WINDING DOWN HUNTER VALLEY FOOD WASTE

Hunter Valley wineries and hospitality businesses are winding down their food and organics waste pioneering sustainability in the region, thanks to funding from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Winding Down Wineries Food Waste’, delivered by Go Circular, is an innovative initiative aiming to reduce food and organics waste, creating a model for wine regions across Australia.

NSW EPA Acting Director Circular Economy Programs, Sam Lewis said empowering local businesses and communities to design circular solutions will drive lasting change for NSW.

“Go Circular’s project is paving the way for a more sustainable future, with benefits extending far beyond the vineyard,” said Mr Lewis.

“NSW generates 1.7 million tonnes of food waste per year. To help tackle the landfill crisis, we need to seriously combat food waste and invest in local solutions.

“That’s why the NSW Government has introduced new laws where from 1 July next year certain businesses must separate food waste from their general waste.

“The project champions new and practical strategies to better manage food waste like using in-season locally grown produce, turning vegetable off cuts into hearty stocks and recycling food waste into nutrient rich soil for vineyards.

“By co-designing innovative solutions with industry, local government and businesses, this project fosters greater collaboration, knowledge-sharing and builds a blueprint for other wine regions across Australia.”

Go Circular CEO, Annie Jiang said the Hunter Valley, with its 200-year history as one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, is now showing its leadership in sustainable hospitality and tourism.

“This project highlights the power of community-led innovation. From farm to kitchen, Hunter Valley hospitality businesses are demonstrating how sustainability can be embedded into everyday practice – protecting both our environment and the future of this iconic region,” said Ms Jiang.

Margan Winery and Restaurant owner, Ollie Margan said their strong focus on reducing food waste has helped shape a menu that is both sustainable and reflective of the region.

“By sourcing 90% of our non-meat ingredients directly from our own garden, we harvest only what we need, when we need it. This helps us minimise food waste from the start, while delivering fresher and unique dishes,” said Mr Margan.

The EPA provided $165,600 in funding under the Business Food Waste Partnership Grant program.

To learn more about the Winding Down Wineries Waste project visit https://www.gocircular.org.au/winding-down-wineries-waste/

To learn more about the program and other successful recipients visit https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Working-together/Grants/organics-infrastructure-fund/Business-food-waste-partnership-grants

Go Circular is a purpose-driven organisation based in Newcastle and the Hunter region, supporting organisations to implement circular economy principles through practical solutions that strengthen environmental, economic, and social resilience.

Second man charged with murder over fatal shooting – Newcastle

A second man has been charged following the fatal shooting of a man in Newcastle earlier this year.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025 and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 18-year-old man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene was established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police will allege a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

An investigation commenced involving detectives from Newcastle, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

On Friday 25 April 2025, a 22-year-old was arrested and charged with murder. He remains before the courts.

Following inquiries, on Wednesday 7 May 2025, police executed a search warrant at a unit on Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, where a firearm and ammunition were seized for forensic examination.

A 25-year-old man was arrested nearby and was taken to Newcastle Police Station.

He was charged with acquire etc firearm – subject to prohibition order, acquire etc ammunition subject to prohibition order, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, use, supply, acquire, possess stolen firearm or part, firearm etc found at premises-subject to prohibition order and breach of bail.

Following further inquiries, the 25-year-old man was arrested at a correctional facility in Kempsey today (Thursday 10 July 2025).

He was charged with murder and possess unauthorised prohibited firearm.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1.

Investigations under Strike Force Bolwarra continue.

Hunter Valley Police seize an estimated $10,000 worth of cannabis growing in a house

Hunter Valley Police have seized over 1kg of cannabis leaf and mature cannabis plants with an estimated street value of $10,000, following a search warrant at a house in the state’s Hunter region.

In June 2025, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the cultivation and supply of cannabis in the Hunter Valley area.

Following extensive investigations, police executed a search warrant at a property on Bylong Valley Way, Baerami, about 9:00am yesterday (Wednesday 9 July 2025).

During the search, police located and seized 44 cannabis plants, a large quantity of loose cannabis leaf and cannabis buds. Police also located equipment used in the enhanced cultivation of cannabis.

The estimated street value of the cannabis seized is $10,000.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Jaylah Boney- a First Nations Warada

Jaylah Boney is one of the rising stars of Australian netball—a fierce competitor, a proud Indigenous woman, and a natural leader. At just 18, the Central Coast Heart Premier League player has already represented her nation and state. Hailing from Brewarrina, a small town west of Dubbo, Jaylah brings the strength of her culture to everything she does, on and off the court.

“I’m a proud Ngemba Barkandji girl, so that’s all my mob, from out past Dubbo,” she says with quiet confidence. “It means everything to me—not just in sport, but in everything I do. I’m proud of who I am.”
Jaylah’s journey in netball began with family. Inspired by her mum, aunty and cousin, who all played at Cardiff Netball Club in Newcastle, Jaylah picked up a bib and hasn’t looked back since. “I used to watch my mum play every week—being surrounded by family made me want to be a part of it too,” she says.

Today, she competes at the elite level in the Netball NSW Premier League for Central Coast Heart and is steadily making her mark on the national stage. In 2024, she represented NSW at the inaugural First Nations Netball Tournament and was selected for the Black Swans team that competed at the Pan Pacific Championships. In 2024, Jaylah was named captain of the Netball NSW First Nations Team – the Waradas, leading her side to a bronze medal at the tournament.

“Being captain was really special. I’d say I’m humble, relentless and someone who leads by example. Whether on or off the court, I try to lift up my teammates and stay connected to my culture through everything I do.”

Jaylah balances her athletic ambitions with her role working in administration at an Indigenous medical centre. She draws strength from her culture daily—not just through work, but through dance. “Dance is a way we pass down our stories,” she explains. “I started performing at school, then with family, and now we get invited to perform at events. It just grew.”
Jaylah credits netball for shaping her as a person. “It’s made me who I am today,” she reflects. “My attitude’s changed a lot. It never used to be the best, but netball’s taught me resilience, how to bounce back, how to be a better version of myself. I’m really grateful for that.”

Her path hasn’t always been easy. Before the First Nations Tournament, she considered stepping away from the sport. But the opportunity to play for her culture reignited her purpose.

“That pathway kept me in the game. It meant everything.”

As NAIDOC Week 2025 honours The Next Generation – Strength, Vision, Legacy, Jaylah embodies the theme wholeheartedly.

“We need to stand up, pass on our culture—not just to others, but to each other. As the next generation, we’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing, and do it together.”

Jewish Council Rejects Special Envoy’s antisemitism plan

The Jewish Council of Australia has today warned that the newly released Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism risks undermining Australia’s democratic freedoms, inflaming community divisions, and entrenching selective approaches to racism that serve political agendas. The report is riddled with misinformation and claims about nefarious funding sources for protests and universities that verge on conspiracy theory. The Council is especially concerned about the plan’s strong endorsement of the widely discredited IHRA definition of antisemitism, which has been used to silence legitimate criticism of Israel and Zionism.  The Council criticised the plan’s emphasis on surveillance, censorship, and punitive control over the funding of cultural and educational institutions: measures straight out of Trump’s authoritarian playbook. We caution that some of the reccommendations including new visa powers and judicial inquiries into student activity — risk censoring criticism of Israel, deepening racism, and failing to meaningfully address the root causes of antisemitism. The Council is calling on the government to: Ground its response in anti-racist principles that include tackling Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, racism against First Nations people and all other forms of racism;
 Engage a broad spectrum of Jewish voices, including those critical of Israel, who have not been consulted in the development of this plan;
 Reject authoritarian proposals that erode civil liberties under the false guise of Jewish safety.
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Dr Max Kaiser,  Executive Officer, Jewish Council of Australia “This document reads more like a blueprint for silencing dissent rather than a strategy to build inclusion. The report’s vague language around ‘antisemitic narratives’ or ‘affiliations’ , coupled with its emphasis on the discredited IHRA definition of antisemitism, make the actions recommended dangerously unclear. Consistent with her past statements erroneously linking antisemitic attacks with Palestine solidarity protests, Segal seems fixated on driving a pro-Israel narrative and repressing legitimate criticism of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. 
 Antisemitism is real and must be taken seriously. But it does not exist in a vacuum. Any response that treats antisemitism as exceptional, while ignoring Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and other forms of hate, is doomed to fail.”

Netball NSW First Nations Team – The Waradas – Ready to Rise

Ten outstanding athletes have been selected to represent their state as members of the Netball NSW First Nations Team – the Waradas – to compete at the 2025 First Nations Netball Tournament.

Returning for the second year, the Netball NSW Waradas will showcase a formidable blend of experience and emerging talent, with eight players backing up from the 2024 tournament. Two exciting debutants-Lily-Louise Walker (Wayilwan & Wiradjuri) and Phoebe Hickson (Dunghutti/Wurundjeri)-will join the squad and bring fresh energy and ambition to the court.

Coach Colleen Mitchell, a proud Worimi woman, is thrilled with the calibre and cohesion of this year’s team.

“This netball group is strong, skilful and fiercely proud. The returning athletes have grown in confidence and leadership, and our two new players fit in seamlessly. I’m so excited to see what we can achieve together-we’re not just representing our culture, we will build on it with every pass, every game,” Mitchell said.

In the shooting circle, Dharawal goal shooter Charlotte Ryan will team up with Wiradjuri’s Jayda Grant (GA/WA) and Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi’s Mia Evans (GA/WA) to provide firepower up front.

Midcourt will be patrolled by Acacia Elers (WD/WA) Worimi/Awabakal, Ellie Stacey (WA/C) Wonnarua, Tahlia Robertson (C/WD) Whadjuk, and Lily-Louise Walker (C/WA) Wayilwan/Wiradjuri, providing speed, skill and composure through the middle.

In defence, Jaylah Boney (GK/GD) Ngemba/Barkandji, Alirah Watton (GD/GK) Gamilaroi, and Phoebe Hickson (GK/GD) Dunghutti/Wurundjeri will stand tall and strong to repel opposition attacks.

All ten athletes are proud graduates of the Netball NSW First Nations Emerging Talent Program-an emerging development initiative designed to support athletes from metropolitan, regional and First Nations communities. Through the program, players receive individual on court technical and tactical netball skills, while also building vital off-court foundations in areas such as women’s health, nutrition and high performance behaviours.

Now in its second year, the First Nations National Netball Tournament has grown into a five-day celebration of Indigenous excellence in netball, bringing together the most talented First Nations players from across the country in a full round-robin competition format.

Mardi Aplin, General Manager – Performance & Pathways at Netball NSW, said the tournament’s growth highlights its importance to the future of the sport.

“Launched in 2024, the tournament marked a historic milestone in Australian netball, offering a national platform to showcase Indigenous talent and accelerate the development of future stars. We’re proud to continue our commitment to this important program.”

That commitment is already yielding results. Following standout performances in 2024, three NSW athletes-Acacia Elers, Jayda Grant and Jaylah Boney-were selected for the national Black Swans team and went on to compete at the 2024 Pan Pacific Tournament.

Netball NSW will also send two talented First Nations umpires-Mark Munnich (A Badge) Yawuru/Gunggandji/Yued from Northern Suburbs Netball Association and Mackenzie Knox (B Badge) a proud Kamilaroi from Narrabri Netball Association -as part of its First Nations development pathway, supporting growth and representation both on and off the court.

As part of the overall cost of sending the team to the event, a $20,000 investment from Netball NSW partner FDC will ensure that every Netball NSW athlete is fully funded to compete. The funding covers costs associated with travel, accommodation, playing kit, and high-performance support.

The 2025 First Nations National Netball Tournament will take place from 20-24 August at Jubilee Park Stadium in Frankston, Victoria.

2025 Netball NSW First Nations Team – the Waradas

Jaylah Boney, Ngemba/Barkandji, Newcastle Netball Association
Acacia Elers, Worimi, Awabakal, Newcastle Netball Association
Mia Evans, Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi, Illawarra District Netball Association
Jayda Grant, Wiradjuri, Wyong District Netball Association
Phoebe Hickson, Dunghutti/Werunjeri, Penrith District Netball Association
Tahlia Robertson, Whadjuk, Sutherland Shire Netball Association
Charlotte Ryan, Dharawal, Randwick Netball Association
Ellie Stacey, Wonnarua, Newcastle Netball Association
Lily-Louise Walker, Wayilwan & Wiradjuri, Newcastle Netball Association
Alirah Watton, Gamilaroi, Dubbo Netball Association

Coach – Colleen Mitchell, Worimi, Ku-Ring-Gai Netball Association
Assistant Coach – Kellyann Huggins, Gomeroi, Maitland Netball Association.

Umpire – Mark Munnich, Yawuru/Gunggandji/Yued, Northern Suburbs Netball Association
Umpire – Mackenzie Knox, Kamilaroi, Narrabri Netball Association

Hunter Valley Police seize over $40,000 worth of cannabis growing from shed roof

Hunter Valley Police have seized over $40,000 worth of cannabis and other illicit substances growing from a shed roof in the state’s Hunter region.

In June 2025, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the cultivation and supply of cannabis in the Hunter Valley area.

Following extensive investigations, police executed a search warrant at a property on Aberdare Road, Aberdare, about 8.30am yesterday (Tuesday 8 July 2025).

During the search, police located and seized over 8kg of cannabis found growing from inside a shed ceiling, 48g of methylamphetamine, 1.2g of heroin and a taser.

The estimated street value of the cannabis seized is $45,000.

Following the search police arrested a 44-year-old man before taking him to Cessnock Police Station.

He was charged with possess prohibited drug (3), possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (3), supply prohibited drug (2), possess prohibited plant and cultivate prohibited plant.

The man was refused bail to appear before Local Bail Division Court 2 today (9 July 2025).

National disaster declaration needed for SA algal bloom

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senator for South Australia and spokesperson for the Environment has written to the Prime Minister to urge for a national response to the devastating South Australian algae bloom.

“For months, the coastline in South Australia has been under attack by a toxic algal bloom. So far, most of the response has been led by the local community, without any formal government support.

“Just last week we learned that senior members of the federal government were not even aware of the disaster unfolding on our beaches. This is simply not good enough.

“I have written to the Prime Minister because South Australians cannot be left to deal with this environmental disaster on our own. 

“If there were dead fish washing up on Bondi Beach every day, there would be a national outcry and response. South Australians deserve the same support from our federal government that east coast states would demand.”

“We know that this has been caused by the climate crisis, just like the extreme weather events like fires and floods. The federal government has an important role to play when it comes to managing climate change events, climate mitigation and adaptation. 

“A declaration of a national disaster is important to ensure that there are significant resources available to conduct the science that is desperately needed and support the communities and industries that are bearing the brunt of this crisis.

“Our fishing and tourism industries are being decimated by this disaster. The scientists tell us that we could be facing another 18 months with this toxic algal bloom. To protect our important industries we need a proper support package.”

Complaint of police misconduct sent to LECC for Belmore arrests

Greens MP Sue Higginson has made a formal complaint to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) alleging misconduct by police officers involved in the arrests in Belmore on 27 June 2025, and the invocation of emergency powers in arrest documents.

The extraordinary emergency powers designed to quell riots and other situations that give rise to a serious risk to public safety are purportedly to have been invoked in justifying the arrest of Hannah Thomas, where she was significantly injured by police, at a peaceful pro Palestine community assembly. The powers were introduced following the Cronulla Riots in 2005, and can only be used after an authorisation is given by an Assistant Commissioner or above of the NSW Police. When an officer exercises these powers after being authorised, any person given the direction must be informed that the direction is to prevent or control a public disorder.

Greens MP and Spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said “The appearance of these emergency powers on the arrest documents for Hannah Thomas is very revealing and deeply concerning, considering that an Assistant Commissioner or above must have authorised their use and that they must have believed that a large-scale public disorder was about to take place.”

“The other possibility for these emergency powers to be mentioned, is that the NSW Police are currently engaging in reverse engineering evidence to justify the assault of an innocent member of the community – something that we call corrupt.”

“At no point over the last 10 days have any of the Police, the Premier, or the Minister for Police referred to public disorder, let alone large-scale public disorder. What we have seen instead, is a series of statements from the Premier Chris Minns and Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden that are inconsistent with the evidence from the day, evidence clearly shows that police officers acting above the law.”

“There was no evidence whatsoever to form the basis to invoke the extraordinary police community control powers, the event was intended and was in fact a small lawful gathering of people protesting about SEC Plating and the genocide taking place in Gaza.”

“The LECC is responsible for investigating complaints of misconduct against police officers, and that’s why I have written to the Commissioner of the LECC today, making a complaint to them that certain police officers have engaged in serious misconduct in relation to these arrests.”

“It is the responsibility of the Commissioner for Police to notify the LECC if they suspect serious misconduct has occurred by a police officer, but the law allows for any person to make a formal complaint as well – I have taken this step today because the evidence here points to an active attempt to reverse engineer a justification for unlawful actions by the police.”

“The criminal and civil justice processes will continue for the survivors of this incident, but the evidence of serious misconduct by some officers in the NSW Police must be investigated independently by the LECC. Without accountability, the use of extraordinary emergency powers unlawfully is a significant step towards unjustified and unlawful punishment of legitimate and genuine peaceful protest, and will have a chilling effect on our constitutional right to political expression,” Ms Higginson said.

BACKGROUND:
public disorder means a riot or other civil disturbance that gives rise to a serious risk to public safety, whether at a single location or resulting from a series of incidents in the same or different locations.

An authorisation for the exercise in a public place of the special powers conferred by this Division may be given in accordance with this Division if the police officer giving the authorisation has reasonable grounds for believing that there is a large-scale public disorder  occurring or a threat of such a disorder occurring in the near future, and is satisfied that the exercise of those powers is reasonably necessary to prevent or control the public disorder.

An authorisation may be given by the Commissioner of Police or by a Deputy or Assistant Commissioner of Police. The power conferred by this section cannot be delegated.

Greens urge end to Robodebt, two years on from Royal Commission

The Greens have called on Labor to finally end Robodebt amid growing calls from welfare organisations to fully implement the recommendations from the 2023 Royal Commission.

Two years on from the Robodebt Royal Commission report, Labor have failed to fully implement the commissioner’s recommendations, and as a result, income support recipients continue to receive cruel and potentially unlawful debt notices and payment suspensions based on automatic Robodebt-style compliance.

The Greens call follows similar calls from the Australian Council of Social Services and from Economic Justice Australia, and comes ahead of an expected report from the Commonwealth Ombudsman into the so-called Targeted Compliance Framework.

Recommendations from the Royal Commission which the government have failed to implement include a statute of limitations on the recovery of old debts, establishing a duty of care for the Department, and automatically protecting people experiencing hardship from receiving compliance notices.

Greens spokesperson for Social Services, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Robodebt lives on today. It’s been two years since the Royal Commission and still Labor have refused to act on the commission’s recommendations to protect income recipients.”

“Labor continues to aggressively target income support recipients using questionable and potentially unlawful automated debt collection practices that can see people lose access to income support payments that are already below the poverty line.”

“We know people are still being flogged with ridiculous debt notices for supposed issues dating back to the 1970s, and the government still has no protections in place to prevent individuals already experiencing severe hardship from being further punished.”

“Fully implementing these recommendations is the least that Labor could do to correct this cruel system which treats welfare recipients as suspects.”

“The Greens are calling on Labor to implement the Robodebt Royal Commission’s recommendations in full now, and we’ll continue to fight to restore the Commonwealth Employment Service and bring an end to the punitive mutual obligations system.”