Latest news with #McFarlane
Hamilton Spectator
6 hours ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Communities in Bloom Contest Expands to Recognize Yards Across Portage and Southport
A new local beautification initiative is set to launch this summer, aiming to recognize outstanding yards and green spaces in both Portage la Prairie and Southport as part of this year's Communities in Bloom efforts. Cathie McFarlane, a board member with Communities in Bloom Manitoba, said the idea for the contest came after learning the joint Portage and Southport application was not eligible for a national Miracle-Gro competition. Rather than let the opportunity go, the local committee decided to create a homegrown version of their own. 'We thought doing our own contest might actually work out better for residents,' said McFarlane. 'People might be more enthused when it's community-led.' The contest will run from June 23 to August 6, with six properties chosen as winners — four within the City of Portage la Prairie and two in Southport. Committee members from both communities will tour neighbourhoods to identify the standout front yards. Judging will focus solely on the front of properties. 'We're not going into anyone's backyard — just what's visible from the street,' McFarlane said. 'That way it stays respectful and simple.' This year's competition is also expanding beyond residential properties to include commercial properties and non-profit organizations, aligning more closely with the Communities in Bloom goal of fostering civic pride and community involvement. 'We want everyone — individuals, businesses, and organizations — to take pride in their spaces and help make the community cleaner and more welcoming,' McFarlane said. Winners will receive a $15 gift certificate from a local business, with the specific vendors still to be determined. In addition, lasting recognition will be planted in the form of shrubs at a public location in each community. In Portage la Prairie, new shrubs will be added to a section of Island Park to honour the city's winning participants. Southport's winners will be similarly recognized with plantings in one of the many public green spaces in that community. To mark each winning yard, custom 'Communities in Bloom' signs will be designed and placed. Portage Signs & Lettering is currently developing the signage in collaboration with a Southport graphic artist. Throughout the summer, organizers also plan to photograph each winning yard with its sign and may share the photos publicly — though McFarlane noted private homeowner identities and addresses will remain confidential to respect privacy. Business and non-profit names, however, may appear in photos where appropriate. 'There aren't strict rules,' said McFarlane. 'Judges will be looking for yards that are tidy, well-maintained, and show a bit of creativity — whether through flowers, shrubs, or simply a clean, cared-for space.' — Renée Lilley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Portage Graphic. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Daily Record
21 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Extremist sows seeds of racism to aid Reform in Scottish by-election
Richard McFarlane makes hate-filled banners and posters from his flat in Bellshill A far-right extremist injecting hate-filled racism into a bitter by-election contest is today exposed by the Daily Record. Richard McFarlane is a key activist for fascist group Patriotic Alternative and has produced a series of racist banners and leaflets urging voters to back Nigel Farage's Reform party. The Daily Record has previously exposed how Patriotic Alternative and Scottish extreme right wing influencer David Clews have agreed to support Reform, hoping their racist followers can infiltrate the party and increase their influence. Thursday's by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is their first serious attempt to put their plan into action. McFarlane has been targeting shoppers, motorists and even children with his megaphone rants in recent days, stirring hatred with banners that include 'Scotland Built By White People'. At the war memorial at Bothwell Bridge the former independence supporter has also customised racist messages like 'Scotland too white, Anas?' aimed at Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar. McFarlane's banners are accompanied by 'Vote Reform' banners. One local who contacted the Record expressed disgust for McFarlane's antics, saying: 'He is, in most people's eyes, an oddball and an idiot. 'But he is screaming down his megaphone for people to vote for Reform - and Farage and co will happily take votes from wherever they get them. 'McFarlane's messages are direct and blunt and fairly vicious on immigration. He goes further than Reform would get away with, which is saying something. 'He is a very useful idiot for Reform and if he helps nudge them forward, Reform could get a good result. Even second place would be hugely significant and symbolic for them in a Scottish seat.' When approached by the Daily Record, McFarlane, 59, admitted being the man who painted a sign saying: 'Bothwell Bridge was built by white people.' He said: 'I'm campaigning at arm's length for Reform. 'We've focused a lot of our campaign at Bothwell Bridge because it as the scene of a historic battle and we believe we will overcome. 'We believe that all illegal immigrants should be repatriated immediately - but that is just a starting point. 'We are battling against a revisionism in our history, one that tells people that it was black people who built Stonehenge. We are fighting back.' The source said: 'If the rantings of McFarlane made a significant difference to this election it would be a tragedy.' In 2022 McFarlane was compared to a smurf by a sheriff when he turned up at court in blue face paint. He was convicted of sending a hate-filled homophobic letter to then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The rant was filled with references to Derek Mackay, a former SNP finance minister, and also contained several biblical quotations. The former soldier was reprimanded by Sheriff John Cook, who ordered him to wipe his face clean before the trial could commence. The letter sent by McFarlane, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, stated that he believed homosexuality 'leads to paedophilia which leads to bestiality'. McFarlane, an unemployed HGV driver, was placed on a community payback ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work. Reform's political rivals last night blamed Nigel Farage for providing a platform for extremist views. A spokesperson for Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: 'The people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will see through this pathetic and shameful attempt to sew division and hatred. 'Racism and conspiracy theory has no place in our society. 'Reform should be ashamed of these tactics by some of their supporters.' 'Anas Sarwar is a proud Scot that worked in our NHS. He is making the case every day for a better Scotland for all.' The spokesperson added: 'Regardless of our politics, his love and loyalty to our great country should be unquestionable.' The Daily Record previously revealed that Patriot Alternative made a pact with far right influencer and conspiracy theory obsessive David Clews - who runs the Unity News Network website - to openly infiltrate Reform UK. Clews and PA leader Mark Collett - a neo-Nazi and former BNP leader - urged their followers to take up positions within Reform in order for them to reap the political gains later. McFarlane's ranting in places like Hamilton, Stonehouse and Bothwell were the first evidence of their plan in action. The by-election campaign took an ugly turn last week when Reform openly launched an online attack advert on Sarwar. The online Facebook ad included an image of Sarwar next to the words: 'Anas Sarwar has said he will prioritise the Pakistani community.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. However, video playback proves that Sarwar did not say that he would 'prioritise' the Pakistani community. He accused Reform UK of racism. All eyes are on the by-election as it could show that Reform can make a real impact in areas where they would previously have lost their deposit due to meagre poll results. The party swept the board in English local elections, crushing Tory and Labour support up and down the country. First Minister John Swinney has tried to galvanise support by ruling out Labour's candidate Davy Russell - who has been accused of dodging any televised debate and being 'anonymous'. Swinney claims it is a two horse race between SNP candidate Katy Loudon and Reform's Ross Lambie. Reform UK has distanced itself from Patriotic Alternative. A Reform UK spokesman said: 'These banners are nothing to do with Reform UK, we have no connection whatsoever with this group.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
6 Budgeting Tips for Retirees After the Social Security Fairness Act
Changes in Social Security policy can cause alarm to those currently on or soon to be claiming benefits. However, one piece of legislation, The Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), signed by President Joe Biden in the last couple of weeks of his presidency, is designed to help certain groups of Social Security recipients. Find Out: Read Next: Financial experts explained what the SSFA means for retirees, and some budgeting tips when these changes go into effect. The SSFA repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) from 1989 and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) from 1977, according to Don Grant, a CFP and CFP Board ambassador at CFP Board. 'Those two programs affect approximately 2.8 million government workers who were considered to have been double-dipping if they were to collect Social Security benefits while receiving pensions from non-Social Security-covered public sector jobs or a government pension,' he explained. By eliminating the WEP and GPO programs, nearly 3 million public workers, including teachers, firefighters, police officers and federal employees, will now be allowed to take their Social Security benefits in addition to their pensions, Grant explained. Learn More: While the SSFA reinstated eligible recipients' Social Security benefits, retroactive through 2024, Grant pointed out that recalculating benefits for 3 million current retirees takes time and resources. 'That effort is ongoing and may be in jeopardy due to the current administration's efforts to slash budgets and manpower in the agencies that perform those recalculations,' he urged patience to government and/or public sector workers affected by WEP or GPO, who haven't received benefits yet. 'There is no assurance that you'll receive the benefits as directed by the SSFA's repeal of those programs, but you can hold out hope.' If you do end up receiving the extra benefits, be careful of how you spend it, according to George McFarlane, president of 7 Waters Advisors. 'First and foremost, it's important these retirees don't let this income boost lead to a change in their lifestyle,' McFarlane warned. 'Increased income could lead to increased spending.' Retirees may also want to visit with a tax advisor in case the income pushes them into a higher tax bracket, McFarlane said. 'This could happen, especially if the retiree is pulling money from pensions, IRAs or other investments. Looking into strategies to reduce taxable income may be necessary,' he said. Retirees should also consider using extra funds to build a larger safety savings account, such as an emergency fund. 'This account should be earmarked for emergency expenses that may arise in retirement. This account should be enough to cover six- to 12-months' worth of living expenses,' McFarlane said. Another smart move with extra income is to purchase long-term care insurance or estate planning vehicles (life insurance or trusts), McFarlane advised. 'These products can help retirees maintain control during retirement, while ensure there is a legacy left behind for your family after you're gone.' Regardless of how you plan to spend additional income, Grant urged some smart budgeting basics. First, look at your total income, from all sources (pension, rental properties, investment royalties, annuities, etc.) and then calculate your spending across 'needs' and 'wants.''Net your earnings to your spending. Do you come up short? Or do you have a surplus of income? If it's a surplus, you should be fine. If a deficit, there are several actions you can take. You have two choices: Spend less or make more.' One way to enhance your income would be to shift your investment allocation, Grant said. He recommended working with a CFP to build a 'more income centric investment portfolio.' This means finding products that are designed for income, such as dividend-bearing stocks, hedged equity funds and options-based those who are expecting but haven't yet received these increased benefits, should stick with their existing budgets and act as though the additional money may never come. That way, you won't overspend or make plans you can't afford. More From GOBankingRates How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on 6 Budgeting Tips for Retirees After the Social Security Fairness Act Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dixon Family YMCA seeking community support to maintain programs
May 30—DIXON — The Dixon Family YMCA is asking the community to help ensure everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, has access to its programs and services. Dixon YMCA Chief Executive Officer Andy McFarlane said his nonprofit facility is trying to raise $85,000 by Sunday, June 1, as part of its annual Strong Kids Campaign. Without that funding, he said the Dixon YMCA may be forced to scale back some of the assistance it provides to less fortunate families and individuals. McFarlane said the funds raised through the campaign help to subsidize the YMCA's youth programs while providing direct financial assistance to youths and families who otherwise could not afford a membership or services, such as after-school or sports programs. "The good news is we've reached the 50% mark," McFarlane said. "We're thankful for the community and those people willing to donate funds, and also the volunteers who donate their time and give us the support that we need as a non-profit." McFarlane said that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dixon YMCA had no trouble reaching the Strong Kids Campaign's yearly goal. But over the past three years, he said the facility has struggled to reach the 50% mark. McFarlane said the situation is partly due to economic factors, but also reflects shifts in how people give to charities. He said the change is influenced by uncertainty surrounding federal government actions, funding availability and limited access to government grants. If the Dixon YMCA does not meet its funding goal, McFarlane said it may have to reduce the level of financial assistance it provides. "For instance, somebody that may have a 50% reduction in fees for a program or membership, we may have to knock that down to 35%," McFarlane said. "Or we wouldn't approve as many of the financial assistance applications, but we'd want to stretch those dollars to go the furthest that they can for those in need. The bottom line is we wouldn't be able to help as much." In addition to the Strong Kids Campaign, McFarlane said there are multiple ways people can help support the Dixon YMCA. * Give to the Greatest Need Campaign: These donations provide YMCA leaders the flexibility to direct funds to the areas that need it most — whether that is supporting critical programs, keeping facilities running, or responding to unexpected challenges. * Capital Gifts: These are long-term investments in YMCA facilities. Capital donations support major projects, such as building or improving centers. McFarlane said the Dixon YMCA tries to keep membership costs affordable, noting that the most recent rate increase — the first in 18 months — went into effect in January. Despite the best efforts to limit price hikes, McFarlane acknowledged that rising operational costs, including monthly utility bills that can range from $4,800 to $6,500, and increases in staff wages because of minimum wage adjustments are making it more difficult. "So, even though we're trying to keep those fees affordable for everyone, some programs may have to drastically jump just to cover expenses for those services," McFarlane said. "We need people's support now more than ever."
The Advertiser
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
New life planned for Kurt's Coffee House: 'friendly, casual, signature dishes'
THERE are some exciting things happening in Devonshire Street with plans to breathe new life into the former Kurt's Coffee House. Mortgage broker Darby Franklin and operations manager Kris Saunders bought the property after it was passed in at auction last year. "I first noticed it on the internet and then I walked past it," Mr Saunders said. "It looked like a cool building, it has nice character about it." Despite the derelict appearance of the two-level property at 3 Devonshire Street, the pair discovered the building was, for the most part, structurally sound. "We want to keep it pretty much the same out the front, and we want to keep the aesthetic of the building," he said. While the opening might be 12 to 18 months away, the pair have already locked in Matt McFarlane for the project, who formerly ran the popular Carrington haunt Franky's Dumplings & Noodles. The beloved Chinese restaurant closed in March 2024. At the time, owner Mr McFarlane said he'd "run out of puff" after operating the business with his late business partner, Hua "Franky" Fan, since 2018. But it seems this new project in the heart of Newcastle has caught his attention. "It is definitely going to be Franky's style, but it is going to be something new," he told Newcastle Herald. "Friendly, casual, signature dishes with a small menu and live music. We will have to have a picture of Franky on the wall somewhere." Mr Franklin was a regular at the dumpling house and approached Mr McFarlane with a business proposition. "I was flattered," Mr McFarlane said. "It is going to be so much work, but I think it is great. I love what Bernie's are doing and I think it will be great to be part of that community." The building dates back to the early 1900s and operated as Kurt's Coffee Lounge from the 1970s to the 1990s. The first owner, Kurt Piccardi, was a well-known businessman and after whom the cafe was named. The plans for the new restaurant and small bar have been lodged with Newcastle council. They include a dining space downstairs for 20 patrons, a bar, toilets and commercial kitchen. Upstairs will be an open-plan dining area for 48 patrons within the building and a rebuilt balcony with insulated roof sheeting and louvre roof. When looking at a bird's-eye view of the building it is easy to see why the balcony needs to be rebuilt. "I love old buildings," he said. "It is a shell of a building, and we don't want to change it too much, but I really want to use the deck out the back." The property is zoned for mixed-use, and the team hopes the plans for a smaller venue will get the green light from the council. Most people already use apps to share rides, get food deliveries and organise their dating lives, but a service that matches people and businesses with places has recently cracked the Hunter market. Vennu is a platform that lists community assets and matches them with people seeking spaces for all kinds of activities and events. For example, the platform has partnered with Marine Rescue NSW, and one of the newest listings is the Marine Rescue Newcastle meeting rooms, which can be hired by other businesses that require a conference space. It is not just business suites and formal events either, Vennu has a collaboration with Screen NSW and hires out spaces and locations for filming. Glenworth Valley's 3000-acre wilderness Epworth House on the Central Coast is one of the sites listed for hire for film and television The platform is open to people who need venues for workshops, events, meetings, or creative projects. University of Newcastle Emeritus Professor Rick Middleton is now a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. He is internationally renowned for his contributions to electrical engineering, having pioneered work on fundamental limitations in control system design and practical aspects of process control, telecommunications, power electronics and systems biology. Professor Middleton described the appointment as "a great honour" and thanked colleagues and students for creating the "amazing and rich intellectual environment that nurtured and supported my work". President of the Academy, Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC, said the new Fellows of 2025 represented the exceptional breadth and depth of Australian scientific excellence. "Each Fellow has made remarkable contributions in their field, demonstrating the vital role that science plays in addressing our most pressing challenges and expanding human knowledge," he said. With the election of the 26 new Fellows in 2025, the Australian Academy of Science Fellowship now stands at 638. Design lovers and treasure seekers have a new reason to visit the Hunter Valley. It's called The Trove, and it's a homewares and art collective housed at Leaves & Fishes in Lovedale. Blending global aesthetics with local character, The Trove is an ever-evolving collection of homewares, furniture, living plants and original artworks - each piece handpicked for its craftsmanship, story, and ability to transform a space. "We wanted to create a space that celebrates individuality and promotes sustainability," Kristy McGuigan said. She bought Leaves & Fishes with her husband, Aaron, in early 2023. "Every piece has been selected to reflect a sense of discovery and a global perspective, while staying true to the relaxed, earthy essence of Leaves & Fishes and the Hunter Valley." Hunter Valley artist Rebecca Rath's large-scale oil paintings have featured in The Trove's first exhibition, Of Land and Light, including pieces from her My Pokolbin, Hawkesbury and Wollemi series. "These paintings represent pivotal moments in my artistic journey," Ms Rath said. "Bringing them into a space designed for beautiful living feels like the perfect way to share their story." Ms Rath began her artistic journey at Hornsby TAFE in 1992 before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) at UNSW. Her chosen medium is en plein air painting and drawing. "After moving from Sydney to the Hunter Valley over 20 years ago, my work naturally shifted toward painting landscapes," she said. "My practice is grounded in the act of finding, both literally and metaphorically. "I seek out landscapes that evoke stillness, tension, or transition - places where light shifts, seasons change, and the land sits on the edge of development. "These spaces offer both visual inspiration and moments of personal reflection." Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, and her solo exhibition, Found, opens at Maitland Regional Art Gallery on June 7. THERE are some exciting things happening in Devonshire Street with plans to breathe new life into the former Kurt's Coffee House. Mortgage broker Darby Franklin and operations manager Kris Saunders bought the property after it was passed in at auction last year. "I first noticed it on the internet and then I walked past it," Mr Saunders said. "It looked like a cool building, it has nice character about it." Despite the derelict appearance of the two-level property at 3 Devonshire Street, the pair discovered the building was, for the most part, structurally sound. "We want to keep it pretty much the same out the front, and we want to keep the aesthetic of the building," he said. While the opening might be 12 to 18 months away, the pair have already locked in Matt McFarlane for the project, who formerly ran the popular Carrington haunt Franky's Dumplings & Noodles. The beloved Chinese restaurant closed in March 2024. At the time, owner Mr McFarlane said he'd "run out of puff" after operating the business with his late business partner, Hua "Franky" Fan, since 2018. But it seems this new project in the heart of Newcastle has caught his attention. "It is definitely going to be Franky's style, but it is going to be something new," he told Newcastle Herald. "Friendly, casual, signature dishes with a small menu and live music. We will have to have a picture of Franky on the wall somewhere." Mr Franklin was a regular at the dumpling house and approached Mr McFarlane with a business proposition. "I was flattered," Mr McFarlane said. "It is going to be so much work, but I think it is great. I love what Bernie's are doing and I think it will be great to be part of that community." The building dates back to the early 1900s and operated as Kurt's Coffee Lounge from the 1970s to the 1990s. The first owner, Kurt Piccardi, was a well-known businessman and after whom the cafe was named. The plans for the new restaurant and small bar have been lodged with Newcastle council. They include a dining space downstairs for 20 patrons, a bar, toilets and commercial kitchen. Upstairs will be an open-plan dining area for 48 patrons within the building and a rebuilt balcony with insulated roof sheeting and louvre roof. When looking at a bird's-eye view of the building it is easy to see why the balcony needs to be rebuilt. "I love old buildings," he said. "It is a shell of a building, and we don't want to change it too much, but I really want to use the deck out the back." The property is zoned for mixed-use, and the team hopes the plans for a smaller venue will get the green light from the council. Most people already use apps to share rides, get food deliveries and organise their dating lives, but a service that matches people and businesses with places has recently cracked the Hunter market. Vennu is a platform that lists community assets and matches them with people seeking spaces for all kinds of activities and events. For example, the platform has partnered with Marine Rescue NSW, and one of the newest listings is the Marine Rescue Newcastle meeting rooms, which can be hired by other businesses that require a conference space. It is not just business suites and formal events either, Vennu has a collaboration with Screen NSW and hires out spaces and locations for filming. Glenworth Valley's 3000-acre wilderness Epworth House on the Central Coast is one of the sites listed for hire for film and television The platform is open to people who need venues for workshops, events, meetings, or creative projects. University of Newcastle Emeritus Professor Rick Middleton is now a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. He is internationally renowned for his contributions to electrical engineering, having pioneered work on fundamental limitations in control system design and practical aspects of process control, telecommunications, power electronics and systems biology. Professor Middleton described the appointment as "a great honour" and thanked colleagues and students for creating the "amazing and rich intellectual environment that nurtured and supported my work". President of the Academy, Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC, said the new Fellows of 2025 represented the exceptional breadth and depth of Australian scientific excellence. "Each Fellow has made remarkable contributions in their field, demonstrating the vital role that science plays in addressing our most pressing challenges and expanding human knowledge," he said. With the election of the 26 new Fellows in 2025, the Australian Academy of Science Fellowship now stands at 638. Design lovers and treasure seekers have a new reason to visit the Hunter Valley. It's called The Trove, and it's a homewares and art collective housed at Leaves & Fishes in Lovedale. Blending global aesthetics with local character, The Trove is an ever-evolving collection of homewares, furniture, living plants and original artworks - each piece handpicked for its craftsmanship, story, and ability to transform a space. "We wanted to create a space that celebrates individuality and promotes sustainability," Kristy McGuigan said. She bought Leaves & Fishes with her husband, Aaron, in early 2023. "Every piece has been selected to reflect a sense of discovery and a global perspective, while staying true to the relaxed, earthy essence of Leaves & Fishes and the Hunter Valley." Hunter Valley artist Rebecca Rath's large-scale oil paintings have featured in The Trove's first exhibition, Of Land and Light, including pieces from her My Pokolbin, Hawkesbury and Wollemi series. "These paintings represent pivotal moments in my artistic journey," Ms Rath said. "Bringing them into a space designed for beautiful living feels like the perfect way to share their story." Ms Rath began her artistic journey at Hornsby TAFE in 1992 before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) at UNSW. Her chosen medium is en plein air painting and drawing. "After moving from Sydney to the Hunter Valley over 20 years ago, my work naturally shifted toward painting landscapes," she said. "My practice is grounded in the act of finding, both literally and metaphorically. "I seek out landscapes that evoke stillness, tension, or transition - places where light shifts, seasons change, and the land sits on the edge of development. "These spaces offer both visual inspiration and moments of personal reflection." Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, and her solo exhibition, Found, opens at Maitland Regional Art Gallery on June 7. THERE are some exciting things happening in Devonshire Street with plans to breathe new life into the former Kurt's Coffee House. Mortgage broker Darby Franklin and operations manager Kris Saunders bought the property after it was passed in at auction last year. "I first noticed it on the internet and then I walked past it," Mr Saunders said. "It looked like a cool building, it has nice character about it." Despite the derelict appearance of the two-level property at 3 Devonshire Street, the pair discovered the building was, for the most part, structurally sound. "We want to keep it pretty much the same out the front, and we want to keep the aesthetic of the building," he said. While the opening might be 12 to 18 months away, the pair have already locked in Matt McFarlane for the project, who formerly ran the popular Carrington haunt Franky's Dumplings & Noodles. The beloved Chinese restaurant closed in March 2024. At the time, owner Mr McFarlane said he'd "run out of puff" after operating the business with his late business partner, Hua "Franky" Fan, since 2018. But it seems this new project in the heart of Newcastle has caught his attention. "It is definitely going to be Franky's style, but it is going to be something new," he told Newcastle Herald. "Friendly, casual, signature dishes with a small menu and live music. We will have to have a picture of Franky on the wall somewhere." Mr Franklin was a regular at the dumpling house and approached Mr McFarlane with a business proposition. "I was flattered," Mr McFarlane said. "It is going to be so much work, but I think it is great. I love what Bernie's are doing and I think it will be great to be part of that community." The building dates back to the early 1900s and operated as Kurt's Coffee Lounge from the 1970s to the 1990s. The first owner, Kurt Piccardi, was a well-known businessman and after whom the cafe was named. The plans for the new restaurant and small bar have been lodged with Newcastle council. They include a dining space downstairs for 20 patrons, a bar, toilets and commercial kitchen. Upstairs will be an open-plan dining area for 48 patrons within the building and a rebuilt balcony with insulated roof sheeting and louvre roof. When looking at a bird's-eye view of the building it is easy to see why the balcony needs to be rebuilt. "I love old buildings," he said. "It is a shell of a building, and we don't want to change it too much, but I really want to use the deck out the back." The property is zoned for mixed-use, and the team hopes the plans for a smaller venue will get the green light from the council. Most people already use apps to share rides, get food deliveries and organise their dating lives, but a service that matches people and businesses with places has recently cracked the Hunter market. Vennu is a platform that lists community assets and matches them with people seeking spaces for all kinds of activities and events. For example, the platform has partnered with Marine Rescue NSW, and one of the newest listings is the Marine Rescue Newcastle meeting rooms, which can be hired by other businesses that require a conference space. It is not just business suites and formal events either, Vennu has a collaboration with Screen NSW and hires out spaces and locations for filming. Glenworth Valley's 3000-acre wilderness Epworth House on the Central Coast is one of the sites listed for hire for film and television The platform is open to people who need venues for workshops, events, meetings, or creative projects. University of Newcastle Emeritus Professor Rick Middleton is now a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. He is internationally renowned for his contributions to electrical engineering, having pioneered work on fundamental limitations in control system design and practical aspects of process control, telecommunications, power electronics and systems biology. Professor Middleton described the appointment as "a great honour" and thanked colleagues and students for creating the "amazing and rich intellectual environment that nurtured and supported my work". President of the Academy, Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC, said the new Fellows of 2025 represented the exceptional breadth and depth of Australian scientific excellence. "Each Fellow has made remarkable contributions in their field, demonstrating the vital role that science plays in addressing our most pressing challenges and expanding human knowledge," he said. With the election of the 26 new Fellows in 2025, the Australian Academy of Science Fellowship now stands at 638. Design lovers and treasure seekers have a new reason to visit the Hunter Valley. It's called The Trove, and it's a homewares and art collective housed at Leaves & Fishes in Lovedale. Blending global aesthetics with local character, The Trove is an ever-evolving collection of homewares, furniture, living plants and original artworks - each piece handpicked for its craftsmanship, story, and ability to transform a space. "We wanted to create a space that celebrates individuality and promotes sustainability," Kristy McGuigan said. She bought Leaves & Fishes with her husband, Aaron, in early 2023. "Every piece has been selected to reflect a sense of discovery and a global perspective, while staying true to the relaxed, earthy essence of Leaves & Fishes and the Hunter Valley." Hunter Valley artist Rebecca Rath's large-scale oil paintings have featured in The Trove's first exhibition, Of Land and Light, including pieces from her My Pokolbin, Hawkesbury and Wollemi series. "These paintings represent pivotal moments in my artistic journey," Ms Rath said. "Bringing them into a space designed for beautiful living feels like the perfect way to share their story." Ms Rath began her artistic journey at Hornsby TAFE in 1992 before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) at UNSW. Her chosen medium is en plein air painting and drawing. "After moving from Sydney to the Hunter Valley over 20 years ago, my work naturally shifted toward painting landscapes," she said. "My practice is grounded in the act of finding, both literally and metaphorically. "I seek out landscapes that evoke stillness, tension, or transition - places where light shifts, seasons change, and the land sits on the edge of development. "These spaces offer both visual inspiration and moments of personal reflection." Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, and her solo exhibition, Found, opens at Maitland Regional Art Gallery on June 7. THERE are some exciting things happening in Devonshire Street with plans to breathe new life into the former Kurt's Coffee House. Mortgage broker Darby Franklin and operations manager Kris Saunders bought the property after it was passed in at auction last year. "I first noticed it on the internet and then I walked past it," Mr Saunders said. "It looked like a cool building, it has nice character about it." Despite the derelict appearance of the two-level property at 3 Devonshire Street, the pair discovered the building was, for the most part, structurally sound. "We want to keep it pretty much the same out the front, and we want to keep the aesthetic of the building," he said. While the opening might be 12 to 18 months away, the pair have already locked in Matt McFarlane for the project, who formerly ran the popular Carrington haunt Franky's Dumplings & Noodles. The beloved Chinese restaurant closed in March 2024. At the time, owner Mr McFarlane said he'd "run out of puff" after operating the business with his late business partner, Hua "Franky" Fan, since 2018. But it seems this new project in the heart of Newcastle has caught his attention. "It is definitely going to be Franky's style, but it is going to be something new," he told Newcastle Herald. "Friendly, casual, signature dishes with a small menu and live music. We will have to have a picture of Franky on the wall somewhere." Mr Franklin was a regular at the dumpling house and approached Mr McFarlane with a business proposition. "I was flattered," Mr McFarlane said. "It is going to be so much work, but I think it is great. I love what Bernie's are doing and I think it will be great to be part of that community." The building dates back to the early 1900s and operated as Kurt's Coffee Lounge from the 1970s to the 1990s. The first owner, Kurt Piccardi, was a well-known businessman and after whom the cafe was named. The plans for the new restaurant and small bar have been lodged with Newcastle council. They include a dining space downstairs for 20 patrons, a bar, toilets and commercial kitchen. Upstairs will be an open-plan dining area for 48 patrons within the building and a rebuilt balcony with insulated roof sheeting and louvre roof. When looking at a bird's-eye view of the building it is easy to see why the balcony needs to be rebuilt. "I love old buildings," he said. "It is a shell of a building, and we don't want to change it too much, but I really want to use the deck out the back." The property is zoned for mixed-use, and the team hopes the plans for a smaller venue will get the green light from the council. Most people already use apps to share rides, get food deliveries and organise their dating lives, but a service that matches people and businesses with places has recently cracked the Hunter market. Vennu is a platform that lists community assets and matches them with people seeking spaces for all kinds of activities and events. For example, the platform has partnered with Marine Rescue NSW, and one of the newest listings is the Marine Rescue Newcastle meeting rooms, which can be hired by other businesses that require a conference space. It is not just business suites and formal events either, Vennu has a collaboration with Screen NSW and hires out spaces and locations for filming. Glenworth Valley's 3000-acre wilderness Epworth House on the Central Coast is one of the sites listed for hire for film and television The platform is open to people who need venues for workshops, events, meetings, or creative projects. University of Newcastle Emeritus Professor Rick Middleton is now a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. He is internationally renowned for his contributions to electrical engineering, having pioneered work on fundamental limitations in control system design and practical aspects of process control, telecommunications, power electronics and systems biology. Professor Middleton described the appointment as "a great honour" and thanked colleagues and students for creating the "amazing and rich intellectual environment that nurtured and supported my work". President of the Academy, Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC, said the new Fellows of 2025 represented the exceptional breadth and depth of Australian scientific excellence. "Each Fellow has made remarkable contributions in their field, demonstrating the vital role that science plays in addressing our most pressing challenges and expanding human knowledge," he said. With the election of the 26 new Fellows in 2025, the Australian Academy of Science Fellowship now stands at 638. Design lovers and treasure seekers have a new reason to visit the Hunter Valley. It's called The Trove, and it's a homewares and art collective housed at Leaves & Fishes in Lovedale. Blending global aesthetics with local character, The Trove is an ever-evolving collection of homewares, furniture, living plants and original artworks - each piece handpicked for its craftsmanship, story, and ability to transform a space. "We wanted to create a space that celebrates individuality and promotes sustainability," Kristy McGuigan said. She bought Leaves & Fishes with her husband, Aaron, in early 2023. "Every piece has been selected to reflect a sense of discovery and a global perspective, while staying true to the relaxed, earthy essence of Leaves & Fishes and the Hunter Valley." Hunter Valley artist Rebecca Rath's large-scale oil paintings have featured in The Trove's first exhibition, Of Land and Light, including pieces from her My Pokolbin, Hawkesbury and Wollemi series. "These paintings represent pivotal moments in my artistic journey," Ms Rath said. "Bringing them into a space designed for beautiful living feels like the perfect way to share their story." Ms Rath began her artistic journey at Hornsby TAFE in 1992 before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) at UNSW. Her chosen medium is en plein air painting and drawing. "After moving from Sydney to the Hunter Valley over 20 years ago, my work naturally shifted toward painting landscapes," she said. "My practice is grounded in the act of finding, both literally and metaphorically. "I seek out landscapes that evoke stillness, tension, or transition - places where light shifts, seasons change, and the land sits on the edge of development. "These spaces offer both visual inspiration and moments of personal reflection." Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, and her solo exhibition, Found, opens at Maitland Regional Art Gallery on June 7.
