Worker back pay: The Mining and Energy Union says about 200 workers at the Upper Hunter's Mount Arthur coal mine are owed back pay from BHP. The company revealed last week it owes more than $400 million to staff who weren't paid correctly on public holidays dating back to 2010.
New clinic delayed: A $13 million eating disorder treatment clinic slated for the Hunter is a year behind schedule. A residential rating disorders treatment centre was due to open mid this year at Charlestown, providing beds for people affected by conditions like anorexia and bulimia. Hunter New England Health says delays have been caused by wet weather, the need for additional land assessments and remediation of the site and centre is now expected to be completed by mid-2024.
Worksite death: SafeWork NSW is investigating the death of a man at a Kooragang worksite. Police say they were called to the site on Heron Road last Wednesday following reports a man had been seriously injured. The man, aged in his in his 60s, died at the scene.
Surprise house inspections: Unannounced site visits by the NSW building commissioner have exposed serious defects in new homes being built in the Hunter region. David Chandler says of the 30 or so houses he inspected, 60 per cent had unsatisfactory and defective work. He says the visits were completely random and did not target any particular builders.
Blood shortages: The Australian Red Cross says 40 per cent of Hunter blood donors have been cancelling appointments at a time when national blood supplies are critically low. Many appointments have been cancelled after would-be donors contracted influenza or COVID.
Hunter Water protected: The New South Wales government says it's protected important water utilities from being sold into private hands after a bill cleared the upper house of state parliament. The amendment to the Constitution Act requires Sydney Water and Hunter Water to remain publicly owned.
Mental health plea: The Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network says more funding is needed for mental health services, as people continue to report high levels of distress. The latest Suicide Prevention Australia Community Tracker has found cost of living and personal debt are the leading causes of elevated distress and suicide risk for the fourth consecutive quarter.
Mice acting up: A mouse expert says the beginning of winter means mice and rats will try to get into houses to escape the chilly weather. The Grains Research and Development Corporation is reporting increased mouse activity in regions like the Upper Hunter.
Whale sightings: Local whale watcher Jeannie Lawson from Ocean and Coastal Care Initiatives says it's the earliest and most plentiful start to the annual migration season she can remember. Humpback whales have begun migrating along Australia's eastern coastline, with many being spotted off the Hunter's coast.
Knights ready for Brisbane: Newcastle forward Adam Elliott says the club's week off wasn't a holiday and some hard training days were put in. The Knights had a bye last round following their much-needed win against Manly and will face the Broncos in Brisbane on Saturday.