GARRETT SINGS PRAISES OF EDUCATION REFORMS

Education Minister Peter Garrett says he won’t be distracted by political games, as he tries to sell Labor’s education policy.

Today he headed to Woodberry Primary school, which is one already taking advantage of a massive cash handout.

FIVE LUCKY TO ESCAPE BLAZE AT AN OLD NEWCASTLE BOWLING CLUB

Five people were lucky to escape a blaze that destroyed an old bowling club in Newcastle overnight.

In recent years, Morrow Park had become home to artists and musicians, who are now coming to terms with losing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

EXPRESSWAY ADDING VALUE TO HUNTER HOMES

The Hunter Expressway is edging closer to completion, with a new F3 on-ramp finally open.

And even before the new road is finished, it’s already having a positive impact on house prices.

WEATHER UPDATE: RAIN

Widespread rain is on the way tomorrow and the large blanket of cloud will make for milder nights but colder days. As the system passes over rain will be widespread and all of the broadcast area is likely to get wet but totals won’t be big, at first.

Once the low’s centre finds the warm sea surface temperatures of the Tasman it will deepen and drive in some heavy rain along the northern NSW coast. Some of that wet weather will spill across the Divide falling as showers. The low will be quickly pushed away by a large high moving in behind the system.

KNIGHTS GET HANDLE ON TWITTER FANS

For the first time in the world, twitter footy fans will have their names adorned on the back of players’ jerseys, as the Knights take on the Warriors this weekend.

The once in a lifetime experience will see fan’s twitter identities printed on the back of their favourite player’s shirt and broadcast to hundreds of thousands of rugby league lovers. The lucky 17 fans will also get to keep the match worn jersey, which will be signed by the Knights player.

The competition was in partnership with sportsbet.com.au and the twitter handles will feature instead of the sponsor’s logo.

Knights CEO, Matt Gidley says the fan engagement will add another element to this weekend’s clash. “We are pleased to be involved in such a unique competition with our partner sportsbet.com.au,” he said.

R.I.P ARTHUR THOMPSON

The racing world is mourning the loss of iconic Cessnock trainer Arthur Thompson.

Thompson, 80, passed away in Maitland Hospital at 7.30 this morning after a battle with cancer.

“Ironically, scratching time for the races at Cessnock today,” long-time family friend and racing commentator Gary Harley said.

“It was racing and family with Arthur Thompson. He was a horseman and nature’s gentleman. Just as popular for his demeanour as his training skills.”

Thompson left school at the age of 12, and not long after became the stabe foreman for successful trainer, and later father-in-law, Norm Collins.

He became a trainer in his own right 34 years ago, and trained his first winner with Rose Aurora.

Thompson lived on the same property at Cessnock Racecourse for most of his life.

He regarded winning the Grafton and Gosford Cups with My Star Saphhire as two of his biggest achievements.

The horse was ridden by son Robert, now Australia’s most successful jockey by winners, and the pair formed an unstoppable combination.

“One day he trained five winners at Cessnock from six runners, and for a guy that didn’t have many horses, it was a remarkable achievement,” Harley said.

Jockeys and staff will wear black armbands at today’s Cessnock meeting as a mark of respect.

Thompson is survived by wife Phyllis, children Jan and Robert, and three grandchildren.

GALLERY: FIVE FLEE FIRE AT WICKHAM

Images and video supplied by Michelle Lobb

Five occupants managed to flee a fire that destroyed The Old Morrow Park Bowling Club in Wickham overnight.

It is thought a candle may have sparked the blaze in the building which is being used as an arts and music studio.

A woman inside was woken up and alerted the other four occupants in the building to get out.

The belongings of the occupants have all been lost and a baby grand piano worth $30 000 was destroyed.

The rail line behind the building was closed for several hours.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of musical instruments, props and equipment fell victim to the flames, as well as other personal belongings of those inside.

If you would like to donate items to help replace what was lost, drop them off at the Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Wickham.

MINERALS COUNCIL URGES GOVERNMENT TO GET BEHIND MINING

The Minerals Council has used a Hunter conference to urge the government to get behind the industry, amid recent job losses.

The council says the majority of residents see mining as important to the region’s future – something disputed by a rival meeting.

NEWCASTLE COUNCIL CUTTING FAMILY DAY CARE SERVICE

Finding a place for a child in family daycare in Newcastle could become harder, with a council-operated organisation to be transferred to Port Stephens.

It’s the latest cost-cutting measure, but child educators say the service actually makes money for council.

VIDEO, GALLERY: FIRE DESTROYS LAKE MACQUARIE BOAT HIRE

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Fire has destroyed a Lake Macquarie boat hire business, leaving a damage bill of around half a million dollars.

The building contained highly flammable materials, including aerosol cans, making it a dangerous assignment for firefighters.

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