BY IAN CROUCH
A police operation is under way at Stockton.
Police say they responded to a triple zero call to a home in Newcastle Street at about 2 o'clock this morning (Friday 13 November 2026).
It's understood a man is holed up inside the home.
Newcastle Fire Command says firefighters were called after the man allegedly threatened to cut the gas line.
The Police Tactical Response Group, Paramedics and the gas company are at the scene.
A woman has been charged after allegedly deliberately lighting several fires
in the Newcastle area overnight.
Between 6.40pm and 9.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 11 November 2026), police
were called to a number of locations in Wallsend following reports fires were
allegedly being deliberately lit.
The first fire was allegedly lit under a car parked on Robert Street.
A short time later, a second fire was allegedly lit to pile of items on
Nelson Street.
About 9pm, a fire was allegedly lit at the rear of several parked cars in a
public carpark on Cowper Street. Three vehicles were damaged in that blaze.
A second fire was allegedly lit near a fourth vehicle at the same location.
A short time later, an alleged attempt was made to light a fire to a timber
pallet on Tyrell Street.
About 9.30pm, a fire was allegedly lit at a commercial skip bin on Robert
Street.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District responded to the fires,
alongside Fire and Rescue NSW who extinguished the blazes.
Following inquiries, about 11.20pm, police arrested a 27-year-old woman on
Kemp Street, Wallsend.
She was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where she was charged with six
counts of damage property by fire/explosion.
She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Thursday
12 November 2026).
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| Firefighters were called to several allegedly deliberately lit fires around Wallsend. Pictures Wallsend Fire & Rescue |
BY IAN CROUCH
Police have issued an appeal for help to find a young girl who's gone missing from East Maitland.
13-year-old Charlotte Farmer was last seen in the area last Friday (6 November 2026) and police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.
She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 152cm tall with a thin build and long blonde hair.
Although it's not clear what she was wearing at the time, she often wears black or white clothing, including black bike shorts or black tights.
Charlotte is known to frequent the East Maitland and Kurri Kurri areas.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urge to contact Maitland Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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| Missing teen Charlotte Farmer |
BY WILL MCGRATH
A new block of transitional housing units has been slated for construction in Rutherford.
The units will provide a safe space for women and children who are escaping domestic violence, as well as young parents and people aged between 16 and 24 who are experiencing homelessness.
Hume Housing announced the housing as part of their Maitland Safe Futures project, supported by a $4.59 million investment from Housing Australia through the federal government's Housing Australia Future Fund Crisis and Transitional Housing Program.
The two-storey block will contain eight units, with at least one being fully accessible, all designed in line with Livable Housing Australia Silver Level guidance, as well as maintaining an existing three-bedroom home on the site.
"Eight lives are going to be changed for the better in this community," said Hume Housing CEO Brad Braithwaite.
"Eight different households who have faced insecurity and are fleeing often from domestic violence who will have a safe and secure place to call home as they put their lives back together."
The project will be delivered in partnership with homelessness services Carrie's Place and Samaritans Youth Services, who will provide on-site support for residents.
Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said the charities will play a pivotal role for the project.
"It's no good just saying to someone here's a place to live," she said.
"You do need to help them, point them in the right direction, join them up with services that are available, help them look for work and potentially for childcare.
"All of the things that all of us need to live a successful, normal and happy life."
BY IAN CROUCH
Long-serving Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery is calling time on her parliamentary career.
Having served 20 years in state parliament, the highly respected Labor MP has decided not to stand as the party's candidate for Wallsend at the March 2027 election.
In a statement, Sonia Hornery said she was proud of the community, saying it's been a privilege to be the local member.
"Over the past 20 years the Wallsend community has experienced both great and difficult times. I thank the many people and organisations who have supported me and offered their friendship over the years. I want to thank my past and current staff who I’ve had the pleasure of employing over the years. I also want to thank the many people in our community who have assisted by my office. Listening to
stories of good outcomes is a highlight of my job," she said.
Sonia Hornery served as a Councillor on Newcastle City Council from 2002 until 2008 before being elected the Member for Wallsend in 2007 following the retirement of John Mills.
The former history teacher has held many parliamentary roles during her career including Shadow Minister portfolios for the Hunter, the Arts, Science and Medical Research.
Sonia Hornery also served as Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Parliamentary Secretary for Transport - a role from which she was demoted after opposing then Premier Nathan Rees on the privatisation of public owned assets and campaigning in the ALP caucus for his replacement as Premier of NSW.
She currently serves as the Deputy Speaker in the NSW Legislative Assembly and regularly fills in for fellow Hunter parliamentarian and Speaker, Greg Piper.
In the meantime, the local member says it's business as usual.
"I will be the Member for Wallsend up until the election in March. Please do not hesitate to contact
my office if you require assistance with any State matters," she said.
Premier Chris Minns has paid tribute to the Wallsend MP, saying she should be very proud of her achievements.
"She's stood by her community through good times and difficult ones, and her community has stood by her. I wish Sonia all the very best for her retirement and I hope she gets some well-earned time for herself," he said.
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| Sonia Hornery |
BY IAN CROUCH
Fears are growing for the welfare of a teenage boy who's been missing from Waratah since the weekend.
14-year-old Archer Haynes-Prior was last seen in Station Street at about 7.30pm on Sunday.
He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall with a thin build and brown hair, and was last seen wearing black tracksuit pants, a black Geed Up hoodie and blue Nike TN shoes.
Archer is known to frequent the Wallsend, Shortland and Sydney CBD areas.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
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| Missing Teen Arch Haynes-Prior |
BY IAN CROUCH
Several people have been arrested during a police operation overnight targeting anti-social behaviour around the Greenhills Shopping Centre precinct.
It follows complaints about groups of young people riding recklessly on unregistered motorbikes around the busy shopping centre in recent weeks.
Police commenced Operation Restore at about 2.30pm yesterday (Thursday 29 October, 2026) which continued until 10.00pm, targeting anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and youth crime.
Five youths were arrested and charged with a number of offences including affray, trespassing and stealing while another three youths were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
An adult was also arrested and charged with a number of traffic offences and two motorcycles were seized.
Police say the operation will continue.
