than 80 mm of rain this week. The purple areas could see more than 100 mm, while the blue shading near the QLD-NSW border is where this forecast model anticipates more than 200 mm of rain over the next seven days.

The severe weather will be noticed from Wednesday involving intense thunderstorm activity on numerous days.

Unfortunately, this week’s rain and thunderstorms will impact areas of NSW that are currently being affected by flooding from recent rain. In some areas, this week’s wet weather will cause renewed river level rises and hamper clean-up operations.

We urge people across the state to keep updated as this unfolds as each model run will have different rainfall totals and areas most at risk. What we do know is there is a lot of rainfall to come this week with a significant flood risk as a result.

We will continue to provide updates throughout the week. View and be alerted to severe weather, flooding and road closures by downloading the NSW Incident Alerts App. Try Free for 7 days; https://apple.co/39Y5tW2. For SMS alerts only, visit www.nswincidentalerts.com

For emergency help in floods and storms, call NSW SES on 132 500 and if life-threatening, call 000 (Triple Zero).

📸 and article: www.weatherzone.com.au
Model: EC, Next 7 Days

17/10/2022
20/09/2022

People have been asking us, "How do we support you while you are still trying to rebuild?"
While it's taking longer than expected to get our digs up & running properly, you can support us by going online & purchasing our notorious Dr Jurds Jungle Juice via our website.
To stock up on your supply, visit: www.wollombitavern.com.au

20/09/2022

Shorebird nesting season has begun, please take care and follow the rules when four-wheel driving, walking dogs and using the beach.

👉 Prime nesting beaches for the endangered birds include the , and the area.

🐕 Keep control of your dog on the beach at all times and away from any fenced or sign-marked nesting areas.

👍 Drive within the intertidal zone, keep out of fenced areas, and report any fox sightings to Council.

🐥 Don’t take firewood from nesting beaches, as driftwood provides useful shelter for young chicks.

For more information on sharing the shore, visit: https://bit.ly/3KQvpRF

The magpies in my neighbourhood are kind, but some suffer. Be prepared. Be careful.
20/09/2022

The magpies in my neighbourhood are kind, but some suffer. Be prepared. Be careful.

📢 MAGPIE SWOOPING SEASON 📢

With the warmth of spring very much upon us at last, we should be alert to the fact that it is magpie swooping season.

Take care when out and about and consider reporting known swooping sites on the Magpie Alert website: https://www.magpiealert.com/

Stay safe out there!

20/09/2022

Double demerits start at midnight tonight and continues until 11:59pm, Sunday 25th September.

NSW Police Force will target speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

20/09/2022

Issued Tuesday 20 September 2022 at 2.30 pm
NSW SES Flood Watch Bulletin No 04 - Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter River

What is happening?
RENEWED FLOODING IS POSSIBLE FOR PARTS OF THE NEW SOUTH WALES NORTH WEST, CENTRAL WEST AND SOUTH WEST INLAND RIVERS FROM LATE WEDNESDAY

FLOODINGIS POSSIBLE IN MACLEAY, COLO AND LOWER HUNTER RIVERS AND WOLLOMBI CREEK FROM THURSDAY

FLOOD WARNINGS ARE CURRENT FOR SEVERAL NEW SOUTH WALES INLAND CATCHMENTS

A low-pressure system is forecast to bring widespread moderate rainfall to New South Wales during Wednesday and Thursday. Rain is expected to initially develop in the west and is likely to spread through most of the state on Wednesday into Thursday as the low makes its way to the east during the later part of the week.

The highest falls are likely through the inland, particularly in the Central West and North West Slopes and Plains. This rainfall may cause flooding along rivers in parts of the North West, Central West and South West inland catchments from late Wednesday, many of which are experiencing ongoing flooding due to previous rainfall in recent weeks. Flooding is also possible in several coastal river catchments which include Macleay, Colo and Lower Hunter Rivers and Wollombi Creek from Thursday.

Renewed minor to major flooding is possible along parts of the Namoi, Macquarie and Upper Lachlan River Catchments. Minor to moderate flooding is possible in the Gwydir, Peel, Castlereagh and Belubula Rivers. Minor flooding is possible in the Upper Macintyre, Bell, Bogan, Macleay, Colo and Lower Hunter Rivers and the Mandagery, Mirrool and Wollombi Creeks.

Catchments are currently wet or saturated in the inland catchments from rainfall in recent weeks.

Many NSW dams are near or at capacity.

The weather system may cause flooding for the inland catchments listed from late Wednesday and for the coastal catchments listed from Thursday. Flood classifications (minor, moderate, major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service.

What we are expecting:

Possible in the following catcments
• Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter River – minor to moderate

Minor flood levels
Low-lying areas next to water courses are inundated. Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged. In urban areas inundation may affect some backyards and buildings below the floor level as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths. In rural areas removal of stock and equipment may be required.

What you need to do:

People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should consider:
• Refraining from driving or walking through flood water
• Road closures and flood isolation may impact on work, family
and educational commitments
• Monitoring emergency warnings and severe weather updates
on local ABC radio, NSW SES Hunter page and
Bureau of Meteorology website
• If your property is at risk of inundation, please raise moveable
items, such as furniture, as high as possible onto benches or
tables, placing electrical items on top
• If you are advised by an emergency services officer to
evacuate, please do so
• Securing outside belongings and before leaving; turn off the
power, water and take essential medicines and clothes with
you
• Farmers should move machinery, livestock, pumps, and fodder
to flood free ground

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.

The next bulletin will be issued by Wednesday 21 September 2022 at 2.30pm

08/09/2022

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon", said Buckingham Palace

08/09/2022

Very sad news to report that WW2 veteran and much loved local hero Alf Carpenter passed away this week at the age of 105.

Alf was a true gentleman and a much admired local veteran. He was a member of the Merewether Hamilton Adamstown RSL Sub-Branch and was the oldest veteran to participate in the ANZAC Day march in Sydney this year.

Thank you for your service Alf and rest in peace.

📷 Photo Credit: Newcastle Herald

08/09/2022

Good morning,

The main rain band associated the front is moving over the Hunter this morning, another brought some showers last night...
This will bring showers and possible thunder.
The front is still a few hours from the Hunter...

NW'rly wind will increase around the middle of the day, gusts to ~50km/hr possible for exposed and elevated areas.
Air temperatures to low 20s.
Saturday looks dry for most areas, westerly wind increasing.

Welcome to Friday 🙂

Current radar courtesy WeatherWatch

22/08/2022
22/08/2022

🗣Flood Warning Systems - Swamp-Fishery Creek & Cessnock Urban Area🗣

Council will be holding community information sessions about flash flood siren alerting systems. which are proposed to be installed at four locations including:

- Elizabeth St , Abermain
- Thomas Fell Park, Weston
- Mount View Park, Cessnock
- Short Street, Cessnock

Council will hold two information sessions for residents who want to learn more about how the system will function, raise concerns and ask questions.

👨‍🏫5 September, 4-7pm, Cessnock
👩‍🏫6 September 4-7pm, Weston/Abermain

Council was recently successful in receiving grant funding from the Department of Planning & Environment to install flood warning system infrastructure within the Cessnock Local Government Area.

To view more information, ask questions and RSVP to the Community Information sessions, visit together.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/flood-warning-systems.

Photo courtesy of Dungog Shire Council

22/08/2022

Slowly, slowly, we are getting there. There is oodles of work going on behind the scenes to get our main bar and kitchen back open & we can't wait to show you the new look & space we are creating for you. It won't be too much longer, we promise!
In the meantime, our alternate bar & food truck are dishing up the goods with smiles from our staff. Please note, at this stage, our camp grounds are still sodden and remain closed to the public.

31/07/2022

Good morning,

Another cold start, some cloud and fog about though, this has kept temperatures a little higher than what they could have been...
Merriwa -2.8°, Cessnock Airport 0.5°, Maitland Airport 1.1°

We have a cold front approaching from the west, should arrive tomorrow morning. Another due later in the week, both could bring some rain our way, we'll have a better look at that later...

Today though; NW'rly increasing during the day, gusts not huge though, to ~45km/hr, some pre-frontal cloud, air temperatures to around high teens.

📷 We have missed him very much, so it's fabulous to be able to share a new image from him this morning; Brenton at Nelson Bay Marina ❤️
Welcome to Sunday 🙂

Brrr!
30/07/2022

Brrr!

It was a crispy-crunchy, cold and frosty start this morning, with another colder start for tomorrow...

Air temperatures are dropping quickly now the sun has gone, with clear and calm conditions allowing plenty of cold air in.
I think by morning there will be multiple areas with negative minimums, and plenty of frost.
Even coastal areas should drop into very low single figures, providing no cloud or wind moves in...

Some rain on the cards again next week, the first chance early in the week from an approaching front, we will post some thoughts on that tomorrow

Stay warm tonight 🔥

26/07/2022
26/07/2022
26/07/2022

Celebrate National Tree Day by heading down to Somerset Drive Park in Thornton to help plant 500 native trees and shrubs this Sunday 31 July, from 9.00am to 12.00pm 🌱

These plants will help to increase species diversity and regenerate the area.

All volunteers will be able to take some seedlings home to grow in their own garden🌿

26/07/2022

Calling all local green thumbs 📣🪴 It’s time to spruce up your neighbourhood with the new ‘Green Our City’ competition!

Green Our City will be running until December, encouraging residents to take part in the Street Gardens program, offering the opportunity to plan and install street gardens in your neighbourhood. As well as being able to lay claim to having the best new street garden in Newcastle, the winner of Green Our City will also receive $500 to spend at a local nursery of their choice! 🌳

To get involved, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/streetgardens and submit a Street Gardens registration form. Registration closes Monday 23 August.

25/07/2022

The 2021 Census counted 6.7 million families, an increase from 6.1 million in 2016.

Explore 2021 Census data about households and families at abs.gov.au/census

25/07/2022

Update: Speers Point Dog Park has since reopened. Apologies for any inconvenience.

We have closed Speers Point Dog Park this morning to allow time for the ground conditions to improve after the heavy rain we have been experiencing. To find an alternative dog friendly area near you head to lm.city/welovedogs

25/07/2022
25/07/2022

R&R PROPERTY - SHORT-TERM HOLIDAY RENTALS 🤩✨

We understand that managing your own Short Term Rental can be complicated and stressful... So,

YOU ASKED - WE DELIVERED! 🥳

R&R Property has a dedicated team of Short Term Rental Holiday Experts with over 30 years of experience and we will go above and beyond to make sure your property is presented immaculately with that extra attention to detail. 💥

It’s the little things at your property that makes a guest feel at home that can drive reviews to five star which is what we pride ourselves on. 🥰

Give us a call today to discuss how R&R Property's upcoming Short Term Holiday Rental service can benefit you! 🥳

Megan Cooke - Short Term Holiday Rental Property Manager 👠
📱0499 172 753
📩[email protected]

☎️1300 776 737
🌍www.randrproperty.com.au

25/07/2022

Newcastle residents, your bin collection day may be changing! 14,000 households will have the collection week switch for their yellow lid recycling and green lid garden organics bins. 2,000 households in Rankin Park and Wallsend will also start to have their bins serviced on a new weekday.

If your household is affected, you'll receive a letter this fortnight. These changes will start from the week commencing Monday August 1.

Keep an eye out for information arriving in your letterbox or visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/collection-days for more information!

25/07/2022

10 MOST MISUNDERSTOOD ROAD RULES

#6 USING HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS

High Beam:
A driver must not use their headlights on high beam if travelling
➡️ less than 200m behind a vehicle travelling in the same direction
➡️ less than 200m from an oncoming vehicle

Must not dazzle:
A driver must not use any light fitted to their vehicle that may dazzle another road user.

Fog lights:
A driver is only permitted to use fog lights if driving in fog, mist or other atmospheric condition that restricts visibility.

Spot lights:
A driver may only use a spot or search light if:
➡️ the vehicle is stationary and the light is being used for making adjustments or repairs to a vehicle. The light must not be projected more than six metres.
➡️ The light is used temporarily to read a house umber or notice board.

Lights:
When driving at night, or in conditions where there is insufficient daylight to render a person dressed in dark clothing discernible at a distance of 100m, a driver’s vehicle must have clearly visible:
➡️ headlights
➡️ tail lights
➡️ number plate lights
➡️ clearance lights and side marker lights if they are fitted to the vehicle.

It is recommended that in some daytime situations driving with the vehicle’s headlights on can improve the likelihood of being seen by other road users.

25/07/2022

All this week, until Sunday 31 July, the lights on Morpeth Bridge will be illuminated in a vibrant shade of SES orange 🧡

It's our way of paying tribute and saying thank you to all the NSW SES staff and volunteers who have pitched in and helped Maitland residents during the recent floods, some of who even travelled interstate to lend a hand.

From ferrying essential food and supplies to isolated communities, to medical evacuations of injured and sick patients, the SES has been there to help Maitland through adversity and strife. Thank you 👏👏

Snow is a possibility on The Barringtons.
25/07/2022

Snow is a possibility on The Barringtons.

20/07/2022

The recent floods have caused extensive damage to our digs & it’s taking a little longer than we expected to get back on our feet, but rest assured, we are working hard in the background to open our doors to you on some level.
Please be patient with us while we go through this process.
Our camp grounds will also remain closed until further notice.
We will post further updates on our socials as they come to hand.
Thanks again to everyone for your ongoing support & well wishes.

18/07/2022

Attention Beekeepers on Flood Watch🐝

If you find or have a beehive in floodwaters, please report the location to the Varroa Mite online at fal.cn/3pZQP or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881. There is no concern about Varro mite spreading through flood waters. For more information ➡ fal.cn/3pZQO

18/07/2022

Up to $50,000 in support is now available to eligible small businesses and not-for-profit (NFP) organisations affected by the June-July severe flooding and storms.

Payments can go towards the cost of safety inspections, building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock, or leasing temporary space.

Apply here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/june-and-july-2022-storm-and-flood-business-support

18/07/2022

Photos and memories of Cessnock's 'snow day', July 18, 1965.

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