The move is set to see the state’s educators go from being among the worst to the best paid in the country.

Under the agreement, endorsed by the Teachers Federation Council, starting salaries will increase from $75,791 to $85,000, and payments for those at the top of the scale increase from $113,042 to $122,100 from 9 October.

It’s the most significant uplift in teachers’ salaries seen in NSW in almost three decades.

A restructured pay scale will now include seven steps ensuring a more rapid progression.

The Chris Minns government is hoping the pay increase will take pressure off working families who need a reliable public education system.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the agreement marked a step in the right direction.

“I am so proud that today we are able to give teachers the pay rise they so urgently deserve,” she said.

“Just over five months ago, the Labor was elected with a mandate to sit down and negotiate a new deal for our teachers, and that is exactly what we have achieved.

“The endorsement of this agreement marks an important step forward for teachers, as well as for students and families, as we work together to rebuild the state’s public education system.”

NSW Teachers Federation acting president Henry Rajendra said the wage increase would benefit education as a whole.

“This historic advance has been won by thousands of teachers who campaigned tirelessly,” he explained.

“They are passionate about the teaching profession and absolutely committed to giving all kids a decent shot at life.

“Teachers will benefit from this agreement which will immediately begin tackling the teacher shortage. The ultimate beneficiaries are our children. Investing in teachers is investing in the future.”

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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

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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.

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About 2.40am on Saturday 9 September, officers from Newcastle City Police District were patrolling the area.

They were flagged down by members of the public who provided information about two males who had allegedly broken into several cars nearby.

A short time later, police stopped two men on Minmi Road, Wallsend.

Following a search, they seized tools, coins, six mobile phones, keys, medication, syringes, a box of ammunition, ID documents, letters and two knives.

Officers will allege the items had been taken during the car break-ins.

The males were then taken to Waratah Police Station.

The younger man was charged with four counts of goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, larceny, enter vehicle or boat without consent of owner/occupier, enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, possess housebreaking implements, and custody of knife in public place.

The older male was charged with goods in custody suspected being stolen, larceny, and enter vehicle or boat without consent of owner/occupier.

Both were refused bail to a appear before Newcastle Local Court on Monday 11 September.

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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.

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Towards the end of the decider, with the Dora Creek Swampies leading the Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs 18-14 at the Lakeside Sporting Complex, play was halted when countless supporters began throwing punches, and shouting obscenities, in the stands.

It quickly escalated with about another three scuffles breaking out from the original melee.

Horrified families attempted to shield their children, who can be heard screaming on video footage, while the players from both sides attempted to calm those responsible.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were also in attendance at the Newcastle-Hunter Rugby League encounter.

“About 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 9 September), police were called to a sporting complex on Leisure Way, Raymond Terrace, following reports of a brawl,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

“Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District dispersed the crowd.

“No one required medical treatment at the scene and no arrests have been made at this stage.

“As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Although it’s unclear what started the incident, it’s believed discriminatory comments played a significant role.

“It was disgraceful,” one fan told the Newcastle Weekly.

“Things like that shouldn’t be happening at a rugby league match.”

It’s the second time a major brawl has erupted during a Dora Creek fixture in the past four years.

In September 2020, another punch-up marred proceedings after racial slurs from the crowd were directed at Indigenous players of the opposing team, West Wallsend.

On that occasion, the match was cut short.

Back then, West Wallsend was booted out for the remainder of the season, while there were calls for Dora Creek to be sanctioned, too.

• FOOTNOTE: The Swampies eventually claimed the premiership on Saturday 9 September, thanks to a 20-14 victory over the Cheetahs.

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The historic township will now permanently welcome two daily return train services between Singleton and Newcastle seven days a week.  

In fact, passengers now have six return options to Newcastle on weekdays and four on weekends, with Singleton trains also connecting with services to and from Sydney. 

The permanent additional services are the result of more than a decade of campaigning and a three-and-half-year trial. 

Singleton mayor Sue Moore is calling on the LGA’s residents to leave the car at home and take full advantage of the permanent additional passenger train services in Singleton. 

“This is a great achievement for the community, and a campaign that council has whole-heartedly supported, particularly as part of the Singleton Advocacy Agenda over the past five years, and we are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for listening to us and taking our feedback on board,” she stated.

“I’m extremely excited that these new passenger services will remain in operation permanently and, more importantly, to see the people of Singleton and all the way down the line putting them to good use so we can leverage even more services. 

“I’m thrilled with this outcome and congratulate everyone who has been involved in the countless meetings, letters and petitions over the years to achieve this result, in particular the tireless work of the Two More Trains for Singleton group.” 

Cr Moore said council would continue to lobby the state government for even greater public transport options for Singleton to improve connectivity throughout the LGA and the greater Hunter region. 

“It’s critical that the level of service in Singleton is further enhanced for the future prosperity of the Singleton area and while these permanent extra services are a step in the right direction, it’s not unrealistic to expect the same service level as other locations on the Hunter line such as Maitland,” she added.  

“In the interim, I encourage everyone to take out the stress of traffic and parking — the train really is a good option for wherever you’re headed.” 

Two More Trains for Singleton spokesperson Martin Fallding said the group would continue to push for better train timetables, meeting with representatives from the NSW Government and council in Singleton on Monday to discuss. 

“The community is encouraged use train services to not only ensure they continue, and to support the provision of more frequent services,” he said. 

“I am more than confident that if council and Two Trains for Singleton continue to work closely together to advocate for public transport services that Singleton needs into the future, we will achieve positive outcomes.” 

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Residents are scheduled to head to the polls on 14 October.

There, they’ll be asked to decide on whether to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Already, the upcoming referendum seems to be dividing the nation.

And, it appears this region isn’t any different following the formation of a new group.

Newcastle and Hunter for NO will advocate for a negative vote after officially appointing Blake Keating as its campaign manager for the federal electorates of Paterson, Hunter, Newcastle and Shortland.

A member of the NSW Liberal Party’s State Executive, he recently completed three terms as the president of the Australian Liberal Students’ Federation.

“Australia’s Constitution is our most important legal document,” Mr Keating said.

“We have not changed it since 1977.

“So, this is a leap into the unknown.

“The Voice has not been road-tested.

“There is no comparable constitutional body like this anywhere in the world.

“Enshrining a Voice in the Constitution means it is open to legal challenge and interpretation by the High Court.

“Legal experts don’t agree and can’t know for sure how the High Court will interpret such a constitutional change.”

Mr Keating added all fair-minded Australians wanted to help Indigenous Australians in disadvantaged communities.

“However, this Voice is not the answer,” he said.

“We can already see it’s divisive.

“It creates different classes of citizenship through an unknown body that has the full force of the Constitution behind it.

“Don’t forget, many Indigenous Australians do not support it either.

“Unlike the ‘Yes’ camp, we don’t have the big end of town supporting our campaign.

“This will be done from the grassroots and we’ll be relying on the many Australians who have doubts.

“I believe countless of people in the region are undecided, with their own concerns.

“But, I’m confident that our campaign will achieve a lot of community support.

“And, once all the votes are counted, the Hunter will post a strong and convincing ‘no’ in the referendum.”

Mr Keating has garnered the support of councillors at City of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie City and Cessnock City, too.

“I’ve worked closely with Blake, including recently as my campaign manager for the Wallsend state seat,” Cr Callum Pull said.

“Newcastle and Hunter for NO is lucky to have such an experienced and energetic local ready to fight for all of us out there who are concerned about this proposal.

“For me, personally, I’m disappointed the government has not revealed the key details of how the Voice will work before the vote.

“We don’t know how it will help disadvantaged communities and close the gap.

“And, we don’t know how many members this Voice would have.

“We don’t know if they would be elected or chosen… or how this would occur.

“Plus, we don’t know how it would make representations or be held accountable.

“There are so many unknown factors.”

Cessnock’s Cr Paul Dunn also backed Newcastle and Hunter for NO.

“We believe the proposed Voice to Parliament adds more bureaucracy to an already complex system,” he said.

“Rather than offering practical solutions to the issues faced by Indigenous Australians, it creates further red tape.

“We need evidence-based, frontline solutions to address the Closing the Gap targets effectively.

“When we look closely at the proposed Voice to Parliament, we see significant risks to the principles of equality and unity that our nation holds dear.

“Our communities deserve a fair and honest discussion about this important issue.

“The Newcastle and Hunter for NO campaign aims to do just that.”

Councillor Jason Pauling, from Lake Macquarie City Council, emphasised the importance of unity among all Australians.

“Our commitment is to the union of all Australians,” he said.

“We strongly believe this referendum will divide us along racial lines, which goes against the very core of the values of our nation.

“By forming Newcastle and Hunter for NO, we are sending a strong message that we stand together, advocating for a unified Australia where all citizens are equal before the law, regardless of their background.

“This campaign is about preserving the principles that have shaped our nation for generations.

“You can’t unite a country by dividing it into different groups.”

Members of the public who want to get involved in the Newcastle and Hunter for NO campaign are encouraged to visit www.NewcastleHunterNo.org and https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleHunterforNO/

• Several local councils, including City of Newcastle, and companies have announced their support for the YES crusade.

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Thankfully, August has offered a slight reprieve, with just 223 rescues recorded across the state.

Numbers were down across the Hunter region, too, with Lake Macquarie recording 38 assists, Lemon Tree Passage six and Newcastle three.

Call-outs in and around Lake Macquarie were predominantly for engine problems, followed by flat batteries, with the team of volunteers conducting 27 towns during August, and two jump starts.

What is pleasing is the number of boaters logging their trips prior to setting sail, with Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie recording 441 local log-ins, 137 of them on smartphones.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the reduction in rescue responses during August was testament to boaters doing the right thing on the state’s waterways. 

“The best result would be to have zero rescues but from the August statistics it is clear that boaters across NSW have been planning their voyage, checking the weather, ensuring their vessel is maintained and that they are carrying the appropriate safety equipment,” he explained. 

“It’s wonderful to see that our safe boating messages are being received and acted on.”

While numbers are down, it is less than a fortnight before the official boating season begins on 1 October.

“Marine Rescue NSW is expecting a bumper season on the back of record numbers of boaters enjoying our beautiful state’s waterways,” Commissioner Barrell said. 

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers safely returned 449 people to shore statewide during August. 

10 MAYDAY calls were received last month including a call to the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre after a sea kayaker hit rocks at the mouth of Malabar Cove off Long Bay. 

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers managed 19,412 radio calls in August while 5,955 boaters Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW. 

Greater Sydney was the busiest region in the state with 75 rescue missions while volunteers on the Hunter Central Coast responded to 70 incidents. 

The Mid-North Coast was the only region to see an increase in rescues from July, up from 22 to 34 last month while 22 were completed in the Illawarra, 15 in the Northern Rivers and seven in the Monaro region. 

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If the answer is “yes”, then you’re in luck.

Residents are now being invited to offer feedback on the Transport for NSW’s options.

The project team will host a series of in-person and online consultation and information sessions to provide an overview of the plan.

Webinars, using the “Teams” platform, are scheduled for Friday 15 September from noon to 1pm and Thursday 21 September between 6pm and 7pm.

There’ll be community events, too, on Thursday 14 September from 10am to 1pm at the Beresfield Community Hall and Wednesday 20 September from 4pm to 7pm at the Raymond Terrace Senior Citizens Hall. 

The Australian and NSW governments are investing $2.1 billion to deliver the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight widening projects.

“On completion, the extension is expected to save motorists up to nine minutes of travel time during peak periods,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

“They’ll be able to bypass up to five sets of traffic lights and reduce demand on existing key routes.

“As the start of major work for the M1 extension edges closer, we’re calling on locals to share their thoughts on the design and landscaping plans for the project.

“The draft options are now on public exhibition, giving people an opportunity to provide feedback on a range of elements such as retaining walls, bridges, lighting, signs, paving types and artwork.

“Another key initiative for the design is an expression of Country and the relationship to the Hunter River through the integration of artwork provided on the safety screens and the entry to the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, along with landscape elements at the interchanges and signposting of Country.”

The planned 15-kilometre extension includes a four-lane divided motorway with two lanes in each direction; new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace; and a 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway.

The spokesperson said the project would offer positive outcomes for the community during construction and on completion.

“The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace will transform the way people travel in and around the Hunter region,” they explained.

“So, we want the community to be a part of the process.

“The project will create and support about 2,700 jobs during the estimated five years of construction.

“Now, as we come down to the exciting part, we want to hear from residents.

“People can view the draft design and landscape plans and provide their feedback either online or by attending one of our community information sessions.”

The extension is expected to be open to traffic in 2028. 

The Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace on an 80:20 basis.  

For further details about the design and landscape plans, go to http://www.caportal.com.au/tfnsw/m1rt 

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