DMA

Just a quick note to anyone coming to the meeting on Wednesday night. Apparently to get to the chamber you use the rear entrance to the building via the roof carpark.

Heads up everyone. The council agenda has just been published & yes the decision about the future of teh pound has been included in the public meeting starting at 6.30pm Wednesday 18 May. It's too late for us to do a presentation, as that paperwork had to be filed last Tuesday, but we need to have as many people there as is possible to protest the takeover of the pound, by the RSPCA, at least without council breaking the law in doing so as they are claiming that they don't need a tender as: · The RSPCA is the only organisation available within the area that has an industry best practice regional animal shelter capable of providing the professional animal care and management required of Council under legislative requirements · Part of the RSPCA’s core business is to set up and provide professional animal management services to Local Government. · Council has an immediate and critical need to address operational requirements and occupational health and safety concerns as addressed in the accompanying report. · The entry into this contract provides a significant economic benefit to the Council over the term of the contract when compared to the cost of Council providing its own facility Needless to say this is complete garbage. Here's the link to the agenda notes for next Wednesday: http://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/resources/file/Agendas/2011/OC_18052011_AGN.pdf It is listed on page 29.

An update about the meeting next Wednesday. The councillors will be discussing the future of the pound at a closed budget session. So the public will not have access. I have no idea ATM whether there will be any vote or discussion at the public meeting at 6.30pm although I suspect there won't be. Council will hopefully publish the meeting's agenda on Monday, so we'll know then I guess

It's just been brought to my attention that Cessnock City Council will vote on 18 May about the future of Kurri pound. The issue is about whether they sign a contract with the RSPCA to take over pound operations. This has been brewing since Decemeber last year, but several of us have been negotiating in order for the council to keep Kurri pound operations as is currently the case. There are several reasons for this, the main ones being: 1) the Kill rate will double. 2) locals will have to travel further to reclaim their dog or adopt. The further travel time will ensure fewer people will get involved. 3) Rescue groups will not be allowed access anymore as this is current RSPCA practice 4) The contract price is far too much at a $1 million plus figure over 5 years 5) The costings for a new pound for Cessnock City Council are greatly over exaggerated at $2.2 million whereas we did a costing of around $250 000. 6) The cost of renovating the current facility could be as low as $150 000. 7) It appears that no tender will be called, which will be in violation of Section 55 of the Local Government Act. 8) There has been zero public consulation over this matter which is in violation of Section 8 of the Local Government Act. It goes without saying that we need your support. Please contact all of these councillors voicing the above concerns not to mention your opposition to this vote: Mayor Councillor Alison Davey Business Hours: Phone: 02 4993 4210 Fax: 02 4993 2508 Email: [email protected] PO Box 152 CESSNOCK After Hours: Fax: 02 4990 6456 12 Alfred Street CESSNOCK 2325 Clr Cordelia Burcham PO Box 152 62-78 Vincent St Cessnock 2325 Bus Phone: 0413 912 650 Fax: 02 4990 1857 Mobile: 0413 912 650 Email: [email protected] Clr James Hawkins Cessnock Cellars 100 Wollombi Rd CESSNOCK 2325 Phone: 02 4990 3647 Fax: 02 4990 9481 Mobile: 0428 414 724 Email: [email protected] Clr Rachel Main 25 Mackellar Street CESSNOCK 2325 Phone: 02 4991 5850 Fax: 02 4991 4398 Mobile: 0408 222 826 Email: [email protected] Clr Bob Pynsent 370 Lake Road ELRINGTON 2325 Phone: 02 4990 7724 Fax: 02 4991 5587 Mobile: 0408 267 532 Email: [email protected] Clr Dale Troy 1/100 Mount View Road CESSNOCK 2325 Phone: 02 4990 7504 Fax: 02 4990 7140 Mobile: 0413 097 504 Email: [email protected] Clr Ian Olsen 5A Mulbring Street ABERDARE 2325 Phone: 02 4990 5992 Fax: 02 4990 7313 Mobile: 0408 333 583 Email: [email protected] Clr Allan McCudden 72 Armidale St ABERMAIN 2326 Fax: 02 4930 4515 Mobile: 0428 648 532 Email: [email protected] Clr Chris Parker 1575 George Booth Drv BUCHANAN 2323 Phone: 02 4936 2217 Fax: 02 4936 2216 Mobile: 0434 332 217 Email: [email protected] Clr Jeff Maybury 18 Second Street WESTON 2326 Phone: 02 4937 1400 Fax: 02 4937 5438 Mobile: 0401 107 525 Clr Graham Smith 15 Butler Parade KURRI KURRI 2327 Phone: 02 4937 2653 Fax: 02 4936 2634 Mobile: 0408 333 604 Email: [email protected] Clr James Ryan 33 Brunker Street KURRI KURRI 2327 Res Phone: 02 4937 5125 Bus Phone: 02 4930 8641 Fax: 02 4936 2957 Mobile: 0414 922 591 Email: [email protected] Clr Neil Gorman PO Box 422 KURRI KURRI 2327 Res Phone: 02 4937 5034 Bus Phone: 02 4937 5035 Fax: 02 4936 4017 Mobile: 0429 924 119 Email: [email protected] And just as importantly we need a large group of supporters at the council meeting next Wednesday 18 May at 6.30pm at the Cessnock Council Chambers, Vincent Street, Cessnock. So if you can come it'll be greatly appreciated, not only by us in the rescue groups, but more importantly by the impounded animals.

Great news! The E-5 has won the XXI Technical Image Press Association 2011 Award for the best photographic and imaging product for "Best D-SLR Expert" Source: http://www.tipa.com/english/award-details....st+D-SLR+Expert

There's an occasional meet-up at Speers Point, from time to time, although it's a rather ad-hoc arrangement with no particular set calender. Other than that rescue groups like Dog Rescue Newcastle & Hunter Animal Rescue have a social meet-up although they're more so a human get together than a canine day out kind of thing (although DRN had one just after Christmas for our doggy friends)

No problem. And those venues are far from easy...

Sure... here's a shitzu x from Kurri pound from last week... This is using the E-5 with the Sigma 24mm ISO set at 200 Aperture set at 1.8f And some from Muswellbrook pound... E-5 using the Zuiko 12-60mm ISO set at 1 600 Aperture between 2.8f - 3.4f

I came across an interesting comparision review of the Flagship model of the standard Four-Thirds (the Olympus E-5) & the Flagship model of the Micro Four-Thirds (the Panasonic GH-2) system here at Four Thirds User. It comes as no surprise to me that the SLR still has it over its Mirrorless counterpart. Their conclusion states: So I think I'll be sticking with my E-5 for now... Having said that the GH2 has gain a lot of praise, since its launch, & is truly a major step forward for the Mirrorless system. Give it another generation, especially in respect to mastering the new 16 megapixel sensor, & Micro Four-Thirds system could make for a very serious challenger to the traditional SLR technology regardless of brand. Are you listening Canon?

Update for the Panasonic DMC-GH2 with a review by dpreview here at http://dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcgh2/ They like it a lot

Hey everyone. I have two new items up for grabs at eBay for the Olympus Four Thirds dSLR system at eBay. Here are the items: Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens This lens has been used about half a dozen times and that's all as the focal range isn't really the range in which I do my photography. It has thus simply stayed in its box and I simply don't need it. The lens itself is in mint condition and works exactly as the manufacturer intended. It is a good general purpose lens for long distance photography. The photos it produces are rather impressive even though it is not in the Zuiko SWD range. It is thus ideal for anyone on a budget. Furthermore it has a unique macro function which, when combined with the Olympus EX-25 Extention Tube (which I also have up for auction), can produce once again rather impressive macro photos. Again this is a must for anyone on a budget. The lens also comes with a Vivitar UV filter. Although not completely necessary, I did feel it helped a little on those days when there was some glare around. Postage will be by registered mail with compulsory insurance. eBay link: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...=STRK:MESELX:IT Olympus EX-25 Extension Tube The Olympus EX-25 Extension Tube for use with all Four Thirds lenses & camera bodies (basically E Series Olympus cameras). Essentially this turns every lens you have into a macro lens for close-up work. It works particulary well with the Olympus Zuiko 70-300mm lens The extension tube has hardly been used, once or twice in fact, and is in mint condition. I am selling it because I simply dont use it as I do no macro photography whatsoever. Postage will be by Registered Mail along with compulsory insurance. Sorry but I cannot do combined postage given the nature of the two items I currently have for sale. eBay link: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...em=220755759524 Thanks for looking & good luck!

What a brilliant dog Popeye is! Full of so much guts & determination which a lot more than I've seen in some humans. Thanks Catherine for sharing. It's great to know that there's people who do rescue work, not because its about a numbers game or about money, but because of love & compassion. And I couldn't agree more with what you've said.

Only because there are people who stick to different areas at DOL. I know I don't venture into the General Dog Discussion section, for example, & others don't go to the General Rescue Discussion section...

This is a video, which surfaced at Youtube today (Thursday), by a local Hunter Valley "Dog Whisperer" called Nathan Barnes. He has come out hitting with a massive claim covering various issues in respect to the RSPCA in general & likewise in respect to the RSPCA facility at Rutherford in NSW. To quote from the Youtube page To view the video in question follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jtz-vYKlXk

This is a video, which surfaced at Youtube today (Thursday), by a local Hunter Valley "Dog Whisperer" called Nathan Barnes. He has come out hitting with a massive claim covering various issues in respect to the RSPCA in general & likewise in respect to the RSPCA facility at Rutherford in NSW. To quote from the Youtube page To view the video in question follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jtz-vYKlXk

Not a bad idea. Alas the 30mm I've got is a four/thirds mount, so I can't use it if I move over to a 7D. But it is food for thought, especially if I get the 70-200mm as well. It's just that I've found that I've got three lenses in play constantly... the Sigma 30mm & the two Zuikos I mentioned. And trust me when I say those two Zuikos are just unbelievable in image quality, which is something I still need to consider before making any final decision.

Thanks for the advice. Yes I've got the Sigma 30mm which I use in low light & I agree it's a good one. So I gather the Sigma 24-70mm be better for low light? I really need a zoom for such conditions. Having said that I use my Zuiko 12-60mm now (2.8f-4) but I do get what you mean about the pointy end, as I often will switch to my Zuiko 50-200mm (2.8f-3.5) to take advantage of the 2.8f again.

Well I hope you're having plenty of fun with it Yes it seems to get a good write-up, at a couple of places I've seen reviews, but nothing beats getting the advice of people who actually own the lens - especially if it involves taking photos of dogs as I do.

Sounds like what Sigma has done with its Four/Thirds Mounts... but they are still around including the 17-70mm. I found several this morning on eBay hovering around $450. ah ok. I was trying in store at the time as I needed it in a hurry. Oh I gave up buying camera gear from stores ages ago. Seriously I've saved around 40% in getting all my gear from eBay over the last 2 years & we're talking at least 2 grand in savings. But yeah, I've learnt to be patient!

Thanks for the advice. Sounds very tempting

Sounds like what Sigma has done with its Four/Thirds Mounts... but they are still around including the 17-70mm. I found several this morning on eBay hovering around $450.

Hi All Even though I've got the Sigma 24mm & 30mm, & I'm pretty happy with them, I need some advice on three other lenses for the Canon mount. Yes that's right, not for Olympus, but Canon. You guys can now pick yourselves up off the floor now... Anyways this is the lighting situation - it is an indoors location which is a rather gloomy (Muswellbrook pound to be exact) & I'm doing some research into these lenses for shooting in this venue & I'd like the opinion of people experienced with them as to their ability in low light (& if you're using them with a Canon 7D such further advice would be great). So here are the lenses: Sigma 17-70mm, Sigma 24-70mm, & the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 EX DG OS HSM (although judging by the discussion in the other thread I'm pretty certain it is the one to get). My thanks in advance :D

Anger over distressed dog's rescue BY JOANNE MCCARTHY 19 Feb, 2011 04:00 AM The RSPCA could investigate Singleton Council's treatment of an impounded pregnant greyhound left in the pound on a Sunday without veterinary care after she was found with a dead puppy. Dogs Rescue Newcastle paid the veterinary bill after the council took the dog for treatment the following day where another two dead puppies were surgically removed. The council has defended its treatment of the dog, saying she was thin but in "stable health" on Sunday, February 6, when a council ranger found the dog and pup during a routine weekend check. But Dogs Rescue Newcastle co-founder Sue Barker said the situation highlighted concerns her organisation had about the operation of some council pounds and the vulnerability of ill and injured animals. "We would like to know why this animal wasn't taken to a vet immediately, and what steps the council has taken to investigate why the dog was in the condition it was in when it was impounded," Ms Barker said. A Dogs Rescue foster carer who did not want to be named said the dog was in a "dreadful" condition when she agreed to take responsibility for its care, and "she still looks quite awful". "She weighs 18 kilograms. My greyhound weighs 33 kilograms. She has ulcers on her body but she has the tattoo marking that would allow the greyhound association to trace her ownership," the foster carer said. "I don't know what would have happened if we hadn't agreed to pay for her treatment." Singleton council director of planning and regulated services Mark Ihlein said the dog had no identification and was not registered. "The dog was thin, but did not show any signs of ill-health or pregnancy, and once being received at the pound was eating and drinking well," he said. RSPCA NSW chief inspector David Oshannessy said he was "very happy to look at the situation" and wanted more detail about why the dog did not receive veterinary care when first found with the pup, and whether the council had contacted the Greyhound Association about ownership. The RSPCA has campaigned for a code of practice for council pounds, similar to codes of practice that set out how nine other animal-related industries such as pet shops and boarding establishments should operate. Source: Newcastle Herald

Update for the Olympus PEN E-PL2 as well as new entry for the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm Mk II lens

Not a problem. Glad to help Here's hoping you can get both SWD lenses :rolleyes: especially considering the strength of the Aussie dollar to the Greenback!