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Novocastrians are used to City of Newcastle dishing up a great range of events across the Libraries network, but November’s upcoming book signing quite literally takes the cake.

Hamilton business owner and MasterChef Australia favourite Reece Hignell will launch his first cookbook at Newcastle City Library on 19 November with a delicious high tea and “cake off”.

The mouth-watering free event will give fans of Hamilton’s “Cakeboi” the chance to learn a little more about Newcastle’s rich baking history, savour some of Reece’s top tips and sample a few of his favourite recipes.

Councillor Carol Duncan and Timberlina will join in the fun, helping Reece decorate a velvet cake masterpiece while discussing his new book, Cakeboi: A Collection of Classic Bakes, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to make the heirloom desserts passed down from his beloved Nan.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city’s libraries deliver a diverse program of free events and exhibitions to educate, entertain and enhance the experience of visiting your local branch.

“From supporting local authors with book launches and signings to collaborating with the community on art exhibitions and local history displays, our network of libraries provide a wonderful range of opportunities for lifelong learning and social and community connections,” Cr Nelmes said.

“I look forward to learning the secrets to cake baking success from Reece, who is not only a whiz in the kitchen but is also a passionate advocate for Newcastle and a wonderful ambassador for our city through his work with the Hamilton Business Improvement Association.”

The Cakeboi – Cake Off! high tea and book launch will be held from 1pm to 3pm at Newcastle City Library on Saturday 19 November. Entry is free however tickets are limited so registrations are required.

Fans will also have the chance to meet Reece at a separate book signing at Wallsend Library from 2pm to 3.30pm on Sunday 20 November. Copies of the cookbook will be available for purchase directly from Reece on both days.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library for more details.

NSW Labor will deliver fairer rental rules for renters and owners by providing more certainty as well as reducing the upfront moving costs for renters. 

A NSW Labor Government will allow renters to directly transfer bonds from one property to another. 

These changes will also provide greater clarity on the circumstances in which a lease can end.

Portable bonds

A NSW Labor Government will streamline the rental bond process to allow renters to directly transfer bonds from one property to another, while ensuring owners still have access to funds they may need.

Currently, many renters must find thousands of dollars for a bond for a new property before their existing bond has been refunded.

This leaves renters out of pocket up to several thousand dollars, for up to several weeks. It places many renters in financial stress and forces some to take out personal loans.

The NSW Tenants Union estimates the basic costs of moving home is around $4,000, without taking into account renters being out of pocket for weeks while they wait for their bond to be refunded.

Yet recent data shows that one in three people would need to go into debt to cover an unexpected $600 payment, and one in 10 simply wouldn’t be able to cover it.

The NSW Rental Bond Board will still hold bonds on trust. But it will allow those bonds to be held on trust for the new property, while also ensuring the board can collect against it on behalf of owners for outstanding debt accrued by renters for property damage.

As a result, no owners will be left out of pocket from these changes.

The government has previously tried and failed to implement similar provisions. Despite legislation introduced in 2018, many renters still don’t have access to portable bonds, at a time of record rent increases and severe cost of living pressures.

Reasonable grounds for ending a lease

Labor will clearly outline the grounds on which a lease may be terminated and in effect bring an end to no-ground evictions.

A NSW Labor Government will work closely with stakeholder and advocacy groups to develop a list of reasonable grounds for an owner to end a tenancy, including minimum notice to vacate a property.

Owners will of course retain common sense rights to evict those who are breaking the law, damaging property or not paying rent.  

Reasonable grounds for eviction are already in place in Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT – and these changes would modernise New South Wales’ rental laws.

Renting in New South Wales

Around one third of New South Wales residents live in rented properties – or 944,585 households.

Median rent in the state has increase almost ten per cent between 2016 and 2021 – from $386 to $420.

Over 35 per cent of tenanted households in New South Wales were in rental stress. (They had rent payments greater than 30 per cent of household income).

Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader, said:

Anyone who rents in Sydney knows just how anxious and challenging a process it can be to find suitable accommodation, never mind the significant costs associated with moving.

“This is a sensible cost of living measure to help ease the pressure on the over 30 per cent of people in New South Wales currently renting.

 “These changes will create a fairer rental regime in this state by providing greater certainty as well as flexibility for both renters and owners.”

Courtney Houssos, NSW Shadow Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, said:

“Moving house is considered one of life’s most stressful events. These changes will give renters and owners more certainty, allowing renters to build a home while also protecting owners.”

“Introducing reasons for eviction will update and modernise New South Wales’ rental laws and bring us in line with most other states.”

Rose Jackson, NSW Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, said:

“There is a direct relationship between our unfair rental laws and increases in housing stress and homelessness. Ending unfair no grounds evictions will provide certainty to the overwhelming  majority of tenants who do the right thing that they have a place to call home.

“More and more people are renting – and renting for life. As our housing market changes, we need to update and modernize our laws to ensure we are getting the balance right.”

A Minns Labor Government will commit $225 million over the next three years to expand and upgrade Canterbury Hospital.

This desperately needed expansion will see an increase in the hospital’s bed capacity, as well as additional services.

Canterbury Hospital has served the community for almost a century, with the hospital’s last major redevelopment taking place 25 years ago.

The hospital services not just patients from the Canterbury area, but St George, Bayside, Inner West and Inner South residents too.

Labor has long campaigned for the redevelopment of Canterbury Hospital, urgently needed as part of a wider structural fix to our healthcare system.

Two years ago 60 senior doctors wrote an open letter decrying services at Canterbury which they described as “inadequate”, “poorly resourced”, and “shocking”.

Just last month Labor lodged a petition of over 10,000 signatures with the NSW Parliament, calling for this urgently needed redevelopment to proceed.

More beds

The expansion will see at least an additional 120 beds, including more general medical and surgical beds; inpatient mental health beds; ambulatory beds; emergency department treatment spaces; intensive care unit beds; and maternity beds.

The commitment from NSW Labor will also deliver additional operating theatres and birthing rooms.

More services  

Local residents can also expect more services available at the hospital – both an expansion of existing services as well as the introduction of new services.

With 25 years since it’s last upgrade, Canterbury Hospital currently has no renal dialysis, and cuts have been made to palliative care. Existing maternity beds are shared four bed wards that is no longer considered sound clinical practice.

Expectant mothers are reluctant to discuss pregnancy related issues because their ante natal visits are held in an open, crammed room with no privacy.

The funding from NSW Labor will expand the existing maternity services with a whole new maternity department.

Outpatients services will include the full suite of cardiovascular services, diabetes management, endocrinology, respiratory and cardiology.

Labor’s commitment will also deliver renal dialysis services for the first time, at Canterbury Hospital.

And NSW Labor will also introduce a new 20-bed Community Mental Health facility.

Labor’s initial commitment of $225 million will come from the unallocated $3 billion WestInvest Government agencies fund – not the $2 billion allocated to Local Governments and community groups – which under Labor will also have its remit expanded to include urgently needed healthcare projects.

Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader, said:

NSW Labor will have a challenge on its hands to turn around 12 years of neglect by the Liberals of our state’s health system.

“This is a hospital that desperately needs an upgrade. In the middle of winter patients were being treated in tents.

“I’m determined to begin to meet the challenge with a comprehensive policy response, that’s not only about boosting staff numbers, but delivering the health infrastructure to go with it.

“I want to also thank and acknowledge the hard working staff at Canterbury Hospital. They have done an extraordinary job in very difficult circumstances particularly over COVID.”

Ryan Park, NSW Shadow Minister for Health, said:

“Today’s announcement represents another component to Labor’s policy response to the Liberals’ health crisis.

“NSW Labor commitment will not only expand the capacity of Canterbury Hospital, but will increase the suite of services available to local residents.”

Sophie Cotsis, NSW Labor Member for Canterbury, said:

“Like so many people in my local community I was born at Canterbury Hospital. We have been fighting for years to get extra funding, but it has never come.

“Anyone who has been to Canterbury Hospital knows it is long overdue for this upgrade and expansion. It’s been 25 years since the last time it’s been redeveloped.

“I am so proud that a Minns Labor Government will deliver on this.”

According to analysis performed by the Parliamentary Budget Office, the cost of negative gearing will skyrocket as interest rates rise, reaching $97 billion over the next decade. Meanwhile the cost of capital gains tax discounts will reach $60 billion over the next 10 years, bringing the total cost for both tax concessions to $157 billion.

According to the distributional analysis done by the PBO, 56% of the two tax concessions will go to the top 10% of income earners, with 85% of capital gains tax discounts going to the top 10% of earners over the next 10 years.

The analysis is based on an official cash rate of 2.85%, which the RBA announced on Tuesday. The totals are measured for 10 years from the 2023-24 financial year.

Lines attributable to Max Chandler-Mather MP, Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness:

In the middle of one of the worst housing crises in our country’s history, the Federal budget includes $157 billion worth of tax concessions to property investors, 56% of which will go entirely to the top 10% of income earners.

When it comes to capital gains tax discounts, I have no idea how Labor justifies a tax concession that will see 85% of the benefit flowing to the top 10% of income earners.

Negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts work together to artificially inflate house prices, and turbo charge inequality, funnelling tens of billions of dollars into the pockets of the top 10% of income earners in Australia.

These tax concessions alone mean it is often easier for a property investor to buy their fifth house, rather than someone to buy their first home, and that’s deeply unfair.

The higher interest rates go, the more negative gearing will cost the budget, which means right at the time when the government needs extra revenue to help alleviate the cost of living crisis they are instead handing it over in the form of tax concessions to wealthy property investors.

Rather than spend $157 billion on tax concessions to property investors, the government should scrap negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts and invest the extra revenue in building well designed public and community housing, bringing dental into Medicare and cutting energy bills.

The Australian Greens hold deep concerns regarding the human rights abuses that have occurred in Qatar, particularly those affiliated with the FIFA world cup. 

There was worldwide shock that the 2022 World Cup would be held in Qatar. It only had little infrastructure, but most importantly, the desert-like temperature created concern for fans, footballers, and workers. 

Human Rights Watch reports that low-paid migrants made up 90% of Qatar’s workforce at the time the decision was made that they would host the event. Given its role as a global organisation, FIFA had the opportunity to create strict rules about the workforce used to develop the infrastructure required for the World Cup and protect workers. Unfortunately, this was not the case. 

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs said: 

“The information we have received is that between 6,500 and 15,000 workers have died while building stadiums and hospitality venues that will be used for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

“On behalf of the Australian Greens Party Room I have written to FIFA and Football Australia. We are calling on FIFA to support the establishment of a compensation and remedy fund of US$440 million for migrant workers, and for the families of those workers who have died. 

“The Greens are also requesting that FIFA and Football Australia make a public statement in support of migrant workers’ rights, compensation, and non-repetition of human rights abuses in future World Cups.

“The Australian Greens will always promote human rights, and call out those who do not support them.” 

Be Slavery Free Campaign said:

“As a ‘sport-mad’ country we also need to get mad when the sport results in people being abused. At least 6,500 people have died in the construction of stadiums and venues for the FIFA world cup. Some from conditions as horrific as dehydration. 

“Be Slavery Free applauds the Australian Greens for joining the Socceroos, French and USA politicians and Football Associations around the world in calling for human rights and compensation. 

To take your own action please go to https://www.beslaveryfree.com/payupfifa”

Senator Lidia Thorpe, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Sport said: 

“The passion we have for athletes needs to translate into solidarity for the workers who make events like the World Cup possible.”

“I applaud the leadership shown by the Socceroo’s and Football Associations globally. It’s time for FIFA to join them, and put their money where their mouth is.

“When we work together, we can achieve so much more. Let’s unite and fight the inequality so many people face in the sports industry.”

An investigation has commenced after a man was shot in the foot at a home in the state’s Hunter last night.

Emergency services were called to a home on High Street at Greta following reports of a shooting just after 8pm (Tuesday 1 November 2022).

Police have been told a man, aged 38, was shot in the foot during a dispute at the home a short time prior to the arrival of police.

The man had since been taken to Maitland Hospital for treatment to his injury – which is not considered life-threatening – by an associate.

Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene which has since undergone forensic examination.

Inquiries continue.

A man will face court today charged over two alleged arson attacks at a care facility in the Hunter Valley.

Just before 5am yesterday (Thursday 27 October 2022), emergency services were called to a care home in Hutton Street, Cessnock, following a fire at the facility.

Police will allege a flammable object had been thrown at the kitchen door and the fire was extinguished by an employee at the facility. No one was injured.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the incident.

About 4.45pm yesterday, emergency services were called to the same facility and police will allege in court that another flammable object was thrown at the kitchen door.

The fire was extinguished by staff and Fire and Rescue NSW. No one was injured.

Following inquiries, investigators arrested a 46-year-old man nearby and he was taken to Cessnock Police Station.

The man was charged with two counts of damage property by fire and was refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court today (Friday 28 October 2022).

Investigations are continuing.

Good news!

A teenage girl missing from Port Stephens has been located safe and well.

The 13-year-old girl was last seen on Kingston Parade, Heatherbrae, about 3.30pm on Saturday (22 October 2022).

When she could not be located, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Following inquiries and a public appeal for assistance, the girl was located at Raymond Terrace about 4.15pm today (Tuesday 25 October 2022), and returned home.

Police would like to thank the community and media for their assistance.

Penrith residents can soon enjoy a new city centre in St Marys and a huge new recreation precinct thanks to the $5 billion WestInvest Program.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean, Minister for Western Sydney David Elliott and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman today announced more than $28 million in WestInvest funding for Penrith:

• $21 million for the St Marys City Heart and Entertainment Canopy project to deliver a new civic park and state of the art performance centre
• $7 million towards the $41 million Gipps Street Recreation Precinct project to transform a 32-hectare former landfill site in Claremont Meadows into a multipurpose open space facility for the community.

 
Penrith City Council is contributing $34 million towards the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct project.
 
Mr Perrottet said the projects put forward by the Penrith City Council would transform the local area.
 
“St Marys is evolving into a resilient hub connected by the city-shaping Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project that, once complete, will connect the new airport and aerotropolis to St Marys,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This unprecedented boost through WestInvest will capitalise on the major investments we have made in critical projects, such as Metro West and Western Sydney Aerotropolis, to transform Western Sydney.”
 
Mr Kean said the St Marys City Heart and Entertainment Canopy project will revitalise the centre of St Marys to support future growth.
 
“This project will develop a city heart with an accessible civic park and state of the art performance space for local concerts, festivals, markets, fetes and celebrations,” Mr Kean said.
 
“There’ll be a performance stage, public artwork, a big screen and a huge central lawn for people to gather.”
 
Mr Elliott said the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct will include spaces for adventure play and a flood-lit pump track, the first of its kind in the local area.
 
“This former landfill site will be transformed to deliver a new sporting precinct that will benefit the growing community and local families,” Mr Elliott said.
 
Mrs Tuckerman said the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation is funding council-led projects to ensure communities benefit sooner.
 
“Councils play an essential role in delivering services and facilities that meet the needs of locals. WestInvest is accelerating projects, put forward by councils, that will deliver benefit on the ground,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
 
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct project will create new sporting fields, multi-courts designed for basketball and futsal, children’s play areas, netball courts, cricket nets, a skate bowl with youth zone, an outdoor gym, a village green, nature trails and much more.
 
“These WestInvest projects will deliver an exceptional upgrade to sport and open recreation space to Penrith and St Marys communities,” Mr Ayres said.
 
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchens said the projects funded in Penrith show the council and NSW Government are listening to the needs of locals.
 
“The people of our community told us they want to see more parks and better community infrastructure, and that is exactly what WestInvest is delivering for the people of Penrith,” Cr Hitchens said.
 
As part of the WestInvest Fund, $2 billion was reserved for priority Community Projects. This included $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in West and South West Sydney, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size.
 
Announcements on other LGAs will be made soon.
 
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy.
 
A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is available to local community groups.
 
A total of $3 billion is also set aside to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.
 
To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

Light Horse Park will be transformed into a beautiful riverside recreational park in the heart of Liverpool thanks to the $5 billion WestInvest Fund.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean, Minister for Western Sydney David Elliott and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman today announced almost $28 million in WestInvest funding for Liverpool City Council to help deliver the $36.7 million Light Horse Park Embellishment and Upgrade project.
 
Liverpool City Council is contributing $8.9 million towards the project.
 
Mr Perrottet said the Light Horse Park Embellishment and Upgrade project would significantly improve amenity and safety for locals and visitors.
 
“This project will redevelop the foreshore to create an accessible, safe and welcoming park and construct a building to provide vital community services,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
Mr Kean said the park will become a key location on the river for local events and provide a place for people to exercise, play and relax.
 
“The city of Liverpool is built adjacent to the mighty Georges River, but Light Horse Park is hard to access and underutilised. WestInvest will bring this important riverside park back to life,” Mr Kean said.
 
Mr Elliott said the refurbished park will provide important connection pathways and points between the foreshore, Liverpool CBD and the railway station.
 
“This important project will not only provide greater access to the river but also make it easier for the community to move around the local area,” Mr Elliott said.
 
Mrs Tuckerman said the revitalised park would support the nearby residents, many of whom live in apartment buildings.
 
“This park will become a much-loved destination for the many families with children living in apartments in the surrounding area,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
 
Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said she is proud of the NSW Liberal and National Government’s continued investment in Liverpool.
 
“This investment will help to bring life back into an underutilised area and provide another place for families and young people to enjoy,” Ms Gibbons said.
 
“Our commuters will also benefit from a safer, more connected and pleasant walk to the station.”
 
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the project would provide a cool space for the community to gather on hot summer days.
 
“With this investment the millions of people who call western Sydney home will have an amazing place to play and enjoy for generations to come. The kids of the east have Bondi and now the kids of the West will have Georges River and Lighthorse Park,” Mr Mannoun said.
 
As part of the WestInvest Fund, $2 billion was reserved for priority Community Projects. This included $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in West and Southwest Sydney, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size.
 
Announcements on other LGAs will be made soon.
 
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy.
 
A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is available to local community groups.
 
A total of $3 billion is also set aside to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.
 
To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest