NEWCASTLE AIRPORT – Fiji and New Zealand Next On List for Airport Boss

 Newcastle Airport has announced Jetstar will provide a service to Singapore’s Changi Airport via a 90-minute layover in Bali.

Jetstar will start the fourth service to Bali from March 29 next year.

But Airport CEO Linc Horton wants Fiji and New Zealand to be added to the list of international flights.

He says it’s next on the agenda.

“We’re super keen to keep pursuing New Zealand and Fiji [because] they are great environments for people for the Hunter to visit for friends and family and business.

“They also have that one-stop effect into the U.S. So, if if we can unlock both Fiji and New Zealand, again, it just creates more opportunities for the Hunter to visit the world,” he said.

Credit: Newcastle Airport

HAMILTON NORTH – SUV Flips Onto Roof Following Crash

 Police are appealing for dashcam footage after an SUV rolled onto its roof following a crash on Chatham Road at Hamilton North overnight.

At 10pm police were told a sedan and the SUV had collided causing it to flip. The SUV driver, a 24-year-old woman, was taken to John Hunter Hospital for assessment. The driver of the sedan, a 44-year-old woman, was assessed but was not injured.

As inquiries continue, witnesses or those with dashcam footage are being encouraged to call Crime Stoppers.

Police Issue Appeal For Assistance After Young Girl Vanishes From Toronto High School

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have issued a public appeal for help to find a teenage girl who's gone missing in the Lake Macquarie area.

13-year-old Phoebe Munoz was last seen leaving Toronto High School on Field Avenue at about 2pm yesterday (Wednesday 12 November 2025).

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Phoebe's described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 150cm and 155cm tall, with a thin build, medium length blonde hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a blue school uniform and has braces.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Toronto Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing teen Phoebe Munoz

MOLYCOP – Newcastle Council Urges State Govt to Use Local Steel

 Newcastle Council will write to the State Government urging it to change its requirements around train wheel procurement.

Council unanimously endorsed an amended motion which calls on the Government to secure local contracts for fleet maintenance.

Operators of Mayfield steel manufacturer Molycop have warned jobs are at risk if the State Government doesn’t stop buying cheap wheels from China, instead of preferencing local suppliers.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe says Council wants to see heavy manufacturing stay open.

“We’re advocating for our State and Federal Governments to make sure their procurement decisions support local manufacturing and local jobs.

“There was a bit of talk about the work that’s already been done by the Federal Government on things like dumping of cheaper goods into the state, but just continuing to advocate for protecting local jobs,” she said.

Credit / Molycop

E-Motorbike Rider Facing Court After Arrest In Carrington

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Newcastle e-motorbike rider has a date in court next month after being arrested for high range riding on the same afternoon he'd been warned about the legality of his bike.

Officers from Operation Shore Safe spoke to the 35-year-old after stopping him on Wharf Road at about 3.30pm on Sunday and issued him with a warning after educating him about the illegalities of his bike.

Later, the same man was stopped in Cowper Street, Carrington after being spotted riding the bike.

He was subjected to a roadside breath test and arrested after returning a positive result.

He was taken to the Newcastle Police Station where its alleged he returned a reading of .178 - more than 3 times the legal limit.

The man's been charged with 5 offences including high range PCA, never licensed to drive on the road and rider and passenger riding without a helmet.

He's due to face Newcastle Court on December 11.

 

BOLTON POINT – 83 Cannabis Plants Seized From Home

 A 60-year-old man will face court after a hydroponic cannabis crop was located inside a Bolton Point home about midday yesterday.

Police from the Lake Macquarie Proactive Crime Team made the discovery yesterday as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal cultivation of cannabis.

Electricians attended and discovered power to the house had been allegedly re-routed to avoid the meter box.

The man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with a string of offences to face court today.

Credit / NSW Police

BREAKING! Fatality Stops Trains At Sandgate

 BY IAN CROUCH

Trains have been stopped on the Hunter line following a fatality on Tuesday morning.

Police and ambulance paramedics were called to the overpass near Sandgate Station at about 4.45am to reports a person had been struck by a train.

Police have confirmed a person has died at the scene.

The Transport Management Centre says no trains are running between Maitland and Newcastle Interchange and buses are being organised to replace passenger services.