by 15 October 2024 Eleebana will transform into a vibrant celebration of Italian culture in November when it plays host to Lago Di Mac 24 The fourth annual celebration of Italian food and culture enthusiasts promises to be the biggest Italian festival ever seen in Lake Macquarie Drawing participants and spectators from across New South Wales and beyond organizers are expecting a record attendance of around 5,000 people making this year’s festival the largest of its kind in New South Wales A highlight of the festival will be the stunning display of Italian engineering and design with over 250 classic Italian cars and 100 bikes and scooters set to arrive from various parts of the country Enthusiasts from as far afield as Canberra and even Queensland are expected to make the journey Food lovers will have the chance to nosh on wares from over 15 of the finest Italian food and drink vendors travelling from Sydney They’ll be serving up everything from cannoli and porchetta to panini and piadina and a variety of Italian wines and beers Largo Di Mac 24 will take over Thomas Halton Park in Eleebana on the 23 and 24 November 2024. Visit the event’s Facebook page for up-to-date information Privacy Policy Our simplified product lineup offers bespoke and affordable advertising options designed to capture the attention of our hyper-local audience We create original and engaging media to tell your story sell your tickets and get people through the doors If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Orica senior mining and manufacturing executive will be running to try and unseat four-term MP Pat Conroy in the 2025 ballot The Newcastle Herald reported in January that Ms King had been shortlisted for the candidacy. Shortland has also only ever been held by Labor however Mr Conroy's hold on the seat is on the borderline of marginal at six per cent Ms King has been raising a young family with her husband and said local families were doing it tough "We have experienced first-hand the opportunities and challenges that come with living and raising a family in this vibrant community," she said "Prime Minister Albanese had promised cheaper mortgages but an interest bill for a typical mortgage has risen $50,000 since the election instead; and he promised that by 2025 household energy bills would be reduced by $275 - instead everyone is paying hundreds of dollars more." "My career has given me insight into the importance of strong economic policies for growing local industry and job creation and my husband's small business has provided me with great motivation to fight for other local small businesses in our region "The Liberal team is focused on delivery of more infrastructure and housing and fighting inflation that has left family budgets decimated." The date for the federal election is yet to be announced Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020. Today's top stories curated by our news team Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters Don't miss your weekly Knights update Get the latest property and development news here tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords Our Customer Service Centre is temporarily located at Speers Point Library opposite Council's Administration Building Cycling and Better Streets Strategy identifies a missing link between the existing shared path network at Eleebana Lions Park to Thomas H The provision of a shared path on Bareki Road is currently being investigated by Transport for NSW as part of their strategic cycleways corridors program We are assisting Transport for NSW with their investigations and will continue to advocate for improved safety outcomes on this stretch of road The project will identify a route for a safe easy-to-use shared path facility connecting existing sections of the regional cycleway network between Eleebana and Croudace Bay The project will also identify how and when the missing link can best be delivered We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past Telephone Interpreting Service 131 450 National Relay Service 133 677 Newcastle Knights NRL player Dave Klemmer has sold his ­Eleebana abode having bought at Warners Bay with wife Chloe late last year The purchase that cost $827,000 was a vacated three bedroom weatherboard house on a 650 sqm holding which sold through PRD Newcastle agent Ryan Houston Knights prop David Klemmer and wife Chloe are on the move The first thing the couple did was seek demolition ­approval and they have now lodged a new two storey Coral Homes-designed home application to Lake Macquarie City Council having paid $1,025,000 in 2017 for the modern four bedroom house MORE: James Tedesco’s huge home buy breaks NRL records NRL player David Klemmer has bought at Warners Bay With plans to demolish and rebuild after selling at Eleebana His first home at Oran Park was sold in May last year for $1.25 million It became a rental in 2019 at $780 a week after Klemmer joined the Knights in 2019 from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs The five bedroom Oran Park house that sat on a 927 sqm block had been built in 2015 two years after the couple paid $305,500 Former NSW State of Origin star Klemmer who has signed on for next season will rejoin the side onfield next week after the clash between the prop and a club trainer MORE: Latrell Mitchell’s new record-smashing South Sydney home Big clue to Buddy Franklin’s next AFL move The Daily Telegraph reported he copped a suspended fine and effectively a one game ban after erring in not coming from the field before abusing the trainer two Sundays ago The incident has led to some commentators questioning Klemmer’s future in Newcastle after a rumoured move to Parramatta before the season’s transfer deadline of August MORE: Samantha X’s next big move Brad Pitt shells out $57.4m for coastal cliff home third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. Wet wipes pulled out of a Hunter Water sewer pipe in February 2016 in Eleebana Link copiedShareShare articleA massive blockage made up of wet wipes and sewage pulled from an underground pipe near Newcastle has highlighted the problem of the increasing use of wet wipes The Hunter Water Corporation tweeted a photo of the blockage which was removed in January using a crane and buckets in the Lake Macquarie suburb of Eleebana Hunter Water's Nick Kaiser said the wipes were becoming increasingly popular with adults around the world "The wet wipes are being advertised as basically an extra way to freshen yourself up after the bathroom," he said "The whole flushable wet wipe issue is actually a global issue." Hunter Water said its Eleebana sewage pumping station had been damaged as a result of the blockage The corporation said the blockage had weighed about a tonne and took four hours to remove Crews used a crane to remove a 7-metre "snake" weighing about 750 kilograms while another 300 kilograms were removed by crew members using buckets Hunter Water said the blockage had been taken a depot for cleaning wipes were anything but "flushable" "The safest way to think about what you can put down your toilet is the three Ps — pee "Everything else should stay out of the sewer there are no actual standards for what is flushable "So you'll flush the toilet and the wet wipe will disappear but it just doesn't break down." Mr Kaiser said if the wet wipes did not cause a blockage in the system they would typically find their way to a sewage treatment plant "Then it's just a matter of them getting filtered out and then they go into landfill," he said Mr Kaiser said the wipes could cause issues all the way through the sewer system and even once they reached the wastewater treatment plant even coffee granules have to be filtered out of the sewer at some point," he said Disposable wipes are costing authorities tens of millions of dollars as more people flush them down the toilet with manufacturers and sewerage companies scrambling to fix the problem Queensland Urban Utilities spokeswoman Michelle Cull last year said despite efforts to get the message through to consumers "I think a lot of people just aren't aware that they shouldn't be putting wet wipes down the toilet," she said "The big issue is that wipes don't disintegrate like toilet paper does We remove around 120 tonnes of wipes from the system every year." Queensland Urban Utilities removes about 120 tonnes of wet wipes from its system every year Water Services Association of Australia executive director Adam Lovell said the ultimate blockage was known as a "fatberg" "Fatbergs are horrible — they're absolutely huge and what happens of course these fatbergs contain quite a lot of wipes that make them even bigger." One of the most famous fatbergs in London in 2014 was the size of a double-decker bus. It took 10 days to remove the fatberg from under a major road in south-west London. Left there much longer, it could have caused raw sewage to start flooding homes, streets and businesses throughout the area. A 'fatberg' removed by Yarra Valley Water in Victoria. (Supplied: Hunter Water) Why Trump wants to reopen an infamous US prison — and whether it's possibleTopic:Explainer CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Picture: Lake Macquarie City CouncilNancy Lott has always loved gardening but a recent project she's been involved in has been a particularly passionate cause of hers She has been coordinating the transformation of a creek that runs through the retirement village she lives in at Eleebana and is overjoyed with how it is looking "I'm very thrilled with the progress we've made." The project was born out of a private Landcare group Ms Lott helped to establish a few years ago in the village She said Lake Macquarie City Council did some work to stop erosion in the creek and suggested getting involved in Landcare So Ms Lott joined with a few other residents to form a Landcare group in the village to help improve Fossil Wing Creek Little group's big effort to transform Eleebana creekAs the group is operated on private property but recently obtained a small council grant to help them work on the creek "The grant entitled us to mulch and get some coir netting to hold the mulch in place," Ms Lott said it would have taken us a couple of years to afford to get everything done The grant also funded 200 native tubesock plants which they are in the process of planting along a 50 metre stretch of the creek "Next Tuesday we're going to finish planting them," Ms Lott said "They're only six inches high but it's amazing how quickly they grow Ms Lott said as well as being more aesthetically pleasing the group hopes the transformation attracts more birds and wildlife to the area She said while the group was made up of just a few village residents who loved gardening but "are all on the high side of 70" the village community had really embraced the Landcare creek project I sent an email to everyone asking if anyone could help," Ms Lott said "We had five Landcare members and four other men from the village respond but have said they're willing to put in money for plants Ms Lott said while the transformation had taken some work "We want to help make our village more attractive." She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020 Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy Newcastle Junior Rugby League has backflipped on its decision to stop the Valentine-Eleebana under-10 and 11 teams from competing against other clubs this season The Devils’ six teams will rejoin their respective competitions this weekend after the club met with New South Wales Rugby League and the Newcastle junior league Valentine-Eleebana was accused of not evenly-spreading talent across the teams lake and warmer weather attracted Stephanie and her family to Lake Macquarie they have discovered there is so much more to love about our City Stephanie Terrance can’t help but smile when she gets stuck in ‘traffic’ going about her new life in Lake Macquarie as a lawyer “Traffic here means spending an extra five minutes in the car,” she says “Traffic in Sydney meant spending an extra hour or more on the road husband James and their two young children moved to the lakeside suburb of Eleebana from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire in April “The commute time was just too much for us so the work-life balance wasn’t there,” Stephanie says “The traffic was ridiculous where we came from out of the rat race there and in a better lifestyle.” It came down to Canberra or Lake Macquarie with the latter winning out thanks to the City’s beaches Stephanie says her family soon discovered other unexpected benefits of the shift north “I think what surprised me most were all the parks and playgrounds,” she says “There were so many new ones to choose from and we just didn’t have that where we came from There wasn’t much investment in them  Enjoying an afternoon at Cherry Road playground at Eleebana “And with day-care we got in straight away we were on a wait-list for a year-and-a-half.” Belmont wetlands and the Redhead sand dunes are among the natural playgrounds the Terrances have explored since settling into Lake Mac “It seems like Lake Macquarie is really suited to spending a lot of time outdoors and that’s definitely us,” Stephanie says Your neighbours come out and greet you here we didn’t really know any of our neighbours bumping out other high-end suburbs such as Merewether and Hamilton South Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue Eleebana has taken out the top spot in a new list of the most expensive suburbs to rent Jesmond has come in as the cheapest suburb to rent in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie according to CoreLogic's Quarterly Rental Review report Eleebana led rental prices to record a median value of $758 per week followed by Hamilton South ($749); Redhead ($731); Valentine ($722); and Merewether ($718) Jesmond with a median rent value of $462 per week came out as the cheapest ahead of Birmingham Gardens ($499); Marks Point ($516); Windale ($529); and Blackalls Park ($532) Belle Property's head of property Danielle MacAskill said homes for rent in Eleebana are in-demand due to the low percentage of rentals in the area "Just under 10 per cent of properties in Eleebana are rental properties so there is less availability," Ms MacAskill said Demand in the area is also due to its popularity with families "East Lake Macquarie is very popular amongst families due to the type of properties in the areas as opposed to units and families are drawn to the area due to the great reputation of the locals schools," she said "Another drawcard is the fact that is close enough to Newcastle CBD while still being far enough to have some sanctuary away form the hustle and bustle of the city." She said properties for lease are spending an average of just 13 days on market in Lake Macquarie adding that demand is "absolutely" driving rental prices up "While there is demand for rental properties Rental values in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie continue to rise with the region emerging as the third most expensive rental market in regional NSW The median rent value in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie is $621 per week making it the third-most expensive regional NSW rental market behind Richmond Tweed ($710 per week) and Illawarra ($663 per week) rental values in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie recorded an increase of 1.6 per cent over the last thee months This was the fourth highest increase of sub-regions in regional NSW according to CoreLogic head of research Eliza Owen and takes the region's annual rent growth to 5.5 per cent in the past 12 months Ms Owen said the annual pace of rent growth has slowed markedly from 10.6 per cent in the year prior to March 2022 "This may reflect a normalisation in migration trends from regions to cities where the flow of migration from regional Australia to capital cities has started to lift post lockdowns," Ms Owen said "This could take some pressure off regional rents while contributing to momentum in the cities." "While rental market conditions are still tight across the region supply levels are slightly higher than where they were this time last year," Ms Owen said "The March rental vacancy rate across the region was 1.2 per cent and total rent listings were 798 over the month which is up from 753 this time last year CoreLogic's Quarterly Rental Review shows that after easing through the second half of 2022 the country's quarterly rental growth trend reaccelerated through the March quarter with the national rental index rising 2.5 per cent up from 2.0 per cent in the December quarter Demand pressures have compounded the pace of rental growth in Australia as rents reaccelerated and vacancy rates tightened to a near record low of 1.1 per cent in the first three months of 2023 Jade joined The Newcastle Herald as a reporter in 2001 and spent 15 years covering entertainment. In 2022, she joined ACM's national property team. Jade covers everything in the world of property across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter region including record-breaking sales, real estate trends and new developments. Got a news tip? Get in touch:at jade.lazarevic@austcommunitymedia.com.au Located in Bunya Park this community garden offers many activities to participate in events and regular social catch-ups over morning tea.  Regular working bees are held on the second Saturday of the month from 9am-2pm Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe man died in hospital on Sunday night after a crash still under examination by police Emergency services were called to Buring Close about 1.10pm on Saturday October 24 amid reports of a crash was mowing his front lawn when he was struck by a reversing four-wheel drive stopped and rendered assistance to the first man Paramedics treated the pedestrian for critical injuries taking him to the John Hunter Hospital where he died on Sunday The driver was taken to Belmont Hospital and underwent mandatory blood and urine testing Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 Council’s next meeting will take place at the Administrative Centre at Speers Point on Monday 11 March 2024 with a Standing Committee meeting starting from 6.30pm Members of the public have the option to watch the proceedings live online at webcast.lakemac.com.au Below are some of the items listed for discussion You can view the full agenda online Draft Active Recreation Strategy - public exhibition Council will consider exhibiting the Draft Active Recreation Strategy—a plan to boost community participation in physical activities to improve health and wellbeing - to the public for feedback The strategy aims to guide future projects and initiatives to encourage active recreation It seeks to build upon and maximise the use of existing facilities and spaces for active recreation through programming and promotion and provide new facilities where needed  Requests for donations under Donations Program Council will consider approving a donation of $1500 for Mums’ Cottage a not-for-profit organisation which provides relief to individuals and families the funding would assist with expenses for their Volunteer Week 2024 celebration lunch Council will consider approving construction of a new dwelling and associated retaining walls at 24 Chardonnay Court The proposal includes a three-storey dwelling with a maximum height of 10.06m The dwelling has been designed to respond to the topography of the site and sits amongst dwellings ranging from a single storey up to three storeys Revision to lease equity model for community Council will consider adopting the revised contribution model for community recreation and childcare facilities which aims to ensure equitable distribution of leasing costs Council adopted the 'lease equity' contribution model to address disparities in lease fees and rates for community organisations using Council-owned land and facilities and community organizations' capacities to generate income will involve a cycleway being built over part of Lake Macquarie to include viewing platforms looking over the lake has been touted as a tourist attraction and a missing link in a major lakeside cycleway a nine-kilometre continuous cycleway will run from Lions Park to Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery at Booragul "This is one of the most exciting projects we've had on the drawing board for many years," Lake Macquarie Mayor Greg Piper said.Lake Macquarie City Council has awarded the project tender to Rutherford company Waeger Constructions.The project will be paid for with about $1 million in federal money and other money from the council and state grants A second round of funding was announced yesterday.A council report said the project involved a 360-metre bridge around Red Bluff and over the lake.A 40-metre extension will be built to an existing cycleway The bridge was needed because a path over the bluff's escarpment would be too steep.A further 20 metres of path will be built on the ground to join a cycleway next to Glad Gunson Drive Increasing public demand for cycleways sparked the project Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Love footy? We've got all the action covered. The latest news, results & expert analysis. Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. Get the latest property and development news here. Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. 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Picture: Simon McCarthyIt's a club with a claim to the title of the Hunter's greatest rugby league nursery with an honour roll of players including Paul Harragon Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBut Valentine Eleebana Junior Rugby League Football Club is reeling after being told its Under-10 and Under-11 teams would not compete against other clubs for the remainder of the season amid an accusation The Devils have disobeyed an order not to grade teams in those age groups based on skill level the U10 and U11 teams - three sides in each age group - will play "intra" matches against each other as punishment from Newcastle Junior Rugby League until The Devils are perceived by the governing body to have fallen into line with the directive issued earlier this year But those associated with the club say the teams have not been put into grades They say the club is being punished for having a strong nursery of players and top coaches and that if their players were shuffled into different teams While a NSW Rugby League spokesman said in a statement to the Newcastle Herald on Friday that no teams had been stood down the Valentine Eleebana faithful see the punishment as suspension from the competition a former treasurer of the club who coaches his son's U10 side said the teams were "100 per cent not graded" eight of them had been together since the Under-6 age group Mr Murphy said the league's ruling meant that young players faced the prospect of being split from teammates they have had since they were five years old - he said his son was "devastated" at what was happening a quality club and systems that develop players," he said "I feel like we're starting to get penalised for that." Picture: Simon McCarthyIn an email sent to parents and guardians of players on Friday Newcastle Junior Rugby League said it was with "great disappointment and frustration" that it had to take punitive action after checks of the playing rosters in the first two rounds prompted a warning to The Devils - which the league felt was ignored in round three "It is the genuine wish of the NJRLA board that Valentine Eleebana JRLFC comply with the direction .. as other member clubs have done," the email said "Once compliance has been met the Valentine Eleebana JRLFC U10's and U11's will move into the remainder of the season in normality with the rest of the competition." had played for the club since he was five-years-old and was upset over the action taken against by the league Dr Duthie - a senior university lecturer in exercise science who has worked as a high performance manager for South Sydney Rabbitohs strength and conditioning coach with Newcastle Knights and also spent time in junior development for Australian Rugby Union - said the amount of talent in those age groups at the club meant it would make little difference if players were shuffled "If they spread the teams they are going to get the same results," he said "We've got good talent and they've been exposed to good coaching "[Newcastle Junior Rugby League is] punishing kids that are talented that are in a good development program said she was concerned about the impact the action from Newcastle Junior Rugby League could have on the young footballers "It is absolutely disgraceful and unwarranted," she said When contacted for comment on Friday a NSWRL spokesman said in a statement that no teams or players had been "stood down" from participating "An issue has arisen with the Valentine Club because of their failure to follow national guidelines for participation in Junior Rugby League," the spokesman said "The NSWRL has reached out to the Valentine Club to resolve the issue but the offer to meet with the relevant NSWRL officials has not been taken up "The NSWRL remains committed to working with all clubs to find solutions which maximise participation in Junior Rugby League." Our journalists work hard to provide local This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: Your general waste and recycling bins are collected fortnightly (alternating weeks) and your green waste bin is collected weekly.  Enter a street address to find your bin collection days If a scheduled waste collection service was missed, please report the issue to us pictures suppliedASPIRING Hunter cricketers have proven their skills on the pitch at the 2023 NSW PSSA Knockout in Bathurst on Tuesday Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueEleebana Public School's girls cricket team were named state champions after their win over Perthville in the semi final and Normanhurst West in the final Normanhurst West battered for 25 overs scoring 67 runs Eleebana lost two quick wickets but team captain Annabell Grange remained calm with six fours for vice captain Piper Dyett Her twin sister Ivy Dyett hit the winning runs by smashing a four "I'm super proud of the team for working hard over the last 12 months and I'm proud of my sister," Piper said Annabelle said after losing last year's semi final by three runs "Everyone showed great commitment to training every week Coach Jack Toole said their loss became the catalyst for a remarkable display of dedication and determination from the players "Each player has contributed to our success and they are all rightfully proud of their achievements," he said New Lambton Public School came second in the NSW PSSA Boys State cricket final They beat Timbumburi Public School in the semis and were runners-up to Riverbank Public School in the final given Riverbank had 700 students try out for their school team Eleebana Public School's success continued with their girls soccer team also being crowned state champions in October They sealed their victory over Greys Point Public School in 30 degree temperatures at Sydney's Valentine Sports Park Team captain Maya Slatter said her team was eliminated in the first game last year and they were determined to be victors this year Vice captain Chloe Sheldrick said winning was amazing and she was so proud of her teammates it was an amazing feeling and we had so much fun," she said Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au Newsletters & AlertsView allDaily A landmark shared pathway from Speers Point to Glendale is now complete filling in a missing link to create a continuous cycling route from Eleebana to the University of Newcastle and beyond The 4.6km path starts at Speers Point Park running parallel to Cockle Creek before following Lake Road and heading behind homes in Argenton to skirt Waratah Golf Club Lake Macquarie City Council Infrastructure Assets Strategy Coordinator Simon Gulliver said the pathway continued to the end of Frederick Street in Glendale linking with the existing Tramway Track to Wallsend The track creates an almost wholly off-road 18km route from Eleebana to the university and a 14.3km route from Booragul to the university “That makes this a project of real significance not just for recreational cyclists and walkers healthier option than driving,” Mr Gulliver said off-road pathway and scenery at the Speers Point end also make it a really enjoyable ride.” Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the city was now home to more than 115km of off-road shared paths “This kind of infrastructure promotes healthy lifestyles improves our environment by taking cars off the road and provides important links between suburbs,” she said “It is an important step in our region’s roll-out of sustainable commuter transport options.” The $10.5 million total project cost included upgraded pedestrian crossings construction of a 550m fence along the golf course and more than 15,000 new shrubs University of Newcastle Chief Operating Officer David Toll said encouraging people away from cars and towards alternative transport options was one of the university’s long-term sustainability goals “With recently completed cycleways in the Newcastle LGA and rapid way of getting from A to B for university students and staff based in Lake Macquarie,” Mr Toll said is among the commuters who will use the new shared path to get to work The 22km ride now takes him less than an hour “You used to have to ride along Lake Road all the cars and a bit of a dodgy road surface it was pretty dangerous,” Mr Dare said “So to be able to come along the back away from the traffic is fantastic.” Seating and drinking fountains have been installed at intervals for path users Newcastle Cycleways Movement Vice President Peter Lee said filling in the gap between the Warners Bay-Speers Point shared path and the Tramway Track had been identified as a top priority by Council’s Cycling Advisory Group as far back as 2012 “The long-held vision of Newcastle Cycleways Movement of linking these two projects has come to fruition,” he said “This is an essential link in the CycleSafe Network vision.” The project’s completion coincides with the launch of a new online cycling map providing an overview of cycling routes throughout Lake Macquarie and Newcastle whether they are off-road or on-road and their level of difficulty Go to lakemac.com.au for more information Picture: Simon McCarthySix junior rugby league teams that were booted from regular fixtures last week after an allegation their sides had been illegally graded will return to the field to face other clubs this weekend after the governing body lifted its suspension Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueNewcastle Junior Rugby League overturned the punishment on Wednesday night after a meeting with Valentine Eleebana Junior Rugby League Football Club officials and representatives from NSW Rugby League The suspension was reversed without The Devils' Under-10 and Under-11 teams having to make any changes to the three sides in each age group Despite what appeared to be vindication for the club, which has all along denied any wrongdoing a $2000 fine issued to The Devils in relation to the allegation was only halved on Wednesday night - rather than dropped completely NSW Rugby League refused to comment on why half the fine still stood when contacted by the Newcastle Herald on Thursday The Devils were told last week that their U10 and U11 teams would only play "intra" matches against each other for the remainder of the season after Newcastle Junior Rugby League accused the club of secretly grading teams in those age groups - against a directive not to do so at the beginning of the season Those associated with the club said the teams were made up of many players who had taken the field together since the Under-6 age group and argued The Devils were being punished because they had been successful The club has a proud history as a rugby league nursery Luke Burt and Adam Muir pulling on The Devils jumper at some point in their football careers President Matt Wallace said on Thursday the club was vindicated by the decision to overturn the suspension "We always maintained we followed the rules or the directive given by Newcastle Junior Rugby League," he said "We split the talent evenly to the best of our ability We're satisfied we did do the right thing from day one." Grant Duthie - a former high performance manager for South Sydney Rabbitohs and strength and conditioning coach with Newcastle Knights who also worked in junior development for Australian Rugby Union - said he was glad "common sense prevailed" and his son would be able to run onto the field with his mates in one of the U10 teams this weekend NSWRL Head of Football Robert Lowrie said in a statement that all parties at Wednesday night's meeting resolved to "commit to working together to achieve the best results to maximise junior rugby league participation" Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFrom Knights legend Paul Harragon to Broncos forward Payne Haas the number of Valentine-Eleebana juniors to have progressed to the elite level is incredible former Red Devils juniors have played more than 2300 NRL games The talent to have emerged from the club will now be there for all to see with the release of a team of the half-century selected as part of the Red Devils' 50th anniversary Club president Matthew Wallace said the side which will be formally unveiled at a club event later today was put together by a five-man panel of current and former officials a player had to have spent at least two years with the club This ruled out the likes of Willie Mason who played one season but the line-up is full of players who had long NRL careers "A lot of them have had very successful careers," Wallace said "It has brought back good memories for them a lot of memories of the club where it all started." Harragon said some of his "finest childhood memories and lifelong friendships" were from the Red Devils He acknowledged the likes of Reggie Squiries and Bruce Gill "who gave their time and passion" building the club from "humble beginnings" to help make it what it is today "I don't think anyone would have imagined how successful the club would become," Harragon said Valentine-Eleebana fields 28 sides from the under sixes to 15s Wallace said playing numbers had to be capped because the club did not have enough access to fields featuring a foreword by NRL boss Andrew Abdo has been compiled to mark the 50th anniversary Valentine-Eleebana Red Devils 50th anniversary team Max McKinney is a sports reporter with the Newcastle Herald. He previously worked in news, covering mainly local government and transport. Max mostly reports on the Newcastle Knights, but also covers a mix of local sport. great excitement at the Eleebana home of Michelle and Tony Bayliss on Wednesday night as the premiere of Doctor Doctor aired on Channel 9 Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueTALENT: Chloe Bayliss as Hayley in new television series Picture: Alina Gozin'aTheir eldest daughter plays a starring role in the new series about a heart surgeon (Rodger Corser) forced to return to the small country town of his birth and atone for some hard-living sins. Her character is the devoutly religious Hayley the sweet and outspoken long-term girlfriend of Ajax (played by Matt Castley).  graduated with a Diploma of Dance and Performance at the National College of Dance, Newcastle dancer and choreographer. Her film credits include Michael Petroni’s Backtrack alongside Academy Award-winner Adrien Brody and Sam Neill and she has appeared on television shows Reef Doctors In May she was nominated for the prestigious Heath Ledger Scholarship for her role in Backtrack.  Her stage credits with the Ensemble Theatre include Charitable Intent, Rapture Blister Burn and Circle Mirror Transformation, for which she was nominated as Best Supporting Actress at the 2012 GLUG Theatre Awards, and most recently The Good Doctor She has also worked in Red Line Production’s The Whale Bayliss moved from Port Macquarie to Newcastle at the age of 14 to study dance full-time at the Marie Walton Mahon Dance Academy (now National College of Dance).  “All my family live in Newcastle – my extended family too – so I’m there all the time,” she told Weekender from her studio apartment in Lane Cove.  “On both sides of my family there are teachers who have taught in the area My parents and younger sister Phoebe live in Eleebana She is playing the role of Fiona in Hunter Drama’s Shrek The Musical JR.” Bayliss began to realise that it was the “acting” side of dancing that she was enjoying the most Throwing herself into a character and bringing that person to life She was dancing in America at the time and returned to Australia moved to Sydney and began acting classes “I met my now acting coach and one thing led to another and I got an agent and from there I’ve worked in theatre and film,” she says.  “All the dance training that I’ve had has been incorporated into the acting that I do I still teach and choreograph all the time but acting is my chosen career path “I’m doing a play in Sydney called Gloria and my character has dance elements Working alongside Adrien Brody and Sam Neill in 2015 thriller Backtrack has been a definite career highlight for Bayliss to date It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last year.  Most of my scenes were with Adrien and he is the most beautiful human being in the world “With TV you never know where your character’s going to go but with a film your character is part of the story from beginning to end It was lots of fun and I’d love to do more.”  Bayliss was asked to audition for the role of Hayley in Doctor Doctor and walked in thinking she wasn’t right for the role.  “I didn’t hear anything for a couple of weeks so I presumed I didn’t get it and then a month later I got a call from my agent saying ‘You got the role’ What are you talking about?’,” she says with a laugh.  “I have had the best time shooting this series The cast is amazing and the writers are incredible – the show is so funny “And I think everyone can relate to the characters in one way or another but you just fall in love with each of them “We only just finished shooting a few weeks ago The series was brought out early because Channel 9 liked it so much Bayliss has worked solidly for the past 12 months but isn’t taking it for granted “Before that I had 12 months where I was going ‘Oh “Having a role in a feature film has opened doors already – it got me representation overseas and recognition here.  I don’t really care about the recognition or fame Bayliss is leaving her options open.  “I’m working on a play [Gloria] right now with Marta Dusseldorp well, I’ve got a manager in the States so I might think about heading over there for a bit Picture: Simone De PeakELEEBANA’S Cody Marshall is only nine years of age but he is already laying down plans to go one better at next year’s Wakeboard World Championships.  Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueMarshall claimed second in the World Wakeboarding Association’s Junior Boys (nine and under) category at the 2018 World Championships The talented all-round sportsman put everything he had into the competition training throughout winter to prepare as best he could.  The colder months of the year are usually the water-skiing off season for the Marshall family but Cody’s commitment meant he was in the water most weekends.  While the family’s lakeside home at Eleebana makes for an ideal training base it was training sessions at Wisemans Ferry where Cody showed his dedication.  Skiing in waters as cold as eight degrees he honed his routines under the watchful eye of his coach Scotty Kell.  The preparation left him well schooled for the championships which involved skiing a 400-metre course and completing tricks.  there was competitors from over 30 nations,” Cody’s mum Amy said. “They all get towed by the same boat and they have all got the same driver. The judges sit in the boat and score.”  Picture: Simone De PeakCody finished with a score of 71.67 to secure second place in the Junior Boys final He has a year to go in the category and is eager to improve in 2019 when the event is held in Mexico.  Cody said it was “different” to skiing on Lake Macquarie and involved a “little bit more pressure” than domestic events but there was “a lot of really nice people there”.  He said he loves “flipping and having new tricks to do” and his dad so we’ve always had a boat,” Mrs Marshall said.  “Cody and his sister have been swimming and jumping off our jetty since they’ve been old enough to walk.  “So it was kind of just one of those natural progressions where we had a tinnie and he started surfing behind the boat one day “He got his first wakeboard for Christmas when he was five These are the top three growth suburbs to buy in around the Newcastle area there are areas in Newcastle that are defying the current market downturn with positive growth seen in several suburbs Recent data from CoreLogic shows that some suburbs have increased in property value over the past year despite the fact that the majority of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie market has experienced a 8.1 per cent drop where most suburbs are in proximity to beautiful lakes Here are three of the best growth suburbs in the popular region just two hours north of Sydney This family home in Maryland has a price guide of $530,000-$560,000 Just a 27-minute drive from the Newcastle CBD and with a median house price of $520,000 Maryland is one of the cheapest suburbs to buy in where property prices are still rising CoreLogic shows that 93 properties sold over the past 12 months with the suburb experiencing growth of 3.5 per cent This large four-bedroom house with a pool at 39 Tulloch Ave, Maryland has a price guide of $530,000-$560,000 Warners Bay has a price guide of $620,000-$645,000 Warners Bay is perfectly positioned close to shops cafes and waterfront activities and is less than 30 minutes from Newcastle city There is a shared path along the waterfront esplanade that runs for 9km from Lions Park in Eleebana to the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery buyers can find some reasonably affordable homes among the big exclusive waterfronts The suburb has risen in property value by 4 per cent over a 12 month period This three-bedroom home at 5 East St, Warners Bay has a big backyard is within walking distance to Warners Bay High School and has a guide of $620,000-$645,000 Merewether Heights has a price guide of $1.75-$1.85 million Merewether Heights is next door to Newcastle’s most expensive beach ‘burb which could account for the healthy growth of the suburb Just five minutes from the sand and 12 minutes to the Newcastle CBD as wells schools and the shopping centre at Kotara With a median house price of $1.05 million the suburb is probably not a first home buyers haven with a healthy 7.7 per cent increase over 12 months This classic “Heights” Family Residence at 1 Roentgen Cl is on a 1176 sqm block has a price guide of $1.75-$1.85 million A number of Labor politicians have expressed their concerns about changes to retirement village exit entitlements in Lake Macquarie and on the Central Coast The NSW Government committed itself to introducing time limits on when retreats could charge for general services and when they must sell or buy back a unit after departure of an occupant Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast were initially included within the greater metropolitan area which meant exiting residents would be paid their privileges by the operator within six months However, new legislation in 2021 means these areas are now considered regional and payments are not due for 12 months NSW Shadow Minister for Consumer Protection Julia Finn, Charlestown state MP Jodie Harrison and The Entrance state MP David Mehan are calling on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to provide an explanation to the recent modifications the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation wiped his hands of responsibility for changes to retirement village exit entitlements Ms Harrison and Mr Mehan met with residents and staff at the Eleebana Shores Retirement Village this week to discuss the alterations – and their fears “At least 4,200 occupants in 51 retirement villages in Lake Macquarie and a further 8,805 (of 43 retreats) on the Central Coast have been let down by this government,” Ms Finn said “Retirement village residents have long faced unreasonable delays to receive exit entitlement money before their unit sells but recent changes were made to the law to ensure they are paid within a defined period of time the government has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory “Just when people in Lake Macquarie and on the Central Coast thought they would be able to be paid their exit entitlements by the operator within six months the government has blown out the timeframe to 12 months “Blaming administrative or bureaucratic inertia is not the way to make decisions such as this “We’d like the Liberal government to revisit these regulations and remake them so that they are fairer to retirement village residents.” Ms Harrison said she had been contacted by many occupants who were upset and angry about the last-minute changes “Residents leaving retirement villages in Lake Macquarie shouldn’t have to wait twice as long to be paid as other people in the same situation in Newcastle,” she stated “It doesn’t make sense that those from places like Eleebana are treated differently to people less than five kilometres away in the Newcastle LGA (local government area).” have been contacted by many concerned constituents residing in retirement villages in my electorate,” he said “My office has been inundated with locals furious that they will have to wait six months longer than first proposed “They were led to believe they would be treated the same as people in Sydney the government has left them behind and are making them wait six months longer to be paid their exit entitlements.” Click through to read our latest Issue of Newcastle Weekly Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free. with his gold medal.Eleebana discus thrower Benn Harradine's champion effortJUBILATION: Proud father Ken Harradine training athletes at Glendale Athletics Centre yesterday.Benn Harradine has the Olympic motto ‘‘citius altius fortius’’ tattooed on his left bicep Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Eleebana discus thrower had the inspirational words – Latin for faster That was almost nine years ago and long before he lived out his childhood dream by representing Australia at Beijing in 2008 having added a Commonwealth Games gold medal to his list of achievements ‘‘I might get ‘‘Awake my soul’’ at the top of my chest,’’ he told The Newcastle Herald from Delhi yesterday Awake My Soul is a song by English band Mumford and Sons that Harradine adopted as his mantra after bombing out at the World Championships in Berlin last year deciding whether I wanted to keep going with the sport,’’ he said The Delhi triumph was the culmination of almost a decade of hard work and sacrifice my dad and my brother will tell you it has been a long road – ups and downs and circles.’’ ‘‘They have supported me the whole way and when I got up on the dais I was relieved because I finally got a reward for all the hard work.’’ He clinched the win – his first in a major championship – with a throw of 65.45metres yesterday to beat home-town hero Vikas Shive Gowda (63.69metres) and England’s Carl Myerscough (60.64metres) immediately after the final but was unable to pass on the good news ‘‘It wasn’t live on television,’’ father Ken Harradine said ‘‘We were watching the high jump and I could see discus being thrown in the background Benn didn’t want to spoil the surprise and told his mother he would ‘‘let her watch the end of the competition and ring back later.’’ messages soon came through that their son had claimed gold ‘‘There was relief and jubilation,’’ Mr Harradine said He said his son’s victory was the ‘‘accumulation of three years’ really hard work’’ ‘‘Now he knows he can mix it with the best in the world and he’s looking to London [2012 Olympics] now.’’ ‘‘This is a stepping stone for me,’’ Harradine ‘‘If I can get two metres by 2012 I’m in 68-metre shape so that’s the goal and that’s how I see it happening.’’ Benn trains six hours a day in two gruelling sessions ‘‘He gets very little support from Athletics Australia,’’ Ken Harradine said ‘‘He gets prizemoney from competing and the rest comes from personal savings and his dear old mum and dad.’’ Mr Harradine said the best way to describe his son was ‘‘a dedicated professional athlete’’ He has become only the fourth indigenous athlete to win an individual Commonwealth track and field title Josh Perry and Brett Kimmorley at a children's promotion yesterday on the Central Coast.- Picture by Simone De PeakNSW hooker Michael Ennis often studied the canteen walls of Valentine-Eleebana Junior Rugby League Club and dreamed of following in the footsteps of his heroes Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePictures of Kangaroos and NSW stars Paul Harragon Adam Muir and Brett Kimmorley graced the Valentine canteen and Ennis will be the next to join that illustrious list when he makes his Origin debut for NSW next week The Canterbury hooker will be joined by fellow Valentine juniors Kimmorley and reborn Manly prop Josh Perry in the Origin dead rubber made his debut with Valentine in the under 13s in 1997 and went on to play Australian Schoolboys before being signed by the Knights "All I remember was going to the canteen and seeing Noddy's picture up on the wall and guys like Chief and Adam Muir and I always wondered one day whether I'll get up there," Ennis said "It's certainly nice to know that we've all come from a little club like that." Kimmorley held similar dreams at Valentine "They had some great players playing at the club before me like the Chief and Adam Muir You used to see pictures of them on the wall," Kimmorley said Kimmorley joined the Devils in 1984 aged seven and played until the under 15s before joining feeder club Lakes United Valentine's honour role of NRL stars is good enough to fill a team Luke Burt and Willie Mason also spent part of their junior days in the red V Perry joined Valentine in the under 13s in 1995 and was part of a stellar line-up which included Burt and you had blokes like Paul Harragon who played there," Perry said "It had a good community feel and was a great club to be involved with." Valentine Juniors began in 1970 as a three-team club with Reg Squires and Bruce Gill the president and secretary Knights premiership-winning captain Harragon "It's gone well beyond Lakes United to the Knights and to many other NRL clubs," Harragon said "Their teams are growing exponentially and have plenty of tradition and now have more numbers than any other club in Newcastle." Valentine now have 214 players from under 13s to under 17s When asked why the Devils had such an impressive record in producing NRL players Valentine publicity officer Bob Browne said: "It's the comradeship we have here at the club It's a very family-orientated club and it's because of the coaching staff we've had over the years." Knights assistant coach Rick Stone is the Devils' coaching co-ordinator and has created a program for other coaches Former junior Jake Finn last week won the Carlson Club's Andrew Johns Medal for the Knights' best 17-year-old Picture suppliedSPARKLING on the global stage Lake Macquarie woman Selina McCloskey has been crowned Miss International Australia 2024 Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 23-year-old from Eleebana will jet to Japan in October to represent her country using the platform to empower women and close the gap when it comes to gender equality "It's been a dream of mine to represent my country for a long time This pageant in particular really aligns with me it's about being loyal and honouring your family and your community," she said The Miss International pageant is one of the four biggest beauty contests in the world alongside Miss Universe Ms McCloskey said the reason she joined pageants three years ago was to surround herself with like-minded women and to make a difference "It's about having a greater platform to talk about women empowerment and women in business because I want to see equal representation of gender in leadership positions in the workplace," she said each participant is required to choose one of the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to focus on "The United Nations is estimating it's going to take over 140 years to see equal gender representation in leadership positions in the workplace and this is something I am trying to shorten," she said Ms McCloskey volunteers with Dress For Success where she helps women from all backgrounds gain confidence before entering the workforce receiving her Miss International Australia 2024 crown in Sydney on July 13 Picture supplied "I help style women and these might be financially troubled women women with a challenging past or even just ladies who need help with confidence and styling review their resumes and make them the most confident version of themselves to get into the work force," she said She also creates high tea events to help women socialise and has plans to talk to local schools about the important of gender equality She said she loved the pageant world for the opportunities it brought her and the people she got to meet With 20 years of radio experience under his belt, Scott now returns to where he grew up, on the shores of Lake Macquarie at Eleebana. After a short stint with BHP, Scott kicked off his radio career at 2KO in Newcastle, then 4AY Townsville where he met his dearest darling Catherine. In Townsville, Scott became involved in theatre and undertook an AMEB Speech and Drama course. He has acted in a number of plays including the Australian premiere of Steven Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George. More recently Scott has performed professionally in the Christmas pantomime Cinderella (as an ugly sister!). Along the way, Scott has worked as programme director and breakfast presenter at 4LM Mt Isa, 2MC Port Macquarie, a short stint in the newsroom at 2WS Sydney, 6IX in Perth, 2WG in Wagga Wagga and most recently as a producer with ABC Riverina. During his time in Wagga Wagga, Scott has won a prestigious RAWARD (Commercial Radio Award) and received the Premier's Award for Community Service. Scott has also dabbled in television, presenting three bicycle-touring documentaries shown on Channel 7, Ten-Capital, Prime TV and The Lifestyle Channel - involving another one of his passions, cycling. The move back to the Central Coast has rekindled fond memories of summer nights dragging for prawns at Canton beach and swimming at Shelley Beach as a youngster. As a young man, Scott's love of rock fishing took him to the rugged coastline between Catherine Hill Bay and Norah Head. Fishing at locations like Fraser Park and his secret spot "the pulpit", although these days he prefers the safer waters of Tuggerah Lakes and Lake Macquarie. The son of well known Newcastle journalist Vic Levi, one of Scott's more disturbing childhood memories was spending the night in a 'Ghost House' near Wiseman's Ferry when his father was writing a series of newspaper articles on haunted houses. The house was later used as the setting for the horror film The Inn of the Damned. Scott and his dearest darling Catherine have four children; Emily - a Bio Medical Science student at Ourimbah Campus; Alexander; Charlotte; and baby Harry, born on the 4th of April 2007 at Gosford Hospital. Scott is an active Patrol Member of Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club and loves nothing better than hanging 10 on his longboard off Avoca Point but usually falls off before getting those "toes up on the nose". FooterABCStay informed and entertained with ABC Australia. Access live events, news, audio and on-demand video streaming from the nation's most trusted broadcaster. Sign up to get the latest on your favourite topics from the ABC. for Dorin Suciu to sort through her father's life Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueLivio Michael Suciu was a post-war immigrant to Australia from Romania He arrived in Newcastle Harbour on the Amarapoora in 1950 A trained artist who was raised on a small family farm in the mountains of Transylvania Suciu wasted no time in making an impression in Newcastle where he gained a reputation not only as a visual artist European light," Dorin says of his artistic style "My father had a real appreciation of beauty That was a really a driving force for him." even his technique was very traditional and time consuming He was very good at technique and his paint application." he migrated to Australia in 1950 and settled in Newcastle He died in 2020.His first art exhibition was opened by none other than artist William Dobell Family scrapbooks include a personal cartoon sketch Dobell did for Livio Over the course of his career he had shows at Cooks Hill Galleries and von Bertouch gallery in Newcastle Gael Davies of von Bertouch gallery was cited in a Newcastle Herald article about one of his shows as saying "Livio often applies up to 15 layers of paint to give his art an often luminous texture The only brushstroke on his paintings is his flowing signature." His last commercial show was in 1996 at Cooks Hill Galleries His passion was life long: he was still creating small watercolour paintings until his death Among Livio's closest friends in the art world was William T "Bill" Cooper an Adamstown-born artist and naturalist who went on to great fame and success Cooper began as a landscape and seascape artist (Dorin owns an early Cooper work before finding great success painting birds and botanical art replied by email that he still had the palette knife that Livio had once given him From his Poppies series: An artwork by Livio Suciu.Dorin and her husband Kevin Gleeson helped take care of Livio in his final years as he stayed in the family home on Croft Road Dorin and her family now live in the Croft Road home and she has spent several months sorting Livio's collected artworks and memories She is in the preliminary stages of planning an exhibition of Livio's own artwork probably about 20 pieces from private collections and his personal collection but is still considering the best location who died in 2012 after 55 years of marriage built a home on an acreage in Whitebridge before selling up and moving to Eleebana Livio and Elsey first met at the Alcron Restaurant as the corner double block has a spectacular outlook over Lake Macquarie We are privileged to be able to fix it up." Livio Suciu was probably just as well known in Newcastle for his commercial endeavours and later used 88 Laman Street as his working office Among his most memorable jobs were building the first commercial float for the Mattara festival parade covered in fabric flowers; doing the interior design of Zorba's Greek Tavern owned by Nick and Irene Gerakiteys; doing the interior design of the brand new Black Diamond Restaurant at the Novocastrian Motor Inn in the East End; and designing the Aeropelican logo Jim Kellar writes about culture, art, food, drinks and music. He's been a journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1997. jkellar@newcastleherald.com.au This venue features two soccer fields with lights This local park is located between Dilkera Avenue and Allambee Place in Valentine pathways and toilets are available at the park This park is located on the corner of Frederick and Milson streets in Charlestown This venue features a cricket wicket with lights This venue features three rugby league fields two concrete cricket wickets and practice nets This lakeside local park is located on Marine Parade This lakeside park is located close to shared pathways This reserve is located on the shores of Lake Macquarie at Belmont South This shaded district park is located at Hartley Point This venue features three rugby league grounds with lights This park is located at the eastern end of Blackall Avenue at Blackalls Park Announcement : Blacksmiths Beach will not be patrolled from 28 April 2025 to September 2025 This family-friendly beach is home to the Swansea-Belmont Surf Life Saving Club a clubhouse and amenities and is home to Belmont-Swansea United Soccer Club This venue features three synthetic courts and a clubhouse This lakeside reserve is located between the boat shed and boat ramp on Ungala Road at Blacksmiths This lakeside park is located at Bolton Point This lakeside reserve is located off Prospect Avenue in Bolton Point This venue feature synthetic tennis courts This venue has two netball courts with lights This shaded park is located on the shores of Lake Macquarie at Bonnells Bay This skate park is next to the playground and community centre on Fishery Point Road This lakeside reserve is home to the Museum of Art and Culture This local park is located on the corner of Macquarie Drive and Cherry Road at Eleebana This venue has cricket and rugby league facilities This venue has a soccer field and a turf cricket wicket This venue has a synthetic cricket wicket and practice nets This venue features four synthetic tennis courts This park is located behind residences on Deborah Street This lakeside park is located near the F Jetty at Rathmines Announcement : Catherine Hill Bay beach will not be patrolled from 28 April 2025 to September 2025 this beach boasts beautiful views and is home to the Catherine Hill Bay Surf Life Saving Club This oval and reserve are located on Northwood Road in Catherine Hill Bay Announcement : Caves Beach will not be patrolled from 28 April 2025 to September 2025 Explore the caves at this natural beach location Caves Beach is also home to the Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club This lookout offers stunning views over Caves Beach This venue has four hard-surface netball courts This venue features four synthetic tennis courts with lights This district park is located on Freemans Drive at Cooranbong This venue features two soccer fields and a concrete cricket wicket This park is located on the corner of Ada Street and the Pacific Highway at Belmont This lakeside reserve is located next to the Wangi District Workers Club This lakeside district park is located on Dobell Drive at Wangi Wangi This lakeside local reserve is located at the eastern end of Peel Street in Swansea a concrete cricket wicket and two practice wickets with lights This venue features three Grade 2 junior soccer fields and is located behind Edgeworth Bowling Club This venue features three Grade Two hard courts with lighting This lakeside park is located between the Toronto Amateur Sailing Club and the old Toronto Station on Victory Parade This park is located on the shores of Lake Macquarie This district lakeside park is located on Macquarie Drive This venue has a soccer field and lighting This lakeside reserve is located at the western end of Ethel Street in Belmont South near the entrance to Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park This venue features two soccer fields and a clubhouse with canteen This venue is home to the Westlakes Archers and Boolaroo Bowmen and features an archery range two turf cricket wickets and a concrete wicket The small lakeside reserve is located at the southern end of Hely Avenue in Fennell Bay Planning an event along the Fernleigh Track at the Belmont end of the track on Railway Parade makes an ideal registration or marshaling area This venue features soccer fields and a concrete cricket wicket with lights This venue features two soccer fields with lights and a rooball field This lakeside local reserve is located on Marine Parade in Nords Wharf Gibson Field features a Grade 2 Rugby Union/League field with lights Gregory Park features two soccer fields with lights three asphalt and two grass netball courts 4A Willow Road (Off Lake Street and Pacific Highway) two concrete practice wickets and amenities This venue features three synthetic tennis courts with lights a clubhouse and amenities and is located in Howe Reserve This local park overlooks the ocean along Pacific Drive at Swansea Heads This reserve is located on the corner of Lakeview and Macquarie roads in Morisset Park a turf cricket wicket and practice wickets This venue features one Grade 2 soccer field with lights This venue is home to the Edgeworth Eagles Football Club and features a senior field This venue features 24 Grade 1 hard courts with lights These courts are located behind residences on Hayden Brook Road in Woodrising This venue has a rugby league field with lights two practice wickets and amenities with canteen This venue features a Grade 1 soccer field with lights and a training area This venue features a turf cricket wicket and two soccer fields This venue features two rugby league fields with lights and one mini-field This lakeside district reserve is located next to the Wangi RSL Club This local lakeside park is located on Kilaben Road in Kilaben Bay This venue features three soccer fields and a concrete cricket pitch This venue features two rugby league fields Les Wakeman Field is home to West Wallsend Magpies Junior Rugby League concrete and turf cricket wickets and a clubhouse with canteen canteen and storage and is managed by Highfields Azzurri Soccer Club Inc This venue features a concrete cricket wicket and rugby league field This venue features rugby league and soccer fields with lights This venue features has a lit soccer field and amenities and is managed by Dudley-Redhead Soccer Club Inc This facility is managed by Lake Macquarie City Football Club Inc and features one Grade 2 football field with lights This lakeside reserve is located at the southern end of Margaret Street in Fennell Bay This venue features a concrete cricket wicket a synthetic tennis court with lights and amenities This reserve is located outside the Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows on Mawson Close This venue has 24 hard-surface netball courts Morisset Showground is located in Ourimbah Street It is home to a number of popular events including the Lake Macquarie Morisset District Agricultural Show and monthly market and poultry auction (held on the first Saturday of the month) This local reserve is located on the shores of Lake Macquarie at Myuna Bay This venue features eight Grade 2 hard courts and four grass courts with lights Neegulbah Park is home to the Cardiff and District Little Athletic Centre and features an athletics track long jump runway and clubhouse with canteen and amenities This lakeside local oval is located on Carangan Bay Drive at Nords Wharf This park is located on the corner of Moreton Avenue and Northlakes Drive at Cameron Park This shaded local reserve is located on Lakeside Drive in Swansea This venue features two rugby league fields with lights Pasterfield Sports Complex is the home of the Cardiff Hawks AFL Club and Cardiff-Boolaroo District Cricket Club The reserve is located outside the Catherine Hill Bay Surf Club at Catherine Hill Bay Beach This district park is located on Lakeview Parade This venue features a turf cricket wicket and baseball diamond with lights Pirrita Island Reserve is located along Swansea Channel This park is located on the corner of Belmont and Galgabba streets The former RAAF parade ground is located on the corner of Dorrington Road and Stilling Street in Rathmines This city-wide park is located in Stilling Street The area includes a youth hub with skate park This venue features four tennis courts and a clubhouse This local venue has a junior concrete cricket wicket and amenities Announcement : Redhead Beach will not be patrolled from 28 April 2025 to September 2025 Redhead is famous for its headland cliff and freshwater creeks and is home to Redhead Surf Life Saving Club This venue features three synthetic tennis courts with lights and a clubhouse with amenities and a meeting room This lakeside local reserve is located on Lambton Parade at Swansea Heads This venue has a junior cricket wicket and modular toilet This venue features a turf cricket pitch and two synthetic futsal courts with lights This lakeside reserve is located on the shores of Lake Macquarie at the southern end of Toonibal Avenue in Eleebana This lakeside reserve is located near Valentine Bowling Club and Croudace Bay Sailing Club on Valentine Crescent Host your next event at Single Splitters Point on the shores of Lake Macquarie in Balcolyn Speers Point Park is the city's premier recreation space featuring open space a fenced dog exercise area and the all-abilities Lake Macquarie Variety Playground This reserve is located at Styles Point in Rathmines This shaded district park is located on the shores of Lake Macquarie This local reserve is located near the Swansea RSL Club on Swansea Channel Sporting days are held on the third Sunday of each month between February and November This venue features three Grade 2 soccer fields with lights This coastal reserve on The Esplanade overlooks Caves Beach Thomas H Halton Park has undergone a dramatic transformation making it one of the city’s premier foreshore parks Located between Eleebana and Croudace Bay this is a popular city-wide park for people of all ages This lakeside district reserve is located on the corner of Dobinson Drive and Wallarah Street in Swansea close to Swansea Gardens Lakeside Holiday Park and the boat ramp This District Park is located along Victory Parade.The whole park is available to book for your next event This district park is located between Main Road and Anzac Parade at Toronto This venue features concrete cricket wickets This venue features two ALF fields and two grounds with lights Tulootaba Reserve is home to Hunter Barnett Field junior rugby league facilities and Michael Bird Field senior soccer facilities Ulinga Park is home to Jack Neave and Ulinga Ovals a playground and the Ulinga Park Community Hall This reserve is located across the road from Blacksmiths Beach This venue features a turf cricket wicket and two rugby union fields with lights 12 hardcourts with lights and clubhouse with amenities Temporary Closure : Following a recent inspection the pedestrian bridge at Wangi Oval has been closed to ensure public safety Pedestrians can use an alternate bridge located approximately 100m away to access the ovals Given the availability of nearby alternatives we are currently evaluating whether to replace the closed bridge Further updates will be provided as decisions are made Rugby League field and athletics track with lights and amenities This district park is located next to Warners Bay Theatre on Lake Street This lakeside district reserve is located along The Esplanade at Warners Bay This district park is located on Beach Road at Redhead accessible parking and an accessible toilet are available at the park This venue features six synthetic tennis courts with lights This reserve is located at the western end of Rofe Street This venue features two hard-surface netball courts with lights and is located in Tulootaba Reserve This venue has a baseball diamond and basketball half-court This park is located on the shores of Lake Macquarie at Cams Wharf This venue features a synthetic tennis court and small sheltered area for players A playground and skate park are located nearby This district reserve is located on Wymeera Circuit at Wyee Point This local reserve is located on Wyee Road Veteran Sharks hooker Michael Ennis has called many places home over the years. From Newcastle to Cronulla, with memorable stints in Kogarah and Belmore in between, it will all peak this weekend when he steps out for his 250th NRL game.  In the early stages of his rugby league career Ennis spent time plying his trade in Lake Macquarie at Croudace Bay Oval – which more often than not resembled a mud pit rather than a football field (it was built on a swamp after all). Ennis's suburban roots coincided with his 2003 NRL debut at Campbelltown Sportsground, where he wore the very same Knights jersey many fellow Valentine-Eleebana juniors threw on before him. It comes as no surprise then that his latest milestone will see him travel to another famous suburban ground this Monday night, Brookvale Oval.   "I'm looking forward to it. It's obviously a special occasion. I definitely didn't think I'd make it to this point in my career growing up," Ennis said. "As a kid you always just hoped to play in the NRL and to think I've done it this many times now – and faced different challenges throughout your career with injuries and things like that – it's definitely pleasing and something I'm proud of. "I remember there being a few guys in our little clubhouse there on the wall [at Valentine-Eleebana]. There's a fair list of photos there of guys who had played a fair amount of footy.  "Blokes like Paul Harragon, the Kimmorley boys, Adam Muir, Daniel Abraham, Brett Finch, Luke Burt – there were a fair few from there [who went on to achieve good things]. It was a great time in my life as a kid playing down there at Valentine." In his second season at the Sharks, and having turned 32 on Wednesday, there is no doubting Ennis has found a new lease on life since joining the club after five seasons at the Bulldogs.  "The way I like to play changed a little bit in my time at Canterbury. In fairness, I probably became more of a defensive dummy half to suit that role in the team," Ennis admitted. "Certainly since I've come here, Shane's really reopened that book I suppose in allowing me to play that enjoyable, attacking footy and now I just have to get that balance right with Jimmy [Maloney] and Chad [Townsend].  "The Sharks have certainly given me a new kick that's for sure." Following the Sharks' 30-2 local derby victory over the Dragons last Sunday afternoon, Ennis is hoping for much of the same against the Sea Eagles. After going down in their first four games last season Ennis was pleased to get the monkey off the back within the opening fortnight of season 2016. "There are certainly areas we need to improve but that enjoyment of winning again, the feeling around training this week, there's nothing like it. We're still developing but we certainly have a side here that can really challenge," Ennis said.  "Hopefully our big boys can do what they did against the Dragons again. They were excellent; it's always nice for us little guys when our bigger guys are rolling forward like they did." Todd knows Tamworth will rally for Magic Round The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Highlights | Round Nine - Roosters v Bulldogs Team List Tuesday | Junior Reps Grand Finals, Jersey Flegg Round Nine Picture by Simone De Peak.VIEW: Dianna Mannigel in front of Eleebana Bluff at Rocky Point.- Picture by Simone De PeakA 200-YEAR-old mystery about one of Newcastle's most famous pieces of Aboriginal art history may have been solved with a new theory about the location of a Joseph Lycett painting Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueLycett was a convict and one of Australia's earliest colonial artists others diving for crayfish; a party seated beside a fire cooking fish" Newcastle environmentalist Dianna Mannigel believes the location is the Eleebana bluff at Rocky Point on Lake Macquarie She said the ranges in the background could be Munibung Hill or Mount Sugarloaf The ranges in the painting appear similar to Munibung Hill but these days houses obscure the view to the hill from the bluff The most recent scholarly investigation into the painting's location published in a John McPhee book about Lycett in 2006 suggested it was "possibly looking south towards the Bar Beach Other theories have the location as Redhead or Swansea Heads Ms Mannigel said a $2.1 million cycleway around the bluff which Lake Macquarie City Council plans to build should include signs recording the area's Aboriginal history said the painting featured Aborigines spearing mullet and cooking mullet in a fire University of Newcastle archivist Gionni Di Gravio said Ms Mannigel's theory had "added a new dimension" to the Lycett painting you're really solving a bit of a mystery that has been around since 1820 "It's fantastic; it's like having an early photograph of something that was going on for thousands of years before we arrived," he said Bahtahbah Local Aboriginal Land Council chief executive Michael Green said the painting could be of the bluff at Eleebana An ugly stoush in a Newcastle junior rugby league competition has left more than 80 kids on the sideline. The Valentine Eleebana Devils have been told their under 10s and 11s sides can no longer play…seemingly because they’re too good. ABC News News HomeCourt hears priest introduced boy to his abuserShare Court hears priest introduced boy to his abuserTopic:Child Abuse 81-year-old Lewis Dominic Fenton is the second Australian to be charged with covering up child sexual abuse. (Dan Cox) Link copiedShareShare articleAn alleged victim of child sexual abuse has told a Newcastle court a priest from the New South Wales Hunter Valley showed him off to the man that ended up abusing him. 81-year-old Lewis Dominic Fenton, from the Lake Macquarie suburb of Eleebana, is the second Australian to be charged with covering up child sexual abuse. The retired Catholic priest is accused of concealing two offences committed by another Hunter Valley man, Frank Tully, against a boy aged eight or nine at the time. The victim is giving evidence at Fenton's committal hearing in Newcastle local court, and said Fenton introduced him to Tully while he and his family were visiting the Nelson Bay presbytery. The victim told the court Fenton took him aside and said, 'show us your muscles', and said it was like he was being "paraded" in front of Tully. The victim told the court Tully just said, 'nice, nice' as he was told to turn around. The victim said he was touched and molested by Tully in 1983, once at the presbytery and once at the beach. Tully was jailed for two years in 1986 after pleading guilty to three child sexual abuse charges, and he died a few years later. The victim said he looked up to Fenton and that he was like a "father figure" to him. Fenton has been charged with being an accessory before the fact of indecent assault, and misprision of felony - failing to disclose a serious crime. The prosecution argues, in introducing the boy to his friend, Fenton knew the abuse would take place. National counselling helpline: 1800 737 732 Bravehearts counselling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse: 1800 272 831 Child Wise Lifeline 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention: 13 11 14 Care Leavers Australia Network: 1800 008 774 PartnerSPEAK peer support for non-offending partners: (03) 9018 7872 Find support services in your state or territory. Four Hunter students are top of the class after prevailing in this year’s Newcastle Permanent NSW Primary School Mathematics Competition Singleton Public School’s Pin-Ling Wei went better than her district award in 2021 to secure second place overall St Philip’s Christian College Waratah’s Jonah Jo also finished with the third-highest score With 23 Hunter pupils receiving district awards the region’s total number of winners was 27 Hunter region Year 6 District Award winners Hunter region Year 5 District Award winners Newcastle Permanent chief technology officer Jodi Stapleton presented the major award winners with their prizes at Newcastle Permanent’s head office on Wednesday while District Awards were handed over at local branches She congratulated all entrants for challenging their numeracy and problem-solving skills Central West and New England North-West primary schools sat this year’s exam and we have some talented young mathematicians in our region,” Mrs Stapleton said who was among the top-performing Year 5 students despite being in Year 3 “This exam tests numeracy and problem-solving skills which are so vital for success in school “We use maths every day to manage our finances and other problems “STEM skills are now recognised as vital for many of the most rewarding jobs of the future.” Students are given 45 minutes to complete 35 questions without help from calculators First place winners received a complimentary $250 Newcastle Permanent account second place winners $150 and third place $100 All participating students collected a high distinction The Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition is the largest and longest running event of its kind in Australia Check your knowledge against questions from this year’s exam Ali wants to save $20 each month for a year she finds that she has only saved $15 per month How much will she have to save each month from now on to achieve her goal All the odd numbers between 6 and 30 are multiplied together Which of the following is not a factor of 384 Benn Harradine (Getty Images: Mark Dadswell, File Photo) Link copiedShareShare articleHe is a Commonwealth Games discus champion, an Australian record holder, famous for his fancy and colourful competition outfits, and became the first Indigenous Australian to compete in a field athletics event at an Olympic Games back in 2008. So what is the story behind Australian discus champion Benn Harradine? Born in Newcastle in 1982, Harradine spent his childhood in the Lake Macquarie suburb of Eleebana in New South Wales, where his love of playing sport grew from a young age. "I was and still am so very fortunate to have parents who did everything for my brother and [me]," Harradine said. "They enabled us to have every opportunity to play or do whatever we wanted … taking us all over the place and sacrificing their own time for us is something I will never ever be able to repay." After doctors told him he could not compete in any contact sport due to a rare liver condition called congenital hepatic fibrosis, Harradine started participating in athletics, falling in love with discus at just eight-years-old. "I started athletics because I saw my brother doing it and having a great time," Harradine said. "I would go with Mum and Dad to watch him sprint and do high jump. "From there I tried all events and showed promise as a decathlete; however I enjoyed the technical events and the fact that they can always be improved upon." It took Harradine a while to find his way into the top level, and at age 22, discovered his Aboriginal heritage, something that he and his family have embraced. "Identifying as an Indigenous Australian, from the Wotjobaluk-Wergaia Mob, is something we are all extremely proud of," he said. Australia's Benn Harradine competes in the men's discus qualification during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 6, 2012. (Pawel Kopczynski: Reuters) In 2006, Harradine competed at his first major international-level competition, finishing eighth at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. "All of the people who influenced my life so incredibly were able to share the moment with me," Harradine said. "It was the start of something beautiful and something that I longed to continuously improve upon." Two years later, Harradine competed at his first Olympic Games in Beijing, finished in a disappointing 31st position. In 2009, Harradine began to lose interest in the sport, and in a concerted effort to improve his motivation, he decided to wear fancy and colourful outfits as a way to give back to his loyal supporters. "I started the suits as a way to enjoy myself, to give back to the fans and to let them enjoy the sport I love with me," Harradine said. This renewed focus motivated Harradine towards achieving better results, finishing second at the 2010 IAAF Continental Cup in Croatia, breaking the Australian and Oceanian men's discus throwing record with a throw of 66.45m, and then a month later, claiming a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Delhi. Benn Harradine (Getty Images: Alexander Hassenstein) Harradine credited this success to the coaching partnership with Jurgen Schult, the current world record-holder. "I contacted Jurgen Schult who had been an idol of mine for many years and he agreed to help me," Harradine said. "He helped my Dad to develop his coaching and also to solidify ideas that he had for many years. "I owe a lot to Jurgen; he is extremely humble, incredibly experienced and generous with his knowledge." With injuries hampering his preparations, Harradine finished ninth at his second Olympic in London 2012. A year later, he failed to make the final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow, despite throwing an Australian and Oceanian record three months earlier. Benn Harradine celebrates his gold medal in the men's discus at the XIX Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, on October 10, 2010. (William West: AFP) The rebuild for Harradine started in 2014 with him looking to defend his Commonwealth Games title in Glasgow, but finished fourth. In 2016, Benn Harradine heads into his third Olympics in Rio de Janeiro with improved form. But despite this, he is not willing to predict how he will go in Brazil. "I don't focus on results," Harradine said. "I just focus on the 'everyday': doing my best at every session so by the time I get to Rio I can ask myself the question, 'Have I given it everything that I can?' "When I answer yes, and know that I have followed the processes I set myself, then I get to enjoy the fruits of my labour." Picture: Tina JonesBEN SWAIN Picture: Katrina RobinsonTWO years ago cycling at the Paralympics was a blip on the horizon for Eleebana's Ben Swain Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSwain spends six days a week training and covers between 400 and 600 kilometres on the track and road The Hunter District Cycling Club product has his sights set on the Japan 2020 Paralympics Swain is ranked eighth on the Union Cycliste Internationale Circuit and second in Australia for road cycling He holds the Australian title for track cycling in the four-kilometre pursuit and took out silver in the 72km road race at the 2015 National Para-Cycling Road Championships in April it was not always his dream to be a Paralympic cyclist Swain was a competitive first-division tennis player in Newcastle when his dreams of competing in tennis at the Rio 2016 Paralympics were shattered He discovered the Paralympic Committee only offered the sport for athletes in wheelchairs Swain has two digits on his left hand and none on the right "I've always been very competitive at everything I do and I believe you can do anything if you really want to do it," he said Swain picked himself up and attended an Australian Paralympic Committee talent search day where he was told he had a shot at competitive cycling Having grown up racing road bikes with his older brother Simon He said he would not be where he was today without his coaches Glenn Lewis Swain hopes to compete in his first international event - the Japan Cup - in October