This is the Covidsafersaurus, otherwise known as Glen Fredericks.
Glen, of Adamstown Heights, has had one COVID jab but is awaiting a second.
"Still got a few weeks to wait for the second AZ shot on October 5, which is through my local GP at Kotara," Glen said.
"Was thinking of wearing the inflatable suit to the appointment, but they'd still need to give me a jab in the arm. Don't want to risk a puncture. Be terrible if I went in for a vax shot and ended up with reptile dysfunction."
The Covidsafersaurus stopped by Ka-fey Cafe in Hunter Street to get a caffeine hit.
Glen admits his dinosaur suit doesn't amount to Hazmat-level protection, but he was wearing a face mask inside the suit too.
"I'm doing my bit to keep one of my favourite cafes in business because, when this is all over, I want to enjoy sitting at a table and eating again," he said.
"I don't want any more cafes in Newcastle to go the way of the original dinosaurs."
Old Minmi School
Toronto's John Carr read our piece last week on the old Minmi school, which once operated on a property that Bob "Minmi Magster" Skelton now owns.
It reminded John of a study he did in the mid-1970s about the "architecture of early schools in the Hunter Region".
"One that fascinated me was Minmi Public School, which has had three sites in its long history. The initial site was on an acre of land in 1861, which closed after poor attendance," he said.
"In 1876, two acres of land was purchased from Mr Brown approximately 100 yards from the old school, with a large building opened in 1879. This was followed by a smaller schoolroom in 1880.
"Both buildings were ornate for the period and survived into the early 20th century."
John said the town declined after the closure of Minmi Colliery in 1925.
"The school eventually moved to its current site in the mid 20th century."
Cat Nap
RSPCA NSW will work with 10 councils over the next four years on a project that aims to reduce the negative effects that cats have on wildlife.
The project, titled Keeping Cats Safe at Home, encourages cat owners to keep their cats safely contained at home.
RSPCA NSW project manager Dr Gemma Ma said the project was designed to change attitudes and behaviours in the community towards responsible cat ownership.
"We are excited to be working closely with our council partners to initiate real change in the way people care for cats as companion animals.
"Our job is to help people help animals, and in doing that we can ensure our beloved pets live longer, happier and healthier lives and so too will our unique native birds and wildlife."
No councils in the Hunter were included. They must be having a cat nap.
