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Articles by Robert Virtue
Berry contamination scare opens door for local growers
The hepatitis A contamination that has triggered a nation-wide recall of imported frozen berries could have positive implications for local growers. It is the health scare that has opened Australia's eyes to the intricacies of our food importation market. So far 12 people have been confirmed as having hepatitis A after eating frozen berries under the 'Nanna's' and 'Creative Gourmet' brands. The brands have now been recalled. The outbreak has reportedly been traced back to a Chinese berry farm.
From plumbing in rural Queensland to studying nursing in Newcastle
Nursing has long been a profession dominated by women, a trend enshrined in the job's history. But a down-to-earth plumber-turned-nursing student from Queensland wants there to be a broader culture shift. For decades, the nursing profession has traditionally been populated by women. Statistics from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia show that it's predominantly still the case, with women making up some 89 per cent of registrations across Australia as of March 2015.
Minister announces additional resources for drought-affected Hunter farmers
New South Wales Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair says there is "no doubt" parts of the Hunter region are in the grips of drought, after visiting the area for the first time since the big dry took hold. "You stand here, and look around these paddocks, you can't escape that," he said, while visiting beef and dairy properties in Clarence Town and Stroud. "There's no sugar-coating it," he said.
Calls for regional sportsgrounds to have defibrillators after cricketer's heart attack
A regional New South Wales community has banded together to ensure defibrillators are installed at remote sportsgrounds, in the wake of a man collapsing with a heart attack while playing in a weekend cricket match. On February 10, two cricket teams from the NSW Hunter region, Seaham and Hinton, were playing in hot conditions at Raymond Terrace.
Cancer survivor Hannah Perkins teachers others to care for their minds during illness
A Newcastle woman is using her experience battling cancer to help others cope with the diagnosis and treatment process, by teaching them yoga and meditation. Hannah Perkins had her serenity at a meditation retreat in southern France shattered when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer more than five years ago. Earlier, when in her mid-twenties, she worked as an environmental activist in south-east Asia. "Really, I was quite lost … and [wanted] to find myself," she said.
Beetroot juice under the microscope to find link to increasing exercise capacity, reducing obesity
Scientists are studying the effects that beetroot juice has on the body and if consuming the drink increases exercise performance, especially among obese people. The research is led by Dr Aaron Sverdlov, an associate professor of cardiology with the Hunter Medical Research Institute in Newcastle, and Dr Doan Ngo, an associate professor of cardiovascular research at the University of Newcastle. Dr Sverdlov said they are trying to learn more about the health-boosting properties of beetroot juice.
Schizophrenia education for nurses a positive outcome of Simon Swinson's personal struggle
A Newcastle man living with schizophrenia is helping educate the next generation of Australian nurses by collaborating on a new academic book. In 1999, Simon Swinson, then aged 35, had a psychotic episode which changed his life. To that point he had lived without a mental illness diagnosis, despite feeling he was living a 'dysfunctional' life. "My journey is one of missed opportunities for the first half of life and from then on — proper diagnosis, treatment, and relative success," he said.
Drought impact in Hunter Valley likely to extend into winter as farmers stock-up on hay
Farmers in the New South Wales Hunter Valley are using hay supplies they would normally have saved for winter to reduce the effects of drought. Large swathes of NSW have not had decent rain in months with the Hunter Valley particularly hard-hit. Many landholders have sold livestock and others are buying feed to help sustain their animals. Craig Kirkwood's family have owned a rural supplies business at Maitland since 1921, and said conditions are among the worst he had seen.
Pyeongchang 2018: Winter Olympics glory beckons for Newcastle figure skater Kailani Craine
A figure skater from regional New South Wales says making her Winter Olympics debut is a dream come true. Kailani Craine, 19, has skated since she was eight growing up in Newcastle. Her final preparations are underway ahead of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, which begin on February 9. "I feel amazing. I don't even think there are words to describe how amazing this whole experience is, and it hasn't even begun yet," she said. Craine said her love of skating had grown through her childhood.
'Demoralising' and 'belittling': Newcastle man living in his car with pet dog struggles to find housing
A couple has been stranded and homeless in a regional city park for the past three months because their car has broken down and they cannot afford the repairs. David Irving and his partner's car broke down while travelling through the New South Wales city of Newcastle in late 2017. Jobless and homeless, they cannot afford the parts to get back on the road. The couple are on waiting lists for public housing but, because they have a dog, finding a place has become difficult.
Prison officer reflects on life inside Maitland Gaol, 20 years after its closure
A former prison officer has reflected on life inside one of Australia's most notorious gaols on the 20th anniversary of its closure. For 22 years, Keith Bush arrived each day outside the imposing sandstone walls of New South Wales' Maitland Gaol, stepped through its metal barred gates and began his day's work patrolling the prison. It was a dangerous career fuelled by a want to help others and a sense of duty to protect and rehabilitate some of Australia's worst offenders.
Paralympian Matt Formston gives visually impaired children a surfing masterclass
Surfing is a prominent part of Australian culture but for those with a visual impairment, taking to the water can be challenging. A group of visually impaired children from the New South Wales Hunter region were taught to surf this week in a masterclass run by Matt Formston, a Paralympian and world champion in adaptive surfing's blind category. The workshop was organised by non-profit organisation, Vision Australia.
Sydney Hobart Yacht Race entry Freyja, a 1945 timber yacht, ready to set sail
Andrew Miller has sailed the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 15 times, but his 2017 attempt at the iconic race looks set to be his slowest. Not because of bad weather or unexpected complications, but simply because he will be skippering one of the oldest vessels in the fleet — the graceful 1945 timber ketch Freyja. While the super-maxis are likely to scoot quickly down the Australian coast, Freyja will be persevering at the back of the fleet. "[I approach the race] with patience," Mr Miller said.
Port Stephens World War II bunker explorers find buried artefacts, but unanswered questions remain
The hunt to uncover military secrets in a New South Wales coastal town has delivered some answers, but has left other questions unanswered. During World War II, the United States military established a base in Port Stephens, north of Newcastle, to help fight the lurking threat from the Japanese. Throughout 2017, explorers Charles Tennyson and Mark Rawson excavated part of a park at Fly Point in Nelson Bay, with approval from authorities.
Cliff diving champion Rhiannan Iffland keeps feet on the ground after a big year
"It's a really big mental game, standing up there," says cliff diver Rhiannan Iffland. "You never know what will happen." One thing is guaranteed though — the toll it takes on her body extreme. "We're hitting the water at anywhere between 77 to 80km/h, and slowing down in a couple of seconds," she said.. "You can imagine the impact on the body." Iffland has set her sights on another successful year in 2018, after being crowed world champion for the second consecutive time.
Kurri Kurri art project is connecting youth through a multi-sensory mural
A regional New South Wales town, which is known for its murals, is reducing marginalisation among youth through a public art project. Kurri Kurri, north-west of Newcastle, has a population of about 17,000 people. On many of the buildings in the heart of the town are brightly-coloured murals depicting scenes of life in regional Australia. For years, the Towns with Heart and St Vincent de Paul Society Ability Links organisations wanted to connect with marginalised people in the Kurri Kurri community.
Abuse survivor reflects on royal commission's damning findings into Newcastle's Anglican Diocese
A survivor of child sexual abuse at the hands of the Anglican Church in the 1960s is calling for the Federal Government to fully implement the final findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The call comes in the wake of the royal commission delivering a damning assessment of the Newcastle Anglican Diocese's responses to abuse cases, when it handed down its findings last week.
Former Newcastle Anglican Diocese Dean faces court on sexual and indecent assault charges
A former Dean of Newcastle's Anglican Diocese has pleaded not guilty to sexual and indecent assault charges. Graeme Russell Lawrence, 75, is charged with four counts of aggravated sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault. The alleged offences upon a 15-year-old boy in the Hunter Valley date back to 1991. Mr Lawrence made his first appearance in Newcastle Local Court this morning. He entered a not guilty plea, with the matter adjourned until February 14, 2018.
Golf legend Brett Ogle has golden putter returned, 12 years after it was stolen
Australian golfing legend Brett Ogle has had a gold-plated commemorative putter he won returned to him, after it was stolen and found discarded at a regional recycling centre. Ogle won the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in the United States in 1993. After winning, he received the engraved commemorative putter from his club manufacturer, Ping, who also made a solid gold version for the company's vault.
Newcastle's iconic, phallic-shaped Queens Wharf Tower set for demolition, 30 years after it was erected
Newcastle's iconic, phallic-shaped Queens Wharf Tower is set for demolition because it does not fit in with the city's new image and its maintenance costs.. Almost 30 years ago, on Australia's bicentenary, Queen Elizabeth II gracefully stepped off her royal vessel on Newcastle harbour, and officially opened a new waterside precinct named in her honour in the New South Wales city.
Former drug addict Chad Davis calls for reduction in rehab waiting times for people in crisis
But six years after getting clean, he has now devoted his life to helping others, particularly young people, living with addiction. But having seen the drug issue first-hand from both sides of the fence, Mr Davis said more could be done to help those who fall into addiction. Mr Davis' journey with drug and alcohol addiction began at age 15, slowly at first drinking with his mates on weekends. Now aged 42, Mr Davis said drinking became a crutch in his life.
Paramedics warn parents to teach kids about emergency phone calls in smartphone age
With landline phones in the home slowly becoming outdated, do children know what to do in an emergency? With the evolution of smartphones, the Australian Communications and Media Authority reported in 2016 that 5.78 million Australians had a mobile phone, but no fixed-line phone. When children were once taught to dial triple-zero on the landline, the raft of security and user features on mobiles is adding complexity to teaching kids how to respond in an emergency.
Motorsport photographer Stephanie Owen ready to roll at inaugural Newcastle 500 Supercars race
Capturing a clear, crisp image of a car travelling at 300kph is just one challenge facing motorsport photographers. But for Newcastle's Stephanie Owen, it is a challenge she is happy to take on. Ms Owen fell in love with photography four years ago, and has since gone on to shoot some of Australian motorsport's biggest events. Next on the agenda is this week's inaugural Newcastle 500 Supercars race.
Isabelle Kranhold shows Newcastle motorsport fans Supercars aren't just for men
A Hunter Valley teenager will be in the middle of the action at the inaugural Newcastle 500 Supercars race this week, working with one team's pit crew. Isabelle Kranhold, 19, is studying light vehicle mechanical technology at TAFE, and said she wanted to build a career in the traditionally male-dominated world of motorsport. Ms Kranhold said she had always loved motorsport, and used to watch the races with her father.
Indigenous military veterans from regional Australia honoured in national photography exhibition
The sacrifices made by Indigenous Australians in war are being remembered through a national photography exhibition, with veterans from regional areas playing a significant role in the project. He joined the army six years ago, following in the footsteps of his father. "Probably the best memory I've got is marching out of Kapooka [army base] and seeing my father there in the same uniform.
Facebook group gives regional Australian men safe space to seek support via social media
Regional Australian men are turning to social media groups to find support and discuss issues affecting them, including mental illness. Seven months ago, a group of men from the New South Wales Hunter Valley started a secret men-only Facebook group called The Virtual Pub, which has since attracted 51,000 members. Callum Orchard helps to administer the page and said it aims to create a safe space for men to discuss issues affecting them.
How surfing helped save young people in Newcastle from the grip of mental illness
Thoughts used to surge through 16-year-old Newcastle girl Mya Amosa's head during the depths of her battle with mental illness. After her mother died of cancer a couple of years ago Ms Amosa struggled. But a surfing program in Newcastle has helped give her a fresh perspective. Under a sunny sky and with the constant hiss of waves crashing onto Newcastle's Nobbys Beach, a group of 10 young people walked eagerly onto the sand, surfboards tucked under their arms.
WWI stowaway Maud Butler dared to challenge stereotypes, now inspiring young readers
The daring escapades of a young regional New South Wales woman who twice stowed away on a troopship during World War I are being remembered in a new book. Maud Butler was from Kurri Kurri, in the Hunter Valley, and was desperately attempting to get to the front lines. She became known as 'The Famous Maud Butler' because of her repeated efforts. Her story inspired Newcastle historians John Gillam and Yvonne Fletcher to immortalise her in a new book for children titled You Can't Fight, You're A Girl.
On the trail of a 19th-century double murder mystery in regional NSW town Booral
University students from across Australia have converged on a small NSW town, trying to crack a double-murder cold case from 1878. Allan and Mary McAskill were found dead 139 years ago in Booral, in the Hunter Valley. Mr McAskill had been bludgeoned on the side of the road and his body thrown down a precipice. Mrs McAskill's remains were found inside the couple's house, which had been set on fire. Despite lengthy investigations, the case was never solved.
Meet Newcastle's Scott Thompson: the man who builds his own drones
There is a lot of buzz and debate around the use of drones, from their capacity as photographic tools, to being used as covert military devices. For Newcastle man Scott Thompson, it was being awed by drone footage of sweeping ocean vistas that ignited his passion for the technology. It was a passion that has seen him go on to study electronics at TAFE, and now build his own drones. Mr Thompson said his interest in the technology grew out of a love of the ocean and surfing.
Battle of Beersheba: Upper Hunter community bands together to remember its heroes
A small regional New South Wales community is remembering its indelible connection to the Battle of Beersheba, 100 years on. On October 31, 1917, with the grip of World War I choking the Middle East, a daring Allied cavalry charge made up of hundreds of Australians thundered across the open desert towards the strategically important town of Beersheba. The riders faced a surprised Turkish enemy as they stormed toward their trenches armed with bayonets.
Every bit of exercise helps stroke patients, researchers find
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the role exercise can play in reducing the risk of people having a second stroke. In a world-first study, researchers from the University of Newcastle studied the impact a sedentary lifestyle had on stroke patients.
NSW local governments using new project to better plan for natural disasters
Natural disasters can have devastating effects on communities, with the ensuing financial and psychological pain taking years to ease. A new project is underway in New South Wales aiming to make local governments better prepared for emergencies, so when they strike, the impact will not be as significant.
Rise of the suburban goat: Increase in ownership prompts a warning from vets
The suburban goat is becoming an increasingly common sight in Australian backyards as more people choose them as pets. While the animals have traditionally been found on rural properties, in the New South Wales Hunter region there has been a significant increase in goat ownership — particularly along the urban fringe of the state's second-largest city, Newcastle. Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) said over the past three years there had been an almost 20 per cent increase in goat ownership.
Maritime industry no longer just for the men - Alida van Driel is living proof
From wharf workers to ship hands, generations of men have traditionally been the pillars of Newcastle's maritime industry. But that tide is slowly changing. Alida van Driel is one of two women who work on the city's passenger ferry service between Newcastle's CBD and the harbour-side suburb Stockton. She has been awarded a maritime scholarship which is set to propel her towards achieving her career goals in roles on the water.
Living with a stutter has been an ordeal but Newcastle's Alex Cowan is fighting back
Imagine having something to say, but stuttering so much you cannot express your words cleanly. That is the reality for many of those who live with the speech disorder. Speech Pathology Australia said stutters affect about one per cent of the population at any one time, and about five per cent of people over a lifetime. Ahead of International Stuttering Awareness Day on October 22, Newcastle man Alex Cowan shared his story — something he did not feel confident communicating two months ago.
NSW scientists breed record 429,000 Australian bass in bumper year for fish restocking program
A state-wide fish restocking program in New South Wales has been boosted by a record number of Australian bass fingerlings being bred this year. Australian bass are a native freshwater fish, which are popular with recreational anglers. The NSW Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) fisheries institute at Port Stephens has run a large bass breeding program since the 1980s. A record 429,000 bass fingerlings were bred this year, and have been released into dams across the state.
Could improving renewable energy technology ease the power bill pinch for dairy farmers?
In the New South Wales Hunter Valley, third-generation dairy farmer David Williams' Vacy property is a green oasis in a hazy brown landscape. But looks can be deceiving. His paddocks are green with a covering of pasture after more than 100 days of consecutive irrigation — a necessity amid one of the driest seasons he can remember. But while the water has been desperately pumped in a bid to grow feed for his livestock, Mr Williams is bracing for an extraordinarily high-power bill.
Taboo around infant death and its effects on families tackled by Newcastle mother Megan Sutton
Three years ago, Newcastle woman Megan Sutton had her life turned upside down. For the previous 20 months, she had experienced unbridled happiness after the birth of her daughter Monique. But it cruelly vanished in late 2014 when Monique died after developing bronchiolitis. Through the pain, Ms Sutton forged a new direction for herself as a dance teacher for children with a disability, all the while keeping the memory of her young daughter close to her heart.
NSW farmers urged to plan for dry season as lack of rain increases pressure on landholders
A sheep and cattle farmer from the New South Wales Hunter Valley says conditions in the region have not been as dry as they currently are in almost 40 years. The observation came as farmers were urged to plan for the warmer months in a bid to mitigate the effects of the harsh conditions. Ian MacCallum has worked the land around Moonan Flat in the Upper Hunter for 60 years.
Migration book a trip down memory lane for Newcastle illustrator Liz Anelli
Imagine packing your bags, waving goodbye to your home country, and setting off for the other side of the world to start a new life. That scenario is what millions of people have done over the years by migrating to Australia, but to explain to children why people emigrate to another country can be challenging. It is hoped a new picture book titled Ten Pound Pom, from Newcastle-based illustrator Liz Anelli and author Carole Wilkinson, will help ease that challenge.
Migration book a trip down memory lane for Newcastle illustrator Liz Anelli
Imagine packing your bags, waving goodbye to your home country, and setting off for the other side of the world to start a new life. That scenario is what millions of people have done over the years by migrating to Australia, but to explain to children why people emigrate to another country can be challenging. It is hoped a new picture book titled Ten Pound Pom, from Newcastle-based illustrator Liz Anelli and author Carole Wilkinson, will help ease that challenge.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention project underway in regional cities
A multi-million-dollar project aiming to raise awareness and curb cases of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will be rolled out in two regional Australian locations. A consortium led by Telethon Kids Institute has secured $2.7m in federal funding over three years for their Make FASD History program. With the funding, Newcastle in New South Wales and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory will be the focus of the prevention and support program.
Flocking to the coast: Thousands of inland birds migrate as heatwave, drought bites
Surprisingly large numbers of bird species usually found in inland areas of New South Wales have been spotted along parts of the state's coast. Experts said it could be an indication of just how dry inland areas are. Parts of western NSW have smashed temperature records in recent weeks, in a dramatic shift towards the warm season.
'Human factors' science turns to tackle improving the level of care in hospitals
It is hoped a study looking into complex human factors which can affect the medical treatment of patients will improve the provision of care in hospitals. Human factors is an area of science covering how people and systems work together, and is often referred to as ergonomics. Those systems can range from how equipment is used, to how guidelines and rosters impact staff.
Smoking rates among pregnant Indigenous women tackled in major research project
It is hoped a large-scale research project will help provide clearer solutions for tackling smoking rates among pregnant Indigenous women across the country. In 2014 it was reported 45 per cent of surveyed Indigenous mothers smoked during pregnancy, compared to 13 per cent of non-Indigenous pregnant women. Those figures have spurred University of Newcastle associate professor Gillian Gould to study what can be done to help reduce rates of Indigenous women smoking while pregnant.
Lake Macquarie man Graham Burgess tackling the Nullarbor in 1929 Austin 7 car
By age 76, most people have started to slow down to enjoy their twilight years. But for Lake Macquarie man Graham Burgess, that prospect is not on his agenda. Mr Burgess has lived a life full of adventure, pushing himself to visit some of the world's most exotic and challenging environments. In the coming weeks, he will tick another daredevil experience off his list.
Special Olympics equestrian program helps riders with intellectual disabilities achieve dreams
An equestrian program in regional New South Wales is helping people with an intellectual disabilities successfully learn to ride and compete at national events. With its illustrious thoroughbred studs, the NSW Hunter Valley has long been renowned as an integral component of Australia's horse industry. It is also one of only two hubs in the state for the Special Olympics equestrian program, with the other hub being on the outskirts of Sydney.
Ninety-five-year-old Lake Macquarie woman returns to school for special anniversary
A Lake Macquarie woman has returned to her small school, 90 years after first arriving as a student, to help celebrate its 125th anniversary. Peg Veale, 95, is one of the oldest living past students of Dudley Public School in New South Wales. She started at the school in 1927, aged five. "I lived opposite the school, and the first couple of days I ran back home," Mrs Veale said.
Domestic violence service tracks changes in community support over past 40 years
A service, which has been working to support domestic violence victims in regional NSW for 40 years, says more needs to be done to tackle the issue. Jenny's Place is a non-profit organisation helping those affected by domestic violence in Newcastle, NSW's second-largest city, through refuge accommodation and providing access to specialised support.
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