Just after 11.30pm on Sunday 11 June, 10 people – Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig – were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in rolled at the roundabout on Wine Country Drive, near the Hunter Expressway off ramp, at Greta.

Several others suffered extensive injuries.

The incident also touched the lives of countless Australians, not just local residents.

Afterwards, the driver of the bus was charged with numerous offences, which are currently before the court.

Now, three months later, the NSW Government, in partnership with Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council, will stage the Memorial Service at the Singleton Showground on Saturday 21 October from 11am.

Members of the community are encouraged to attend.

“This [service] will allow everyone to come together to grieve, support one another and pay tribute to those affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“It’ll provide an opportunity to recognise the courage and resilience of the frontline emergency service workers who attended the scene and treated patients in our hospitals, too.”

A ticket is not required to attend, and the event will be live-streamed on the NSW Government website.

“The support that continues to be provided to our community since this tragedy has been overwhelming,” Singleton mayor Sue Moore said.

“Many people’s lives have been affected and it’s important that we stay strong.

“The memorial will be a chance for our tight-knit community to rally together and remember all those lost in the accident and support each other.”

It’s a sentiment shared by Cessnock City mayor Jay Suvaal.

“So many people from our communities have been affected by this tragedy,” he said.

“The support shown for the families and victims, not just from locals but all around the nation, has been greatly appreciated.

“A memorial will be an important step in the long healing process… and reminds our residents that they’ll never walk alone, as our community looks after one another.”

Following the service, a free communal barbecue in partnership with local charitable organisations will be hosted at the showground.

The Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy Fund, administered by Rotary, received overwhelming aid from generous donors raising close to $1.5 million.

For the most up-to-date information on the Memorial Service, visit nsw.gov.au/huntermemorial

For more news stories:

• Singleton Roosters’ leader Nadene McBride posthumously recognised for AFLW contribution
• Lott chasing mystery $1 million Hunter winner
• Two charged following car break-ins at Wallsend

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Hunter Workers will come together on Sunday 17 September in a powerful display of support for the Australian Government’s Voice to Parliament.

At the inaugural Walk For Yes, the union members are expected to partake in a mass singalong rendition of the Aussie music legend’s You’re the Voice.

Supporters will gather at Newcastle Museum at 10.30am before proudly walking alongside their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers to Foreshore Park.

“You’re the Voice is a song all about harnessing our collective power and walking together towards a better future for all, making it the ultimate anthem for our cause of enshrining a Voice to Parliament in the constitution,” Hunter Workers secretary Leigh Shears said.

“We’re excited to walk alongside Hunter employees and sing as one in support of the Voice.

“As unionists, we believe everyone deserves to be consulted about decisions and changes that affect us.

“The Voice to Parliament is what Australia needs to work together towards a better future.”

And, if you don’t know the verses, don’t worry, said Shears.

“We’ll distribute 1,000 lyric sheets before the crowd breaks into chorus singing You’re the Voice in a remarkable demonstration of solidarity,” he added.

“Plus, supporters will hear from inspiring speakers including Tracey Hamshaw, from the Justice Aunties; Luke Russell, chair of the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee; and Tara Dever, Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO.

“The classic Farnham track has become the poignant anthem for the Yes campaign following the musician’s first-ever approval for the song to be used in a commercial.”

The Walk For Yes takes place four weeks before Australians will decide on 14 October whether to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution and enshrine a consultative body.

For more community stories:

• Hunter creatives featured at Sculptures in the Garden
• Nowland’s Lochinvar Coach House and Setting now Heritage-listed
• Glitzy Knockers and Moles event raises $20,000

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The revered former president was this week acknowledged for her incredible involvement in Australian football at her club, as well as the Hunter Central Coast region.

Sadly, McBride and her daughter Kyah were among several Roosters – including Andrew and Lynan Scott, Rebecca Mullen, Zach Bray, Kane Symons and Tori Cowburn – who died in a bus crash at Greta in June.

Singleton was also awarded the Spirit of AFL plaudit.

Two player medals will be named after McBride and Andrew Scott, too.

AFL general manager of women’s football Nicole Livingstone paid tribute to the highly-respected sportswoman known affectionately as Nads.

“A special call out to the family and friends of Nadene McBride, as well as all those from the Singleton Roosters and the Hunter Central Coast region who knew her,” she said.

“Nads’ contribution to the game and community was clearly profound and we know the community would still be doing it tough.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Nadene.”

Established in 2021, the nationwide AFLW Community Ambassador program recognises members from the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women and girls’ football.

Each representative receives a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice.

For McBride, the endowment and opportunity will be presented to the Roosters on her behalf.

Livingstone said the growth in popularity of women and girls’ football had been driven by the assistance of so many.

“On behalf of the AFL, I want to thank the individuals who’ve been recognised as well as all the wonderful people who are the lifeblood of community footy across the country,” she added.

NSW/ACT AFLW Community Ambassador 2023 citation

Nadene McBride (in memory) – Singleton Roosters FC

Nadene was a driving force of women’s football, having played a pivotal role in starting a women’s team. She developed, coached and created a wholesome family environment that has nurtured so many at the Singleton Roosters Australian Football Club (AFC).

She was a mentor to so many young girls and members of the club, supporting, encouraging and developing talented sportswomen in their journey. She was the lifeblood of the club, the heart, and a part of everyone’s family.

Nadene also played a pivotal role as the women’s coordinator on the NSW Masters committee and was a key organiser and liaison between this social competition and the broader Masters’ program.

“Nads” managed the NSW team last year in Adelaide and played for NSW at every National Carnival since Geelong in 2017. Beyond that though, she made a massive contribution to footy in general, especially in the Hunter region, having been a club president and mentor, representative coach and coach in the Sydney Swans Academy.

For more community stories:

• Glitzy Knockers and Moles event raises $20,000
• Soul Hub Big Ask Gala fundraiser brings $100k boost
• Hunter creatives featured at Sculptures in the Garden

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The head coach’s all-conquering Maitland Pickers was scheduled to tackle Illawarra champions Thirroul Butchers at the Maitland Regional Sportsground on Saturday 16 September.

But, the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) club received notification on Monday that its South Coast opponents had forfeited the clash, meaning the back-to-back Denton Engineering Cup titleholders would progress directly to this month’s grand final.

Lantry said Thirroul’s decision was a tough pill to swallow.

“We’ve been told it’s due to player availability,” he explained.

“However, it’s hugely disappointing for the Pickers.

“We had a massive day planned.

“The Maitland Blacks, who took out the Hunter Rugby crown, and the Maitland Magpies Football Club were attending; and we were keen to engage the Maitland Mustangs and their premiership basketball side.

“We wanted to stage a real community event, involving several successful local sporting groups.

“Now, it’s been taken away from us.

“No doubt, we would’ve attracted our biggest crowd of the season… on the back of what we’ve achieved, winning the competition in such a dominant display.

“We could have come back out in front of our home fans for the last time this year and hosted a number of other organisations in our community.

“It was the perfect chance to showcase them as well, particularly the union players and basketballers.

“We’ve been robbed of that.

“So, it leaves a bit of a sour taste in our mouth.

“Unfortunately, we can’t control that now.

“We’ll just focus on what we need to do in a week-and-a-half’s time.”

Lantry admitted he questioned where the President’s Cup was headed after the Butchers’ desertion.

“I’m really worried about the longevity of it,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“I don’t feel like every area’s invested in the concept the way they should be.

“Maybe playing it between the winners of the Real NRL and Ron Massey Cup is the best way to go moving forward.

“A fortnight after each competition ends, to find out who’s the premier team in the state.

“With no disrespect to the Peter McDonald premiers, it’s unlikely they’ll compete.

“They might win one in every 10 (games)… however, it is just not the standard that Newcastle and Sydney are currently at.

“I’m all for supporting bush footy but I believe if we want to do something, it needs to be a better format that’s capable of catering for all levels.”

Lantry expressed his concern over the workload, or lack of, for his players in the lead-up to the decider, too.

“When you talk about [player] welfare, we’ll have played six matches in three months,” he said.

“We really needed a game this weekend.

“So far, we’ve played three in the past seven weeks, six in the past 12.

“We’re suffering from a complete lack of rugby league.

“Yeah, you can train, but as we know, there’s nothing better than playing week-to-week.

“It is a real delicate situation for us to manage over the next fortnight; however, we’ll get on with it.

“But, as I said, there needs to be some serious discussions between each representative of the NSWRL – Newcastle, Sydney, Central/Regional NSW and the Illawarra – and work out where this concept is heading because I fear that made it may not last.”

The Maitland Pickers will contest the President’s Cup on either 23 or 24 September.

For more sports stories:

• A GOOD SPORT: Pickers pull ahead of their counterparts
• VIDEO: Ugly crowd brawl mars Newcastle league decider
• NRL: Knights’ gutsy finals crusade continues

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If you replied “yes”, you might need to check your entry again.

It’s possible a Hunter resident is oblivious to the fact he or she is $1 million richer.

The mystery player holds one of 10 division one winning entries in draw 4397, which took place on 9 September.

Unfortunately, the ticket is unregistered, meaning officials from The Lott have no way of contacting the winner to break the exciting news.

So, they’re waiting for the individual to come forward to claim their prize after the entry was purchased at Weston Discount Pharmacy in Station Street.

The chemist’s lottery manager, Lesley Lester, said she was excited to have a potential millionaire in their midst.

“This is the first time we’ve sold a division one winning entry since taking over the terminal in Weston,” she explained.

“What a memorable moment.

“We’re so happy for our customer and we hope it’s a local.

“But, regardless of who it is and where they’re from, we will be overjoyed for them.

“We recently sold a top prize-winning Instant Scratch-Its tickets to a local and they scored $50,000, which is wonderful.

“Congratulations to the mystery winner and we wish them all the best with their division one prize.

“We hope it makes life a little bit easier for them.”

The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell said she hoped the region’s latest division one winner would check their Saturday Lotto ticket and come forward soon.

“We were eager to reach out to this winner but unfortunately their Saturday Lotto ticket wasn’t registered to a player card or online account, meaning we don’t have their contact details,” she added.

“How exciting would it be to discover you’ve won $1 million on a Monday afternoon?

“It would be an unforgettable moment and an incredible way to start the spring season off.

“Make sure you check your tickets and, if you do discover that you are holding the winning ticket, contact The Lott on 131 868 to begin the process of claiming your prize.”

The winning numbers in Saturday Lotto draw 4397 were 11, 9, 14, 29, 7 and 15, with the supplementaries 17 and 23.

Across Australia, there were 10 division one winning entries in Saturday Lotto draw 4397 – four in New South Wales, three in Victoria, two in Queensland, and one in the Australian Capital Territory.

For more news stories:

• Maitland man’s $615,000 Lotto Strike win leads to sleepless night  
• Two charged following car break-ins at Wallsend
• VIDEO: Ugly crowd brawl mars Newcastle league decider

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The Lower Hunter resident held the only division one entry in the draw, on Saturday 9 September.

That enabled him to pocket the entire $615,902 bounty.

“Wow. I’m a bit emotional,” he said when an official from The Lott reached out to confirm his newfound fortune on Monday morning.

“I haven’t slept at all.

“It was a last-minute decision [to enter].

“I have only entered Lotto Strike three or four times and I bought the ticket just before the draw closed on Saturday night.

“I don’t even know what to say. I’m speechless.”

The man admitted receiving the “confirmation” phone call was “just surreal”.

“We have been through a fair bit recently, so it means a lot,” he said.

“It’s going to change everything.

“I’ll be able to buy a house for my family and take some days off work.

“Thank you so much.”

His winning four-game QuickPick – with the numbers 11, 9, 14 and 29 – was purchased online at thelott.com.

“Lotto Strike is an add-on game played with Saturday Lotto and Monday & Wednesday Lotto,” a spokesperson from The Lott said.

“Its division one prize is won by selecting the first four numbers in the exact order they are drawn during the Lotto draw.

“If no one picks all four winning numbers in the draw in same order drawn, the Lotto Strike Jackpot prize pool will increase for the next draw.”

The Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 290 so far in 2023, including 96 won by NSW Lotteries customers.

For more news stories:

• VIDEO: Ugly crowd brawl mars Newcastle league decider
• All aboard: Two More Trains wins 10-year fight
• Newly-formed Newcastle-Hunter group set to oppose Voice

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The pair is among the final artist line-up for Mudgee’s iconic Sculptures in the Garden (SIG) at the picturesque Rosby Vineyard gardens from 7 to 22 October.

The much-loved showcase of creativity, innovation and talent attracted its highest number of entries in the event’s history.

And, the roster for SIG 2023 features an exciting group of 130 artists, including acclaimed names such as Sydney’s Paul Bacon, Central Coast’s John Fitzmaurice, Victorian Matt Hill, Jenolan’s Ingrid Morley, Newcastle’s Tilley and Nelson Bay’s Michael Rumble, as well as a host of newcomers.

For the Novocastrian, he’s been practicing sculpture and exhibiting his work for 35 years.

He’s produced figurative 3D works including small bronzes, larger cast resin, carved timber or cast iron and Corten steel pieces.

He also creates framed wall-mounted arrays of unusual found objects.

Having enjoyed his SIG debut in 2022, Tilley is exhibiting for a second time, this year showing two works – Auspicious Entity and Figure & Shadow – exploring shadow and reflection.

“I like the venue for SIG and where and how the works are displayed in beautiful surroundings,” he said.

“The visitor numbers and sales are also impressive.”

This year’s line-up reinforces SIG’s commitment to supporting artists at various stages of their careers and to nurturing the vibrant art scene in Australia.

“We are immensely proud of who we’ve attracted,” Sculptures in the Garden founder and curator Kay Norton-Knight said.

“The diversity of the artists and their works speaks to the wide range of creative talent we have in Australia.

“It’s going to be a truly memorable event.”

Sculptures in the Garden is a not-for-profit exhibition, with proceeds going to local charity partners and the acquisition of sculptures for the Mudgee community’s public arts initiative.

Since 1983, Gerry and Kay Norton-Knight have worked tirelessly to develop the sculpture garden, gallery and surrounds of Rosby Wines, where the event is staged, creating a magical setting for this now-iconic event.

For more community stories:

• Uni’s Gifting Day wraps up $230,000 bounty
• Emily van Egmond: Inspiring a new generation
• The Place Charlestown finds new ways to Be Connected

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The iconic property, 12 kilometres west of Maitland, was recently listed on the NSW State Heritage Register in recognition of its pivotal role as the first coach station inland along the Great North Road.

Owners Dr Allan and Dr Lisa Thomas were elated by the decision, following a recommendation from the Heritage Council of NSW.

“We have cherished this estate for 35 years,” they said.

“So, we nominated it for State Heritage Register listing to help share its history and preserve this landmark for generations to come.

“The Georgian Colonial-style coach house was a vital rest stop for weary travellers and horses on the Great North Road, a major colonial trade and communication route connecting Newcastle, Maitland and the developing inland settlements.”

Lochinvar Coach House and Setting was built by visionary entrepreneur Henry Nowland.

He developed an extensive coaching network predating the well-known Cobb and Co by more than two decades.

Mr Nowland was one of the earliest Royal Mail contractors and established routes spanning from Maitland to Morpeth, encompassing the Hunter Valley settlements, inland regions like Armidale, and extending all the way to Brisbane.

The house itself is a testament to the period’s architectural heritage.

Constructed with locally-sourced materials and convict labour, it showcases the Georgian Colonial-style, referring to buildings constructed in Australia from 1788 to 1840.

“At the beginning of the 1800s, transport and communication between early colonial settlements was fraught with danger,” Heritage Council of NSW chair Frank Howarth said.

“Passage through the country was notoriously uncomfortable and bushrangers would wait for the coaches on isolated roads to rob the mail runs.

“So, Nowland’s Lochinvar Coach House and Setting, along with its spelling paddocks, provided a welcome respite for equines and passengers.

“The (Georgian Colonial) style was popularised during the reigns of the four British monarchs George I-IV and featured buildings, which were symmetrical in design.

“Rural houses were generally humble in their presentation with a hipped roof and wrap around veranda.

“The coach house has served many purposes over the years, from a wayside inn and Royal Mail station to a licensed inn and eventually a residence, all the while maintaining its structural integrity and historical significance.”

NSW Department of Planning and Environment executive director heritage Sam Kidman admitted Nowland’s Lochinvar Coach House and Setting was an extraordinary example of a colonial property.

“It’s largely original and has been continuously occupied from the time it was constructed in the 1840s,” he said.

“It is a rare and exemplary representation of rural architecture from that period.

“This listing will provide protection to the Lochinvar Coach House to ensure its stories are upheld.”

For more property stories:

• Housing affordability worst it’s been in 30 years
• Right property, right price, buyer’s advocate the right start
• Five steps to buying your first home

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In front of 29,548 people, skipper Kalyn Ponga landed the match-winning penalty in the 89^th minute after the combatants were locked together at 28-all at full-time.

It was a fixture that had everything but, in the end, the Knights captured their 10^th consecutive victory and a date with the Warriors in New Zealand next weekend.

With the rousing “Newcastle” chant spurring them on, the Adam O’Brien-coached outfit struck in the fifth minute.

A smart backline movement involving Jackson Hastings, Tyson Gamble, Ponga and Bradman Best resulted in winger Greg Marzhew posting his 21^st try of the season. Ponga landed the sideline conversion for a 6-0 lead.

The hosts then repelled Canberra for five consecutive sets, via exceptional defence on their line.

However, a big hit on centre Dane Gagai by Raiders star Jack Wighton jolted the ball loose and, against the run of play, winger James Schiller crossed in the corner. Jamal Fogarty levelled it up at 6-all.

Newcastle failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity in the 29^th minute.

After Marzhew intercepted, and put the Knights deep in Canberra territory, Gagai appeared to get the better of his oppositive number but knocked on over the tryline.

That mistake proved extremely costly.

Within minutes, following a short Ponga drop-out, interchange forward Trey Mooney smashed his way through the home side. Although Fogarty missed the shot at goal, the visitors hit the front 10-6.

Worse was to come for the tiring Knights.

Right on the stroke of half-time, Wighton sent Schiller on a clear run to collect his double. Fogarty raised the flags and the Raiders’ advantage to 16-6.

Newcastle then suffered another blow, during the break, when Hastings was ruled out due to an ankle injury.

In the 46^th minute, the match turned completely on its head.

Wighton was placed on report after Gamble accused him of biting.

That clicked the Knights into gear.

Almost immediately, Kurt Mann sliced through and found a flying Ponga in support. The latter converted to reduce the margin to 16-12.

Eight minutes later, Ponga injected himself into the play again and Dominic Young touched down for the 24^th time in 2023. Ponga added the extras to push Newcastle ahead 18-16.

Within 90 seconds, it became 22-16 when Gamble and Ponga combined to send Young down the sideline. He discovered an unmarked Gagai backing up.

In the 63^rd minute, Gamble recovered a ball, just metres from his line, stepped up a defender and sent Young on a 60m run to the tryline. Ponga soon made it 28-16.

Canberra refused to surrender and responded straight away.

On the fifth tackle, five-eighth Matt Frawley opted to go himself and strode over. Fogarty ensured the visitors trailed 28-22.

With two-and-a-half minutes remaining, former Knight Tom Starling scored near the uprights. Fogarty tied it up 28-all to send the showdown into extra-time.

It was left to Ponga to seal the result.

For more sports stories:

• VIDEO: Ugly crowd brawl mars Newcastle league decider
• A GOOD SPORT: Pickers pull ahead of their counterparts
• Gary van Egmond determined to start Jets’ ALW season on right foot

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The latest collaborative effort, the Cabaret, recently drew an array of support from individuals, businesses and groups at the Warners Bay Theatre for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF) and Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF).

And, as a result, the community-funded charities will benefit to the tune of $20,000.

“We believe, that together, we can achieve more,” HBCF general manager Abbey McDonnell said.

“Each year this event goes from strength-to-strength, not only raising funds for both our organisations but also awareness of two of the Hunter’s most prominent cancers.

“The success of Knockers and Moles would not have been possible without the support of the local community, volunteers, sponsors and prize donors.

“They’ve demonstrated the incredible potential charities can have when they come together to create positive change.”

Both the Newcastle and Hunter-based and founded HBCF, which raises much-needed funds to provide information and support for women and men diagnosed with – or being treated for – breast cancer, and the HMF, whose goal is to prevent melanoma through education, awareness, research and treatment, have made significant strides in their objectives.

With performances from the incredibly-talented Timberlina and friends, guests enjoyed a night of belly laughs, connection and an all-round great time.

The $20,000 will also bolster their efforts to provide vital services and assistance to individuals and families affected by these diseases in the community.

“Melanoma and breast cancer impact the lives of countless people in the Hunter,” HMF executive officer Claudia Tolhurst said.

“By joining forces, we are combining our expertise and resources to make a more profound difference in the fight against these diseases.

“We cannot wait to bring Knockers and Moles back in 2024.

“It’s going to be bigger, better and more glitzy of course.”

HBCF and HMF will continue their shared mission: to reduce the effect of melanoma and breast cancer in the local community and, through this alliance, expand their reach and deepen their influence in the region together.

For more community stories:

• Lake Mac’s annual History Illuminated sets sail
• Annual Out of the Shadows Walk honours loved ones lost
• Ride for Sick Kids relying on cyclists’ pedal power

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