Best extends contract: Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best (pictured above) will wear the red and blue until the end of the 2027 NRL season. The 22-year-old has extended his contract with the NRL club by another three years. He's played 70 games in the top grade since making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2019. Last year, Best scored two tries in his first State of Origin appearance for New South Wales.
Whooping cough concerns: Health officials say the number of whooping cough infections in the Hunter New England in 2024 has already matched the total number of infections seen last year. There were 34 cases of whooping cough across the district in 2023. The same number of cases have already been reported in the first six weeks of this year, prompting a plea from doctors to vaccinate and watch for symptoms.
Pharmacy trial popular in Newcastle: More than 500 consultations have been carried out in Newcastle since a pharmacy prescription trial began last year. The University of Newcastle is leading the trial, which allows pharmacists to provide medication for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and low-risk oral contraceptive pills. From July 1 2023 to January 18 this year, there have been 535 consultations in Newcastle, the third highest number in New South Wales behind Sydney and the Central Coast. Newcastle and Hunter Valley pharmacist Anthony Piggott says the majority of consultations have related to UTIs.
Subdivision plan for Denman: The Muswellbrook Shire Council is seeking public feedback on a proposed Denman subdivision. A development application to turn a cattle grazing property into a housing estate will be on exhibition until February 28. It proposes a 129-lot subdivision on a piece of land on Almond Street for new residences. The application states the proposal will have positive social and economic impacts in Denman, and will help to address a shortage of residential lots.
Oysters still recovering: A Port Stephens oyster grower says it's too early to tell if the region will completely recover from a deadly oyster disease. QX disease, which is not harmful to humans but can wipe out oysters, devastated the region a couple of years ago. Several growers have since left the industry. Don Burgoyne, whose family farm has operated for more than 60 years, says there's been glimpses of recovery from the latest test results but he's not getting his hopes up. He says testing of Sydney Rock oysters reveals the disease is present but not at a level to cause infection.
Cinema closures: Singleton residents are in shock with the news that the town's only cinema is closing after 18 years. Majestic cinemas last month announced it was entering voluntary administration. It's now been confirmed an agreement with the building owners in Singleton can't be reached and it will immediately close. The cinema in Nelson Bay also screened its last movie on Sunday after 13 months of operation. The company says cost-of-living pressures, the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the recent Hollywood writer and actor strikes have reduced its box office sales.
Challenge to tackle mental health: Mental health experts and researchers will hold an innovation challenge in Newcastle next month, aimed at workshopping new ideas to address a rising mental health crisis. Mental health hospital presentations across the Hunter New England and Central Coast are higher than the state average, prompting experts to call on the community for help. The University of Newcastle, University of New England and local Primary Health Network are asking people who have a lived experience in working with people with mental health issues to help workshop ideas with people from different backgrounds.
Matildas call-up: Local footballers Emily van Egmond and Clare Wheeler have been included in the Matildas squad to play in two Olympic qualifiers later this month. The Matildas will play Uzbekistan in the home and away series that will help decide which teams from the Asian conference will play at the Paris Games. Van Egmond has played for Australia 139 times, while Wheeler has represented Australia 18 times.
Six Knights to play All Stars: The Newcastle Knights will have six players in the men's and women's All Stars matches to be played in Queensland on Friday night. Adam Elliott will line up for the Indigenous side coached by Ron Griffiths. Fellow teammates Dane Gagai and Leo Thompson will represent the Moari All Stars. Dally M medallist Tamika Upton will represent the women's Indigenous All Stars, while Shanice Parker and Rima Butler have been named for the Maori side.
