Teenagers who can lift more than their own body weight will be out and about in the Hunter region, as the Hunter Performance Centre hosts the State Powerlifting Championships today.
The event is a first for the Hunter, attracting over 120 of the state's best under 23 year old powerlifters who will compete for a spot in the national powerlifting competition set to be held in October.
Among them is 15-year-old Luke Talley who has dwarfism achondroplasia.
The 52 kilogram teenager will attempt to lift over 155 kilograms in the competition, with dreams to turn powerlifting into a career.
"Being short statured means his body type is really well suited to do a powerful squat," said Luke's mum Catherine Talley.
"The nature of the sport means athletes who have different abilities can still be competitive.
"One of the good things is that he competes against all kids. Because you go in your weight class he competes against average height kids, which is something he really enjoys because some sports are more challenging being short stature than others."
Hunter Performance Centre provides first-of-a-kind drug free powerlifting in the Hunter.
The event hopes to give the sport exposure in the region and show that all ages and abilities can lift weights.
Spot Joe the rider
Motorists are encouraged to stop saying "sorry mate I didn't see you" and instead look out for motorcyclists.
As part of a new initiative, Cessnock City Council is inviting motorists to spot 'Joe Rider' from Monday 2 May to Friday 6 May, and report the sighting for a chance to win.
Residents who report seeing 'Joe' online will go in the draw to win daily $50 vouchers and a grand prize of $250 at the end of the week.
Cessnock City Council's road safety officer Alison Shelton said residents should keep an eye out for motorcycle riders wearing bright yellow 'Joe Rider' vests throughout the week.
"Motorcyclists are more exposed than any other vehicles on our roads. This campaign aims to encourage drivers to consistently look out for motorcyclists and develop new habits, helping them ride to live," she said.
"In the five year period from 2016 to 2020, there were 136 crashes in the Cessnock LGA with motorcycle involvement, and 44 per cent of these involved another vehicle.
"Almost half of these crashes occurred in low speed environments, and 29 per cent were at intersections which shows they can be easily overlooked by other road users."
This is the second time the Joe Rider campaign has run in the Hunter. This time around residents will have the opportunity to spot 'Joe' in Cessnock City, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter, and MidCoast Council areas.
