BLUEY, a four-month-old kitten, has had a big couple of weeks.
The little feline, who was recently rescued by a Port Stephens family, had only been with his new owners for only three days when he escaped through an open door.
Chased by a dog, Bluey took off up a tree to get away.
Scared at the dog barking below, Bluey climbed as high as he possibly could.
The backyard incident occurred unbeknown to Bluey's owners.
Once they realised, they looked everywhere for their new pet.
They were relieved to hear his calls, but when they realised they were coming from above - they had a new problem at hand.
The owners tried to call Bluey down, encouraging him with food and toys.
But Bluey couldn't get down from the tree.
Usually a Fire and Rescue NSW crew might be called to such a situation, but the owners called the NSW State Emergency Service, specifically the Port Stephens unit.
The unit's volunteers attended and hoisted a ladder, strapped on a harness and pole strap and went to Bluey's aid.
A post on the unit's Facebook page said Bluey was returned safe and well.
Bennetts Green's 'Retail Road'
Part of Bennetts Green is quickly emerging as the retail equivalent of an "Auto Alley".
Either side of the Pacific Highway running through the suburb will soon be lined with retailers as more businesses open over coming weeks in Spotlight Property Group's new commercial centre.
Shall we call it Retail Road?
Homewares outlet Harris Scarfe, which was acquired by the Spotlight Group earlier this year, will open its doors on Saturday.
The company has recruited Barry Du Bois.- host of Channel 10 lifestyle program The Living Room - to cut the ribbon on its new store, which is the first to open under the group's ownership.
The doors open at 8am with big discounts on offer for the grand opening.
Shoppers can meet Mr Du Bois from 2pm.
Harris Scarfe store manager Gary Flippence said the company was thrilled to finally open and would offer a range of "homewares, manchester and apparel".
Last week, Anaconda opened its doors and Bunnings is days away from opening its massive new warehouse at the site.
The hardware chain is moving its Belmont store to Bennetts Green.
Pearce pulls on the Silly Socks
The NRL offseason has long been referred to as "silly season".
We probably don't need to explain why.
And while many players might be enjoying their time off, the only thing silly about Mitchell Pearce this offseason is his socks!
The Knights captain recently donned Silly Socks to promote McHappy Day, which is on again this Saturday.
Pearce is urging Novocastrians to help families in need by picking up a pair of Silly Socks, a Helping Hand, making a donation online, or by buying a $2 Big Mac.
The long-running McHappy Day helps support families across the country who have a seriously ill child, and funds healthcare programs, including Ronald McDonald House Newcastle and the family rooms at John Hunter Children's Hospital.
