The recent Newcastle Knights Fanfest has been hailed as a success by attendees, sparking optimism for the club's future while also prompting some constructive feedback for future events.
Fanfest Delights Supporters with Glimpse of Future
Held last Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium, the Newcastle Knights Fanfest provided a day of family-friendly entertainment and player interaction. Attendee Stan Spink from East Maitland praised the event as "well run and well organised", with plenty to keep young fans engaged. He noted that all players were appreciative and welcoming, creating a positive atmosphere for the club's supporters.
However, Spink offered two suggestions to enhance future fan days. He pointed out that an announcement explaining the absence of star centre Bradman Best would have quelled speculation; it was later understood Best was likely attending the birth of his child. He also proposed that seating players according to their positions, as listed on the official program, would help fans, especially with many new faces in the squad, to identify them more easily.
Despite these minor points, the sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with Spink concluding: "Well done to the Knights and to all who made the day a success. Onwards and upwards for a great 2026."
Community Voices: From Bondi to Political Entitlements
The Herald's letters page also featured strong local opinions on national issues following the Bondi Junction tragedy. John Cooper of Charlestown criticised commentary that focused solely on gun control, arguing that government failures to address rising anti-Semitism were a core issue. He cited Harbour Bridge marches, Opera House protests, and the vandalism of Jewish properties as evidence of a festering problem.
Meanwhile, the conduct of politicians came under scrutiny. Peter Devey from Merewether defended the focus on Labor Minister Annika Wells' travel expenses, arguing her case was worse than past Coalition scandals involving Bronwyn Bishop and Sussan Ley. He contended Wells had not repaid the money or lost her position, symbolising a broader issue of entitlement.
Local Issues: Emissions, Ferries, and Community Division
Closer to home, Ian Thomas of The Hill challenged the narrative around Hunter Valley coal, emphasising that "exported emissions" from locally mined coal burned overseas contribute significantly to global climate risk. He urged for a focus beyond just onsite emissions.
The recent Stockton ferry breakdown prompted Bev Atkinson from Scone to call for a state-run, resilient transport service for the port, highlighting its strategic importance.
Finally, the political fallout from the Bondi attack drew comment. Robert Menhenick (Charlestown) and Colin Rowlatt (Newcastle) expressed disappointment in the Prime Minister's response and the swift politicisation of the tragedy, respectively. They joined Grahame Danaher of Coal Point in calling for unified leadership to reinforce common decency and reject hate-based rhetoric.
