NRLseason 2014

Bennett impressed by Origin p.17

TE Turn overforyour entertainment guide

•

A victory for safety Barrier between highway and Maitland Park to protect children's playground

• MELISSAH COMBER

Fears of cars careening into Maitland Park will soon be a thing of the past, with Roads and Maritime Services currently working to install a safety barrier between the park

and the New England Highway. In the last four years, four incidents of vehicles

crashing through the chain fence that separates the park from the highway have been recorded, including a February 2012 accident in which a ute barrelled through the fence, struck a light post and pulled up metres short of a children's bicycle track.

When reporting on safety concerns in both October and November last year, the Post was told by the RMS that no upgrades to the fence would be undertaken until later this year in conjunction with in-progress roundabout works, but Member for Maitland Robyn Parker said that the work was brought forward in response to those concerns.

"Given the number of repairs needed on the chain fence recently we're concerned about the risk of a vehicle entering the park and injuring pedestrians," Ms Parker said.

"The balance of it won't be completed until after the roundabouts are finished, and that is on the [train station] side of the overpass, but we're doing the park because that's where the concern has been with cars crashing through."

The 400-metre barrier project will cost $300,000, but is extra funding on top of the $45 million being spent on the dual roundabout works.

Pullins Floorcovering Warehouse 21 Mustang Drive, Rutherford 2320

The scene of a November 2013 accident at Maitland Park

"They got nagged until they came up with it," Ms Parker said.

"I don't care about where they found it, all I care about is that I got it."

Ms Parker said that the barrier may also reduce noise in Maitland Park and a 30-metre shared

path would be built to connect to existing paths. The work is expected to be completed by the

end of this month, with another 130 metres of the safety barrier to be later installed on the other side of the highway as part of the roundabout upgrade.

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the hunter post 19 Pearson St. Charlestown NSW 2290 PO Box 2321 Dangar. NSW 2309 P (02) 4961 0310

o www.thehunterpost.com.au ~ www.facebook.com/thepost

Editorial: edltorlal@newcastlepost.com.au Advertising: enqulrles@newcastlepost.com.au Printed by: Spotpress Pty Ltd

Editor: Paul Monforte· Journalists: Stephen Bisset (TE), Amelia Parrott, Melissah Comber Production: Alex Blackham· Dan Phelan Sales Manager: Steve Watt· Sales: Glenda Peate, Gary Scott (Trades), Dan Hawkins (TE), Lynne Hardy, Alison Hislop (Hunter), Patrick Fisher Administration: Lauren Pollard Accounts: Susan Ward

Robyn Parker Member for Maitland

tr 49331617 JEJ www.robynparker.com.au IJ facebook.comlRobynParkerMP

EDITOR'S DESK paul.monforle@newcaslleposl.com.au

Ease off on the messages and worry about the legislation It's hard to believe that the Federal Govern­ment thought having a recorded message on the Medicare hotline advising that the $7 GP co-payment would be introduced from July 2015 was a good idea.

I understand that they are committed to the co-payment and they fully expect the legislation to be passed, but it's not across the line yet and won't have the backing of the Opposition.

I can also accept that the Government was attempting to clear up the confusion surround­ing the issue with reports that GP visits have declined as some people think the co-payment is already in effect.

Another interesting political story was the poll in the Daily Telegraph showing the Coali­tion would comfortably win a state election if it were held now, despite the fallout from the ICAC drama. I think it's a reminder of just how much ground Labor has to make up in NSW - remem­ber that the Coalition won 69 seats to 20 at the 2011 election. That is an almost insurmountable gap to overcome, but I think State Opposition Leader John Robertson has done well restore the reputation of the Labor Party.

Judging from listening to and watching him in radio and TV interviews, he comes across as a very competent leader and I believe he is now starting to increase his public profile -something I thought was lacking early on in his leadership.

PAUL MONFORTE Editor

The co­payment is not across Ute Une yet

"

o The biggest story for Knights fans at the moment, apart from who is going to run the club, is the form of fullback Darius Boyd.

Those of you who follow the NRL will be well aware of the issue - that Boyd stars for Queens­land and seemingly struggles for Newcastle.

I don't think it's as clear cut as that. Yes, there are statistics showing that this year

he has been one of the least effective fullbacks in the NRL, but the overall form of the Knights has to be taken into account.

It's hard for any player to shine in a team that is struggling for confidence.

We'd love to see him in that lethal form he was showing during his time at St George Illawarra where he scored and set-up many tries by chim­ing into the backline and creating the extra man.

He was man of the match in the Dragons' 2010 grand final victory.

Boyd was the Knights' player of the year last season, so suggestions that he has not been worth his lucrative salary at the Knights are somewhat wide of the mark.

It's also important to point out that at State of Origin level, he is receiving quality service from Greg Inglis who always attracts extra defenders and creates space for his winger.

Boyd is a very good finisher when playing on the wing as his 14 Origin tries in 18 appearances can attest to.

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STATE GOVERNMENT

Cash win for local communities Eligibility changes give Maitland and Cessnock access to Resources for Regions funding

• MELISSAH COMBER

Maitland and Cessnock are now eligible to receive a slice of the $160 million of infra­structure funding provided

by the Resources for Regions program, which aims to support NSW communities affected by mining activity.

Previously, the communities were deemed to be ineligible to apply for the funding, but a report released by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infra­structure and Services, Andrew Stoner last week broadened the eligibility criteria to take in truck movements and mining­related employment.

"Mining is a critical contributor to the NSW economy and a crucial job creator in the regions, but it puts extra pressure on everything from schools to hospitals, roads to recreational facilities and housing to childcare services;' Mr Stoner said.

According to the NSW Minerals Council, over 2100 people in Maitland were directly employed in mining, sharing in over $286 million of wages, and 879 local businesses benefited from $894 million in direct spending from mining companies. It is estimated that the spending generated an additional $2.3 billion in economic activity,

Maitland and Cessnock can now apply for funding under the Resources for Regions program

and supported almost 12,500 indirect jobs in Maitland. Member for Maitland, Robyn Parker said that the city will now eligible to apply for millions of dollars of funding. "I will now be working with Maitland

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Council to identify major infrastructure projects worthy of funding and will help ensure that the Maitland community benefits from a significant infrastructure upgrade," she said.

Newcastle has already benefited from the funding program this financial year, receiving $5.6 million for road works, shared pathways and cliff stabilisation on the Shortland Esplanade.

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» LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Transforming Maitland Park Public to be given chance to have their say as Council considers new masterplan

• MELISSAH COMBER

L ushgardens, family-friendly spaces and premier sporting facilities are just a few of the things that will be included in a transformed Maitland

Park, if Councillors adopt a new masterplan for the site.

Soon to be released for public comment, the plan presents a long-term vision for the space which Councillor Ben Whiting said was already of vital importance to Maitland residents.

"It is one of those unique facilities whose usage crosses demographics," Cr Whiting said.

"It includes the obvious sporting groups and spectators of all ages, recreational pool users, picnickers and playground users and their parents.

"This park has definitely got a place in the hearts of people from Maitland."

Cr Whiting said he was particularly excited about the improvements coming to Transvaal Avenue, which serves as a memorial to Maitland's war personnel.

"It's important to recognise the people of Maitland who have died fighting," he said.

Cr Whiting said that although the delivery timeline would be dependent on funding,

WHAT IT WILL FEATURE

• 654 new formal car spaces • An indoor aquatic centre with a cafe • Mutli-purpose sports field for cricket, soccer, touch football and triathlon • Upgrade of Robins Oval • Construction of a new netball clubhouse and courts • Upgrade of the croquet club building • New hockey amenities • New picnic areas, amenities and garden areas ·A heritage walkway • Fitness stations

some projects, such at the netball facility, were well on their way.

"They're well advanced on the plans for the new clubhouse, and with the usage this place gets it's definitely needed."

The masterplan will soon be available to view online and in the Council administra­tion building and libraries.

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Maitland Park (above) as It looks today and (below) an artist's Impression of the Improved garden areas

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Coronation Oval upgrade

Also soon to be on public exhibition is the draft Plan of Management for the Coronation Oval Sporting Complex.

If adopted, the Telarah fields will undergo significant works to bring them up to standard, with the rugby league field to be realigned to provide proper clearances and the canteen, toilets and storage consolidated into one building in line with current Australian standards.

There would also be the construction of an additional amenity block and spectator seating, and upgrades to the existing grandstand, playground, picnic tables and parking.

The cricket nets from Ron Walsh Field would also be relocated to the side of Coronation Oval along with improved pedestrian connectivity and links between facilities.

No time period has been slated for the works, but Councillor Ken Wethered said they were necessary to have planned.

"We need to have plans in place to present when grants become available;' he said.

The Plan of Management will be avail­able to view on the Council's website and in the administration building and libraries.

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ART

Bringing colour to the fore Winter program at Maitland Regional Art Gallery to feature ARTEXPRESS exhibition

• MELl55AH COMBER

Winter is not at all going to be grey at Maitland Regional Art Gallery, with a colourful and diverse range of exhibitions

taking centre stage. MRAG's Deputy Director, Brigette Uren,

said that the winter program had some­thing for everyone.

"There's a very youthful, bright feeling," she said.

"We have established artists in the community alongside the new wave of artists."

The program features the works of John Olsen, John Ogburn, Desiderius Orban, Nola Jones, Dick Watson and expat Novo­castrian Simone Paterson, capped off by ARTEXPRESS, a touring exhibition that features the best works from last year's HSC Visual Arts students.

Hundreds of hours went into developing the works, which include photographs, ceramics, drawings and textiles, but they weren't all smooth sailing.

Lambton High's Rebecca Wilson, Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College's Jacinta Borrow, Central Coast Grammar's Ruben Fela and Warners Bay High's Hannah Spradley with Miss Wilson's artwork

"You work on it all the time at school, at home, lunch time and free periods," Central Coast Grammar School's Ruben Fela said.

"You do have problems, but the hiccups are all part of the process.

"Whenever I had to change something it proved to make it better."

Lambton High School's Rebecca Wilson said that seeing the end result was the best part.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S GAMES

Maitland City Council is calling for expressions of interest (EO I) from athletes and coaches wishing to represent Team Maitland at the International Children'S Games (ICG), which will be held in Lake Macquarie from 6-11 December 2014.

Eighteen athletes aged between 12 and 15 and four coaches will be selected as part ofthe EOI process.

A minimum offour athletes will represent Maitland in athletics and swimming, six in football and a minimum oftwo in BMX.

Selected athletes must pay a $500 participation fee which will cover the cost of uniforms and team pins.

All costs associated with accommodation, meals and transfers to and from the sporting venues are covered by the host city.

Coaches will be required to stay with the athletes for the duration ofthe games.

Athletes and coaches wishing to represent Maitland in the ICG can contact Team Maitland's Head Delegate Virginia Rodway for an information pack on 0408 877 595 or vrodway@outlook.com

The EOI period closes at 4.30pm on Friday, 27 June 2014.

"Seeing it here is a bit surreal," she said. "It's really rewarding seeing the hard

work you put in all year payoff."

School, Belmont Christian College, Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College, Warners Bay High School, Merewether High School, St Francis Xavier's College and West Wallsend High School also have works on display.

Students from All Saints College, St Mary's Campus, Maitland Grossman High

CR PETER BLACKMORE Maitland City Council Mayor

all council matters: maitland.nsw.gov.au

lam sure

you will all be thrilled

with the end result

MAITLAND MATTERS

Work on The Levee gets underway this week

It is a very exciting time for the Maitland community, with the first component of The Levee project set to break ground this week.

Component One of the project includes the refurbishment of High Street, which will see traffic reintroduced into the mall, through the creation of a shared vehicle and pedes­trianzone.

The Levee project will transform the Heritage Mall from a 1980s pedestrian street into a leading shopping and enter­tainment precinct.

I know that many of you will be happy to hear that 20 new car parks with a time limit of 30 minutes will also be introduced to the new space.

The Mall has served Maitland well over the years, but it is time for a change and I am sure you will all be thrilled with the end result.

In preparation for works to begin, Maitland City Council held a meeting with City Centre traders and business owners to inform them about the construction process, which will begin at the Bulwer and High Street intersection.

Representatives from head contractor Landscape Solu­tions were also on hand at the meeting to answer questions about the project.

Council has been working very closely with Landscape Solutions for a number of months now to make sure construction causes as little disruption to the community as possible .

While I acknowledge that there will be some inconven­ience caused throughout the construction process, Council will continue to work with the community so lines of communication are kept open throughout the project .

We are hopeful that Component One of the project will be completed early next year and I urge you to please be patient during this time .

The Levee will remain open and I encourage you all to continue to support the retailers and businesses throughout the construction process.

PUBLIC NOTICES DRAFT PLAN OF MANAGEMENT AND MASTERPLAN FOR CORONATION OVAL SPORTING COMPLEX Coronation Oval Sporting Complex in Telarah contains Coronation Oval, Hartcher Field, Ron Walsh Field, Telarah Bowling Club and passive recreation facilities. Council, in conjunction with Moir Landscape Architecture, has created a Draft Plan of Management and associated Masterplan for the sporting complex that will outline how the facility will be used, managed and improved into the future. Community values, issues and priorities are important inputs into these plans and Council welcomes your participation in this process. Submissions should be lodged with Council no later than Friday, 18 july 2014.

Further information and documents can be accessed via Maitland Your Say at maitlandyoursay.com.au or by contacting Amanda McMahon, Acting Recreation Planning Coordinator on 49349717 or amandam@maitland.nsw.gov.au

DRAFT PLAN OF MANAGEMENT AND MASTERPLAN FOR MAITLAND PARK Maitland Park is a valuable asset within Maitland, providing a unique combination of active and passive recreation facilities, parkland and heritage elements. Council, in conjunction with Moir Landscape Architecture, has created a Draft Plan of Management and associated Masterplan for Maitland Park that will outline how the park will be used, managed and improved into the future. Community values, issues and priorities are important inputs into these plans and Council welcomes your participation in this process. Submissions should be lodged with Council no later than Friday, 18 july 2014.

Further information and documents can be accessed via Maitland Your Say at maitlandyoursay.com.au or by contacting Amanda McMahon, Acting Recreation Planning Coordinator on 49349717 or amandam@maitland.nsw.gov.au

NOTICE OF APPROVAL FOR OPEN BURNING IN THE MAITLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA In accordance with the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2010, Councils are given authority to issue approvals to burn dead and dry vegetative matter to a 'class of persons'.

Maitland City Council adopted the 'Control of Burning Policy' on 13 May 2014 which outlines the permitted zoning and conditions that open burning may be undertaken. The Policy can be found on Council's website maitland.nsw.gov.au

The approval commences following adoption by Maitland City Council and advertised in a newspaper circulating in the Maitland Local Government Area and will continue until the approval is reviewed or revoked by the Council. Land Owners/Managers may also have obligations or require a Fire Permit under the Rural Fires Act 1997 and should make enquiries of NSW Fire and Rescue or Rural Fire Service to ensure that they comply with their obligations underthat Act.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

WORKS - GLENARVON ROAD, LORN (1 DAY)

Council wishes to advise that AUSGRID will be upgrading/relocating a power pole on Glenarvon Road between Marcellin Park and Flat Road. In accordance with Section 115 of the Roads Act (1993), this section of Glenarvon Road will be closed to all traffic:

• From 7.30am to 5.00pm Wednesday, 4June 2014

Access for residents will be maintained.

Detour signs will be installed at appropriate locations.

THE MAITLAND AROMA - COFFEE, CHOCOLATE AND FINE FOOD FESTIVAL 2014

Council proposes to temporarily close sections ofthe following Maitland streets to conduct the upcoming Maitland Aroma event - location change this year due to mall upgrade work:

• From 6.00am Friday, 15 August to 7.00am Monday, 18 August 2014:

- St Andrews Street between High Street and river bank;

- Riverside car park;

- Stillsbury Lane (between Riverside car park and High Street).

Warning and detour signs will be installed where appropriate.

Comments relating to the running of the event (not related to road closures or traffic management), should be made in writing, addressed to the General Manager, Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland 2320, endorsed 'Maitland Aroma Special Event - File 150/5'. The closing date for comments relating to the special event is 4.00pm 18june 2014.

Public comments regarding the proposed road closures should also be forwarded in writing (addressed to the General Manager at the above address), endorsed 'Maitland Aroma Special Event - File 122/944'. The closing date for comments will be 4.00pm on 2july 2014.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION PROCUREMENT AND PURCHASING POLICY Council at its meeting on 13 May 2014, resolved to publicly exhibit the draft policy­Procurement and Purchasing Policy.

The draft policy will be on public exhibition until Tuesday, 17 june 2014 at Council's Administration Building and Council Libraries during normal working hours. It is also available on Council's website maitland.nsw.gov.au

Council will accept written submissions received no later than 5.00pm on Tuesday, 17 june 2014. Further enquiries should be directed to Teressa Chadwick - Manager Governance and Information Services on 4934 9739.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST McKEACHIE'S SPORTSGROUND Maitland City Council is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) for use of the McKeachie's Sportsground.

It is anticipated that the playing fields will be available for use for the start ofthe 2014/15 summer season.

User groups will have access to the multi­purpose playing fields, storage, change rooms and canteen facilities .

User groups wishing to apply should complete an expression of interest form available from Council's website maitland.nsw.gov.au or contact Council's Recreation Planning and Development Officer Alex Threadgate on 49349700 or alext@maitland.nsw.gov.au

The EOI period closes at 4.30pm on Friday, 4 july 2014.

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G Sportsground use COMMUNITY

Expressions of Interest are now open for sporting groups who wish to use the new sportsground in Aberglasslyn.

Sleeping rough for charity The facility, which features six light

towers, is located in the McKeachie's Run estate and is built to host a variety of sports, including AFL, soccer, rugby league, rugby union and cricket. It is anticipated that the sportsground will be available for use at the start of the 2014/15 summer season.

Students go without to support Samiritans' Winter Appeal

The site also includes change rooms, toilets, showers, storage rooms and a kiosk along with car parking, seating, barbeque and fenced children's playground. Inter­ested groups can obtain an EOI pack from Council's Recreation, Planning and Devel­opment Officer Alex Threadgate on 4934 9700 or alext@maitland.nsw.gov.au.

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• AMELIA PARROTT _ @amelia_parrott

Stage three students from Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College slept rough last Thursday night to help raise money to support homeless

people across the Hunter. There was no pre-bedtime TV or warm

bed to be had as students, teachers and parents slept under the stars in makeshift cardboard beds in support of Samaritans' Winter Appeal.

Speaking to the Post ahead of the sleep out, Year 4 student, Antonia Gentle said she didn't expect to get much sleep but was excited to be supporting such a good cause.

As well as participating in the sleep out, students have knitted blankets and collected more than 160 pairs of shoes, which will be donated to the Hunter-based charity. Stage coordinator, Amy Bibby said the sleep out provided an authentic learning experience for the students.

"The students have been learning about communities recently so the sleep out is a really tangible way for them to get involved, make a difference and assist homeless people in our own area," she said.

"Hopefully they will be able to reflect

WH'8LESALE APPLIANCE SUPPLIES

Emily McDean and Antonia Gentle make cardboard beds ahead of last week's sleep out

after this experience and have a better understanding of the hardships faced by other people in the community." Samari­tans director of development, Lynne Graham said winter was a particular hard time for the Hunter's disadvantaged.

"Winter is such a tough time for families

[and] it is easy to forget the flow-on effect that has for children," she said. "Money raised during our appeal goes towards our important work with these families locally." To donate to the Samaritans Winter Appeal visit www.samaritans.org. au/donate or call 4960 7100.

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EDUCATION

The chicken or the egg? State grant giving students understanding of the life cycle of food

• MELISSAH COMBER

The students at Ashtonfield Public School are clucking mad, and they have the chooks to prove it.

Last week the school received a $3500 grant from the Food Gardens in Schools Program to install a chicken coop as part of an initiative called 'From the kitchen to the chicken to the egg to the kitchen waste project'.

As part of the project the students will implement a food scrap recycling program to supplement the feed requirements of the chicken and will see chickens lay the eggs that will then be used in their canteen.

Teacher Philip Cliff, who spearheaded the project, said that he drew on his child­hood growing up on farm to create a new learning environment.

"These are suburban kids who don't get to see chickens, so this is a new experience for them," he said.

Member for Maitland, Robyn Parker said that the project enables the students to see the full life cycle of the food they eat.

"Students who don't have that under­standing, or don't come from a farming background or really think that eggs are

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Ashtonfield Public School captains Kelly Little and Natalie Legge show Robyn Parker MP one of their chickens

just what you get from the supermarket can get that understanding as well as the recycling message," she said.

The school already has a vegetable and bush tucker garden, which is maintained by the students.

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COMMUNITY

Maitland's mark of respect for Souris

George Souris MP plants a tree with Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore

UPper Hunter MP George Souris last Monday became the second person in as many weeks to plant a tree in Mait­

land's Ministers Park and aptly, it was his second tree.

Mr Souris planted his first tree in the park in 1992, when he was the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing, and although he lost his recent portfolios in Premier Mike Baird's cabinet reshuffle, including Tourism, Major Events, Hospi­tality and Racing, at the end of April, Mr Souris served as Minister for the Hunter from December 2013.

Mr Souris planted the tree with Mait­land Mayor and former colleague Peter

Blackmore, who said that invitations to plant trees showed respect to those who had served the region.

"This is very important to us, and I believe it was deserving," Councillor Blackmore said.

"He really is a good fella." Cr Blackmore and Mr Souris were

both members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly with Cr Blackmore holding his seat from 1991-1999, while Mr Souris has been the member for the Upper Hunter since 1988.

Cr Blackmore said that the next person who has been invited to plant a tree in Ministers Park is Don Page, former Minister for Local Government.

Policesnapsbot :-:-: Police release comfit of man after child approaches

Police have released a comfit image of a man following a string of four child approaches in Kurri Kurri last month.

The male is described as being of Cauca­sian appearance. with a tanned complexion. about 40 years of age. with brown hair that is longer on the top and shorter on the sides.

Police allege he approached a boy on Aberdare Street on the afternoon of Thursday. May 8. calling out to the child from a white van.

The van was last seen turning right from Aberdare Street onto Mitchell Avenue. Kurri Kurri.

The van is described as being a late

model white Toyota HiAce with tinted front windows and a black cargo grill behind the driver's seat. No signage was observed on the van.

Anyone who may know the identity of this male or has any information that could assist police is urged to come forward.

Detectives attached to the Central Hunter Local Area Command are investigating the incident and they can be contacted on 4934 0200 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000.

Man charged over home invasion

Police have charged a man over a home invasion at Cameron Park earlier this year that left a resident critically wounded.

On Wednesday, March 19, a 22-year-old man was confronted by a group of armed males outside his home on Hilldale Drive.

The man was stabbed during an alterca­tion inside the home and was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

The man's father also suffered minor injuries when he was assaulted during the incident.

Detectives from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command arrested a 20-year-old man at his home in Belmont last Thursday and he was later charged with special aggravated break and enter.

Police are still seeking to identify two males involved in the incident.

Anyone who can help the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000.

Supporting our Socceroos

/

JJJ-

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The 20th FIFA World Cup in Brazil sees our Socceroos join 31 nations in the quest for glory in the final to be held in Rio de Janeiro on July 13.

Australia begin their World Cup campaign against Chile in the early hours of June 14 (Australian time). They will then take on the Netherlands on June 19 (Australian time) and Spain on June 24 (Australian time).

Prior to that, Australia have organised a friendly against Croatia on June 7 (Austral­ian time) to finalise preparations.

Considering that Spain and the Nether­lands finished first and second in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, many pundits have dismissed Australia's chances of progressing to the Round of 16.

But we know that Australian teams can rise to the occasion in elite company.

Socceroos midfielder Mark Bresciano said the focus of the team's effort will be to do Australia proud and to "try and shock the world. We all have great opportunities to show our abilities, to show the strength of our team to the rest of the world. It's always a dream going to a World Cup, regardless if it's your first or third," said Bresciano, who was part of Australia's World Cup squads in 2006 and 2010.

" I guess the expectation is maybe a little bit high because, in the last nine or 10 years, we've been very successful as a nation."

Coach Ange Postecoglou was happy with the squad's preparation for the opening match against Chile, despite only managing a draw against South Africa last week in their friendly in Sydney.

"Whilst you want to win every game and it would give everyone a warm and fuzzy feeling if we won, from our perspective it's about being ready for game one in the World Cup," Postecoglou said.

"As part of that process we're doing certain things that maybe affected last night's performance but I've seen how hard our guys are training.

"The intent was there but sometimes some over exuberance and a bit of fatigue made things scrappy and we made some poor decisions but it's all part of the process."

Mile Jedinak, currently playing for Crystal Palace in England, was named Australian captain for the World Cup. Jedinak's career in Australia included stints at Sydney United (2001-06), South Coast United, Wollongong (2005) and the Central Coast Mariners (2006-09).

Latest betting markets have installed host country Brazil as favourites, with Argentina, Germany and Spain also at single-figure odds.

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Trivia (answers page 16)

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7. How old was Cameroon's Roger Milla when he scored in the 1994 finals match against Russia?

s. Which Australian player was sent off in the I-I draw with Ghana at the 2006 World Cup finals?

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Zadkovich heads west Newcastle captain departs for two-year deal with Perth Glory

Newrastle Jets captain Ruben Zadkovich will take up a two­year deal with Perth Glmy after being released fiom the final

year ofhis conII3ct 1astweek. The mutual termination of Zadkovich's

Jets oonlIact, which was setto expire at the end of the 2014115 A-League season, allows lbe 28-year-old to pursue the new opportu­nityin lbe west.

"The decision to release Ruben fiom lbe remainder of his current contIact was not ODe tbat was made \ightly," Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said.

"Ao offer came in fiom another Club and after discussions with Ruben and his maoagementwe reached an agreement for the release as we were uoable to match the terms offered.

"Managingthesalary-capmeaos thatthis decision was required to ensure we bave balance across our squad for next season.

"We feel we have strong competitioo for places in centIal midfield with the likes of Josh Brillaote, Zenon Camvella, Ben Kantarovski and Young Socceroo MiIclJ. OXborrow, while Jaoob Pepper bas also sbown be is mnre tbao capable of filling that role. Ruben Zadkovlch

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"Ruben's departure will allow us to invest more in other areas of the pitch."

Middleby thanked Zadkovich for his efforts and oontribution during his time as a Newrastle Jets player.

"Ruben bas been a wonderful servant for the Newrastle Jets during his four seasons wilb the Club," Middleby said. "We thank him for his services and wish him all lbe best with his future endeavours."

zadkovich, wbo made '57 Hyunclai A-League appearances for lbe Jets and soored six goals, thanked the Club and its Members for their support during his time in Newrastle.

"I'd like to thank all lbe Jets Members and supporters, my teammates and the Club's coaching and administratioo staff foreverytb:ingtbey've done for me over the past four seasons, "Zadkovich said.

"I'm proud to say that wbenever I put on a Newcastle Jets jersey I played wilb the attitude, aggressioo and passion tbat I Ii!It the town and team deserved. captaining the Newrastle Jets was a oomplete hooour andfortbatopportunitylfeelverygIateful.

"While I'm sad that my time at the Jets bas ended, Pm looking forward to begin­ning anew chapter in my football career."

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Knights stars rise to the occasion Not the right result for Bennett but coach impressed by Newcastle's Origin performers

• MATT LOGUE N EWCASTLEKN IG HTS.COM.AU

I( nights coach, and proud Queens­lander, Wayne Bennett enjoyed the State of Origin spectacle despite the result going against the Maroons.

"There has been that many close games in the last two series where Queensland probably got away with a couple of them, but this time it went New South Wales' way;' Bennett said. "There was very little between the teams." It was on Bennett's trip north to Brisbane

that he was reminded of the passion the Origin series evokes. "It was electric as usual at Suncorp but I haven't experienced an atmos­phere quite like we had on our flight from Newcastle;' he explained.

"Danny Buderus was with me, there was quite a lot of NSW supporters and also a few Queenslanders, and I have to say the atmos­phere was quite humbling.

"When we got to the other end in Brisbane, it was there as well, plenty of fun and banter and it reminded me what a great concept Origin is and what it means to so many people."

Bennett was impressed with the way his two players performed in the tough encounter,

Knights coach Wayne Bennett

Beau Scott for NSW and Darius Boyd for Queensland.

"Beau's defence was really good;' he said. "He missed a tackle there that could have been a bit costly but they managed to clean it up.

"Outside of that he was outstanding; the amount of times he was either leading the way

in defence, third man in, second man in and wrapping the ball up.

"You watch your own players harder than anyone else and you can be a harsh critic on them as well, but I thought he was really good.

"Darius was good too, he is a wonderful winger. He is a very talented player and can

play any position in that backline. He really had to work hard for one of his tries, he did a good job to get over the line and probably could have had three on the night only to be denied that last one. His running game was good, he was solid, linking up with Billy (Slater) and looking for opportunities."

Boyd's two-try performance comes after being criticised for his form at the Knights since returning from injury in Round 4.

"Everyone has their own opinion on people, mine is that Darius has been a high perform­ing player for a long period of time;' Bennett explained. "He had a slow start to our season, injury set him back and we weren't playing well when he did get back.

"He has had his moments and it has been the toughest patch I have seen him play. He was really good against Manly and I think he is on his way back, he is getting his form back."

As for Bennett's thoughts on game two at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday June 18?

"If one team is just off with their commitment that will be the difference between these two teams;' he said. "They corne in with two differ­ent mindsets; Queensland knowing they can't afford to lose and NSW knowing they have one in the bag, and it is how they both handle that.