Hunter Valley Today: Recent Episodes
Hunter Valley Today
Darren talks to Steve about the site chosen for a potential Return and Earn centre in the town.
Darren talks to Greg about the EOI for the council operated Upper Hunter Child Care Centre.
Darren talks to Charlie about the tour he was conducting where Muswellbrook man Jaryd Buckley was killed in a freak accident in far north Queensland.
Darren talks to Martin about the Floodwatch issued for the Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter River.
Darren talks to Superintendent Zimmer about the alarming increase in sexual assaults in the Hunter Valley.
Darren talks to Dave to get his response to claims by Upper House MP Rod Roberts that he has been missing in action over the Singleton Fire Station bathroom issue.
Darren talks to Rod about the plight of female firefighters who have to share one toilet and shower with their male colleagues..
Darren talks to Jackie about the continual rise in sexual assaults in the Hunter Valley.
Darren talks with Commander Shultz about an exciting new initiative, the Singleton Emergency Services Internship.
Darren talks to Stephen about the the fact there are currently 30 vacant teacher vacancies at Upper Hunter public schools.
Darren plays back what councillors said in a council committee meeting yesterday discussing a controversial helipad proposal in Merriwa.
Darren talk to Joanna about alarming new Domestic and Family assault figures for the Hunter Valley.
Darren talks to Kym and Fiona ahead of a Upper Hunter Shire Council meeting about a proposed private helipad proposed for their town.
Darren discussed with Tony what happened when his daughter, who is eight months pregnant, went to Murrurundi Hospital in the early hours of the yesterday morning.
Darren questions the Minister about a call by Upper Hunter mayors for more funding for disaster preparedness and response.
Darren talks to Steve about the conditional approval of extending and expanding the Mount Pleasant Coal Mine.
Darren talks to Maurice about his battle with the State Government over the acquisition of his farm for the Singleton Bypass.
Darren attended a media conference at the site of the new Muswellbrook Fire Station, which is currently under construction. He also asked the Minister about the state of bathroom facilities at Singleton Fire Station and what she plans to do about them.
Darren plays back a media conference he took part in with officials from the Wanaruah Land Council about the state of The Common at Muswellbrook following vandalism and illegal dumping at the site.
Darren plays back Steve's presentation to the National Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra where he advocates for a better deal for the Hunter Valley.
Darren talks to Bec for an update on her family's battle with the State Government in their fight for fair compensation for their property compulsorily acquired for the Singleton Bypass.
Darren talks to Bob about a feasibility study into setting up a hydro power station in Muswellbrook.
Darren talks to Kim about how she's feeling ahead of the Group 21 First Grade Grand Final this Sunday afternoon at Scone Park.
Darren talks to Oliver about how he he has found the first ten weeks on the jobn here in the Upper Hunter.
Darren talks to Mark about the start of the official bushfire season on 1 September in our region.
Darren talks to Derek about the failed tender process on the Muswellbrook Regional Art Gallery Cafe.
Darren talks to Fiona about her questions for Upper Hunter Shire Council about a proposed helipad in the town.
Darren talks to Nic about the legless lizard discovery at Mt Pleasant Coal Mine in Muswellbrook.
Darren talks to Jason about Council's negotiations with the State Government for adequate compensation for compulsorily acquiring the Water Works site for the Singleton Bypass Project.
Darren talks to Chris about his 40 years of work on his farm going down the drain because of the Singleton Bypass buyback offer from the State Government.
Darren talks to Tim about his call to increase royalty payments from Hunter Valley coal companies while the coal price is at record levels.
Darren talks to Dave about his involvement in the Bypass Project land acquisition process.
Darren talks to Abigail about an Upper House Inquiry into compulsory land grabs by the State Government.
Darren talks to Bec about the situation her family find themselves in after the State Government compulsorily acquired their Singleton property for the town's bypass project.
Darren talks to Jason about the inadequacies of current local emergency management arrangements.
Darren Cutrupi talks to Mel about her success in obtaining caravans for homeless Broke residents.
Darren talks to Dale about the Shire's interest in providing an alternative location for a controversial greyhound retraining facility instead of Martindale.
Darren talks to Martin about the impact of the overnight heavy rainfall across the Upper Hunter.
Darren talks to the Deputy Premier about the latest funding allocation under the Resources foe Regions Fund.
In a lengthy conversation Darren talks to Rob about the proposed 400 kennel greyhound retraining and rehoming centre in Martindale.
Darren talks to Jack about the latest move by the State Government to address the teaching crisis in the Upper Hunter.
Darren talks to Lynne about Singleton's win at the 2022 Australian Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards on the weekend.
Image: The Hunter River Times
Darren talks to NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell about the 'teacher crisis' in the Upper Hunter.
Darren talks to Cass about the financial impact Glencore has on the Hunter Valley community.
Darren talks with Erina about why thinks thinks the greyhound racing facility proposed for Martindale is unfair.
Darren talks to Phil about the possibility of mining to come knocking again at Bylong Valley.
Darren talks to Dave about a controversial proposal to establish a massive greyhound racing facility at Martindale.
Darren talks to Angus about a new report that recommends investors look to Hunter Valley real estate.
Darren talks to Nic about the future of the Bylong Valley site a South Korean company wanted to mine for coal.
Darren talks with the Mayor about the resignation of Council General Manager Fiona Plesman.
Darren talks to Ian about his call for police to manage all disasters in the Hunter Valley from the start.
Darren talks to Dave about the companies contribution to the Broke community in the flood clean up at Broke and surrounds.
Darren talks to Tom about the Association's forecast resource sector jobs boom in the Hunter Valley.
Darren talks with Captain Ian Stevenson about receiving a Commissioner's Commendation for his role in attending a fatal house fire in Singleton in June 2019.
Darren talks to Captain Bruce Ambrose about the commendation for the actions of he and his colleagues at a house fire in Singleton in June 2019, where three children died.
Darren questions the Mayor about issues with the public consultation process for the updated development application for a proposed greyhound racing facilty at Martindale.
Darren talks to Emma about her visit to Broke today and what help is on offer from the Commonwealth.
Darren talks to Kathleen about the work of Broke RFS volunteer members over the past week.
Darren talks to Paul about his visit to Singleton to be briefed by local emergency services officials on the flooding situation here in the Hunter Valley.
Darren talks to Cameron about his dramatic rescue of a dad and his two young children from rising flood water while trapped inside an isolated house with no power or phone.
Darren talks to Fiona about the council's two major privacy breaches we exclusively revealed last week and what their internal investigation has found so far.
Darren talks with Mayor Steve Reynolds about the privacy breaches and council's decision to exempt residential ratepayers from a rate increase next financial year.
Darren talks with Martindale resident Michael Neville who is one of many who are angry at having his privacy breached by Muswellbrook Shire Council.
Darren talks to Murray about the scholarships the RAS Foundation has awarded to students in the Upper Hunter.
Darren talks to Dr Jonas about the 18 month wait for a public dental appointment in the Upper Hunter.
Darren talks to Dr Awad about the Stage Three Upgrade Project at Muswellbrook Hospital.
Darren talks with David about the impact of the Varroa Mite discovery at the Port of Newcastle.
Darren talks with Prue about the Upper House Inquiry into teacher shortages across NSW.
Darren talks to Steve about what's in the 2022 State Budget for the mining sector in the Upper Hunter.
Darren talks to Ben about a new air quality project that Muswellbrook Shire Council has signed up to.
Darren talks with acting Hunter Valley Police Region Commander Jo Shultz about new crime stats which rose a 133 per cent increase in thefts from vehicles in the Muswellbrook local government area.
Darren talk with Dr Raj Swarmy from Brook Street Medical in Muswellbrook about problems attracting doctors to the Upper Hunter.
Darren talks with Singleton Council General Manager Jason Linnane about approval to increase their rates by two percent from next month.
Darren asks new Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi for his reaction to the Mt Arthur Coal Mine announcement.
Darren talks with Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell about the future of Muswellbrook in light of the Mt Arthur Coal Mine announcement
Darren talks to Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mike Kelly about the reaction from local businesses about the Mt Arthur Coal Mine closure.
Darren talks to Adam Lancey from BHP about the closure of their Mt Arthur Coal Mine including why the decision has been made?
With the show weekend behind us I chatted with the President of the show committee to find out how they thought it went. Plenty turned up and enjoyed the Show.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pete Holland.
Interview with Rucko's Farm Beekeeper Brett Ruxton discussing a community initiative at the Muswellbrook garden in extracting honey
Upper Hunter Shire Council has passed a motion at their Ordinary Council Meeting to write a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce discussing the Australian Asylum Seeker discourse. Councillor Sue Abbott discusses why she brought the motion into light at the meeting.
Seniors Coach Clinton Lanesbury discusses the call out for players in their Men's teams this season for all ages.
Students have returned to classrooms amid an Omicron outbreak. Principal Aaron Moon discusses how St James Primary in Muswellbrook went with ensuring there was access to Rapid Antigen Tests
Image: St James Primary School
I had a good chat with Pat Hipwell, a woman who is passionate about literacy.
She has a new book out to help children and parents as the new school year is almost here.
The Bengalla Mining Company Engineering Scholarship is open to students who reside in, or are from the Muswellbrook LGA, Upper Hunter LGA or Singleton LGA and currently studying or enrolled to study a degree in 2022 in Geology, Surveying, or Engineering (Mining, Electrical, Mechanical, Process, Chemical or Environmental).
The Bengalla Engineering Scholarship supports you financially throughout your years of study (for a maximum of 4 years) and we also offer guaranteed vacation work for up to 10 weeks each year. During your time onsite you will develop technical skills and on the job experience that will see your Career in Mining flourish. You will be working alongside technical personnel who will provide coaching and mentoring throughout your time onsite and your university degree.
For further information on the Bengalla Mining Company Engineering Scholarship or to receive an application form please email community.relations@newhopegroup.com.au.
Applications close January 23.
Australia’s regional news services will be the focus of a new Parliamentary inquiry. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts will hear evidence on newspaper services in rural, regional and remote areas.
Committee Chair, Dr Anne Webster MP, said ‘local news is a vital component to an interconnected community, and a thriving democracy.’ Dr Webster added, ‘particularly in smaller markets, having a choice in where to access your news coverage is not always possible.’
A recent survey has found that Australians living in regional communities are far more likely to go to their local news or newspaper website for information than other accessible online sources like search engines, social media sites or local council websites. Dr Webster said, ‘at a time when many regional and remote newspaper services are shutting down or moving online, it is vital that we understand the needs of regional communities, and how heavily they rely on their local newspapers to stay connected.’ As part of the inquiry the Committee will examine the impact of decisions by large publishers to suspend publication of print editions; entry into these or other markets by new operators, particularly small businesses; impact of the News Media Bargaining Code for regional and remote newspapers; and the economic recovery in regional and remote markets from the impacts of COVID, and whether this has led to advertising revenue improving.
The terms of reference are available from the inquiry webpage. Submissions can also be made through the webpage, or by email to communications.reps@aph.gov.au until 28 January 2022.
Information about the Committee may be found on the Committee’s webpage
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/newspapers-pile-of-newspapers-press-3488861/
Scone Literary Festival President Janie Jordan explains the Farmers Short Story Competition which is open to farmers of the Upper Hunter electorate.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/online-shopping-clothing-mobile-2900303/
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is calling on Upper Hunter residents to start being kindly customers in the midst of a pandemic.
Australian Reptile Park experienced keeper, Jake Meney explains why we may encounter more spiders in our houses or even see more snakes around this time of year.
Brent Hutton explains why Keith Tulloch Wines in the Hunter Valley made Australia's Top 50 vineyards list!
Australian Road Safety Foundation CEO Russell White discusses the astonishing and concerning statistics about road users during the Christmas priod
Digital Health Expert Dr Andrew Roachford discusses how scammers are targeting people who are seeking fake vaccination passports and those who are double vaccinated.
Animal welfare groups have rejected the NSW greyhound racing industry’s development application for a 400-dog facility in the Hunter Valley facility because it fails to address the required planning instruments and won’t provide quality of life for retired ex-racers.
Animal Liberation NSW has submitted a formal objection to Muswellbrook Shire Council, while the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) said the proposed facility was not a true sanctuary.
Animal Liberation NSW regional campaigns manager, Ms Lisa Ryan discusses the decision.
DOGGIE DATES NSW is coming to Denman in January 2022. Founder TJ explained what Doggie Dates is and how Upper Hunter residents can be involved.
Denman Chamber of Commerce's Amanda Collins discusses the Christmas Lights Competition coming to Denman
Interview with Australian Charities and Non-for-profit Commission, Commissioner Dr Gary Johns.
Ron Campbell discussing running for Upper Hunter Shire Council in the local government elections .
After a couple of false starts due to Covid it is finally happening. Fiona Harten from Bengalla filled us in on we can all be a part of the Charity Day auction.
If you want to see what is being auctioned, or to place bids. Follow the link
https://event.gives/bmc2021
Kay Sullivan discusses her campaign for the upcoming Singleton local government election
James Burns discusses his campaign for the upcoming Upper Hunter Shire local government election
Jef discussing his campaign for the upcoming local government election for Muswellbrook Shire
Current Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor discusses his campaign for the upcoming local government election.
Interview with CEO for the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association (HVWTA) Amy Cooper
Image: https://nonewminesinourvines.com.au/about/
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in Australia.
Approximately 8.3% Australians aged 40 years and over have some form of COPD. People living with COPD may have varied symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue and coughing.
Around one in five people with COPD die within one year of their first hospitalisation for an exacerbation (flare up).
Breztri Aerosphere® (budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate), which combines three medications in the same device, is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients with COPD.
The reimbursement of a new triple therapy represents a new treatment option for patients living with this devastating disease.
We chatted with the Doctor Rifi to find out more about COPD and the treatment.
Today Pete Holland on the Cruze Drive Show spoke with Federal Minister Angus Taylor today around the Governments Zero Emissions policy.
Mt Arthur Coal Apprenticeship ProgramBHP is seeking interest from a diverse group of local applicants spanning school leavers through to mature age people. They’re looking for both male and female applicants, as well as applications from Wonnarua and other local Indigenous people to commence at Mt Arthur Coal in Muswellbrook in early 2022. To apply for the BHP Apprenticeship Program, click here or to apply for the BHP Apprenticeship Program – Indigenous Opportunities, click here.
If you'd like to be a part of the training in Scone in June contact the WTAW team at: admin@uhwheretheresawill.com.au