The NSW government put out a press release on Thursday that contained a list of events expected to draw more punters than usual to their local watering holes.
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On the days of these events, pubs and clubs in certain places will be allowed to stay open a bit longer to make the most of the potential for extra business.
This year's Newcastle 500 made the list of 14 events, alongside State of Origin, the NRL Grand Final and the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
On the Sunday of Supercars race weekend in December, licensed venues in the Newcastle local government area will be able to stay open an extra two hours until midnight.
But there was something about this list that caught Topics' eye.
The Wimbledon men's singles final in July is included, but only if an Australian is playing.
There are a couple of problems with this, as far as we're concerned.
Firstly, there are plenty of Aussie sports fans who love the spectacle of events like Wimbledon and would watch the match regardless of the nationality of the competitors involved.
Secondly, it's an understatement to say that the chances of an Australian player making the men's final are slim at best - as much as Topics would love to see Alex 'The Demon' de Minaur give the tournament a good shake-up. So why have that caveat?
We reckon the government should include the match on the list unconditionally or not at all.
Disgraceful scammers
It shouldn't have to come to this, but the Lower Hunter RFS took to Facebook on Wednesday to warn people against making donations to fraudsters pretending to raise money for the rural fire brigade.
"Disappointingly we've had reports of people going door to door, soliciting donations for the NSW RFS in Heddon Greta today," the post said.
"These people are NOT associated with the NSW RFS and have been reported to Police."
Disappointing is probably the most polite way to put it.
The RFS says if you want to donate to our outstanding firies, you should contact your local brigade directly or go to the official RFS website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au).
Costly missed call
Speaking of money, someone in Newcastle has missed the chance to become $80,000 richer and they probably don't even know it.
One of the breakfast TV shows on Thursday morning did its regular segment involving calling a viewer to see if they answer the phone in time to win a jackpot prize.
The hosts of the show said they were calling someone in Tighes Hill, Newcastle - though they didn't give a name.
The phone rang, there was no answer. And just like that, 80 grand slipped through someone's fingers.
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