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Newcastle NSW, Australia - Sunday 4th December 2011. Many families find it financially embarrassing around this time of the year. There are many who struggle to live day-to-day, providing for their families in the best way they know how. Community organizations have prepared and organized many events throughout the year, which helps many people: single, unemployed, disabled and so on. The annual 'Toy Run' is to help with children who 's family cannot afford to buy them presents, with side donations of food goods and vouchers. Every year, market stalls are set up, selling: motorcycle apparel, clothing, jewellery, food & beverage stands and much more. Motorcyclists from around Australia, New South Wales and the Hunter Region, each purchase toys for the event and do the ride to deliver the toys. And each time, Santa has arrived on his Harley, pulling a small trailer load or carrying his large bag of toys. Anyone and everyone attends this event, it puts a smile on someone's face when they see the joy that this event produces in the eyes of the less-fortunate children and their families.

The International Men's Day is held annually on the 19th November. This year, one of Australia's IMD celebrations were hosted in Jesmond (New South Wales) on Saturday 12th November 2011, being exactly 1 week earlier than the other 50 countries who are participating in the event. The event was sponsored by Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre Inc and Jesmond Hotel. The dates may differ in certain countries, but the theme has always been their main focus: men's and boy's health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. This event highlights discrimination against men and boys, and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to the community, family, marriage, and child care. Heaton Park ~ Jesmond New South Wales, Australia

Newcastle NSW is becoming a bicycle-friendly city, with new tracks being constructed and opening annually. The Newcastle Bikecology Centre is located within the city, while there are many people in surrounding or outer suburbs who are in need of a bicycle for themselves or their children and are not able to purchase or obtain a bike and then the trouble of trying to transport it home. New and secondhand bicycle stores or workshops are opening often, similar to this one which opened recently in Jesmond NSW. The 15 kilometre route passes through the suburbs of Adamstown, Kahibah, Whitebridge, Redhead, Jewells and terminating adjacent to the Belmont TAFE College (NSW) - Map. Benefits of Cycling: Physical Health Fitness Promoting Clean Health Promoting Clean Air Promoting a Cleaner Environment Benefits of Owning a Bicycle: No Fuel Costs Minimal Annual Repairs Keeping the Environment Clean Registering or being a part of a Bicycle Club/Organization The Benefits of Both: Quality Time Leisure Family Activities Weekend Activities Bicycle Events/Fundraisers Proper Video/Podcast has been inserted: 18/11/2011

Newcastle NSW, is the second eldest city in Australia. Much of the past still exists, you can see it in the streets, the beaches and the surrounding suburbs. One of the most useful and productive locations became Newcastle?s greatest asset.... the harbour! In 1887, the suburb of Carrington was constituted as a Municipality and the first council meeting was held on 1st June 1888. By 1900, the population had reached 2200, and Carrington had developed as a working class suburb that had a fearsome reputation. In the 1920s, steelworkers moved into the area, taking advantage of the proximity to the fledgling BHP works nearby. Ships and boats of many sizes came through Newcastle Harbour. Local companies imported and exported their goods on the harbourside - where many companies were situated. As business grew so did the demand for more goods, they began to purchase warehouses in neighbouring suburbs such as: Carrington, Wickham and Maryville. These were also the prime areas of residence for local businessmen and their families. People came and people left, but everything still remained the same. They arrived by car, they arrived by ship, business was booming and employment was readily available. Docking so often, the captains, deckhands, coalies and mariners created something new - a little town with thriving pubs and hotels, great for the import/export trade and trades people. What about the locals? The one's who want a quiet ale or game of darts? A few rounds of bowls or cricket? Somewhere for the family? With the depression still nearby - their boots pulled off, their hats hung high and no money in their pockets, the local coal and sea workers built and operated the first club in the area 'Carrington Cove Bowling & Sports Club', in 1941. It is now 2011, the docks have been dismantled and the wood has rotten away. The woolsheds were renovated into luxury apartments. The harbour has shrunk, the marina appears bare - residents have moved away, businesses have closed. When Carrington was in it's prime, it had 7 operational pubs and hotels. There are currently 2 pubs remaining. Retired sea and coal workers still reside in the area, their families have grown and moved on. Carrington's residents are more known for retired couples and single men. But, with the local primary school still in operation, drawing in younger families from across the state. The club has always relied on it's members and local businesses for financial support. The government only gives funding to certain clubs and the amount is minimal. On Sunday 6th November 2011, the Carrington Cove Bowling & Sports Club hosted their second ever 'Back to Carro' event. The celebrations raised more money to help keep the club's doors open for another year. Although a small event that ran slightly behind in time, their greatest success came from the sales of raffle tickets, barbequed sandwiches and the secondhand market and baking stalls. The community came together in support of a good cause, a part of Australia's history and heritage. Over the coming months, many new ideas and events are being organized to help raise more funds. This also includes family activities and the hire of their function room. Any and all proceeds of the day's event, were given to the club's president and/or representative.