Tuesday 31 July 2012

Broader Investigation Needed Into Systemic Child Sexual Abuse

Newcastle-based victims support group Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL) are calling for the focus on investigations into sexual assault matters to be broadened beyond the Catholic church.

It follows revelations three senior members of the church were aware of the actions of Hunter serial child sex offender Father Denis McAlinden in the mid 90s, but failed to report the matter to police at the time.

Father Brian Lucas, Archbishop Philip Wilson and retired Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle Michael Malone are accused of concealing sexual assaults on young girls in the Hunter region by the pedophile priest as early as 1993.

It is likely they will be prosecuted when NSW Police hand over a detailed report to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the coming weeks.

But Executive Director of VOCAL, Robyn Cotterill-Jones, warns of narrowing the investigation in on the Catholic church alone.

"We can't just direct it at one church, we have to look at any organisation where power and control is used to harm children."

Denis McAlinden died in a West Australian nursing home in 2005 without facing charges.


Jesmond Mugging

A Jesmond man has been mugged only moments after finding a $20 note.

Shortly after 6pm last night the 27-year-old man was walking alone down a bike path near the Stockland Shopping Centre when he saw the note on the ground in front of him.

After he picked it up a man wearing a balaclava forced a blunt object into his back, demanding the money and any other valuables.

He handed over the note but didn't give the thief anything else.

The attacker has been described as 190cm tall, of average build and was wearing a dark jumper. He had a red spider web tattoo just above his hand.

Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000

Midday News 31.7.12 Read By Patrick Fisher


830am News Tue 31.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News 31.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am Tue 31.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 30 July 2012

Excavators Torched In Arson Attack

Earth moving equipment worth thousands of dollars has been destroyed in an overnight arson attack at Buchanan.

Police and fire crews were called to the Hunter Expressway construction site near Avery's  Lane just after 8.30 last night to find two excavators well alight and another already destroyed by fire.

Other heavy vehicles parked at the construction site were also damaged by fire.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

No Fire Stations To Close In The Hunter

Claims two Hunter fire stations could temporarily close at any time are being strongly denied by Fire Commissioner Greg Mullins.

The Fire Brigade Employees Union fears lives could be put at risk as the state government pushes ahead with budget cuts.

The Fire Commissioner has acknowledged a few Sydney stations could be taken offline at any time, but says fire stations are too thin on the ground in the Hunter for the move to be implemented here.

Almost all government agencies have been asked to reduce employee-related expenses by 1.2 per cent this year.

Supermarket Heist

A man has escaped with cash during a brazen hold-up on a Lake Macquarie supermarket.

Police say the man walked into the Coles Store at the Bonnells Bay Shopping Centre around 9 last night and demanded cash from a female employee at knife point.

He was given cash from the til and ran off towards Pearson Street.

Police later found the grey hoodie he was wearing and a knife discarded in a rubbish bin.

He's described as being about 30 years-old, 183 centimetres tall with dark hair and facial hair.

He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie with the brand Saucony across the chest and dark blue track pants with a white stripe down the leg.

Midday News Mon 30.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Knights On A Roll

The Newcastle Knights have turned their season around and are now a chance of making the NRL semi-finals.

They overcame their Canberra hoodoo at the weekend with a comprehensive 36-6 win over the Raiders in the nation's capital. Fullback Darius Boyd scored his first 4-pointer since joining the Knights from the Dragons at the start of the season, while young gun, Tyrone Roberts proved his worth, kicking 6 goals.

The win was the Knights 5th in 6 games, with the Gold Coast Titans just ahead of them in 8th place on the ladder, based on for and against.

Centre, Dane Gagai's NRL career appeared doomed when he was dumped by the Broncos mid-season. However, Coach Wayne Bennett snapped up the 21-year-old, describing him as one of the up-and-coming talents in rugby league.

Gagai told reporters at this morning's recovery session, he's thankful for the opportunity to play for Newcastle and getting a start in the top grade is "just a bonus".


Dane Gagai

830am News Mon 30.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News Mon 30.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am News Mon 30.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Friday 27 July 2012

Kurri Kurri Sportsground On The Nose

Newcastle Rugby League title contenders Kurri Kurri have been forced to abandon their home ground after a sewage main burst under the new John Sattler Grandstand.

The Bulldogs were due to host rivals Cessnock tomorrow, but the game has been moved to Cessnock Sportsground.

Repair work is underway at the Kurri Sportsground, but the field may not be fit for play on until after the end of the season.

Hospital Overcrowding Continues

The Heath Services Union says ambulances waiting in long queues at the John Hunter Hospital can be blamed for the deaths of 4 people in less than a month.

It's reported in one case, a 42-year-old Cessnock man died from a heart attack because an ambulance had been sent from Cardiff, nearly an hour away, when paramedics from the local station could've been on the scene within minutes.

Instead, the local ambulances were tied up waiting to offload patients at the John Hunter.

Midday News Fri 27.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Charges Likely Over Schoolgirl Death

Workcover is expected to prosecute TAFE NSW over the death of a Newcastle schoolgirl during a horse riding program.

18-year-old Sarah Waugh died from head and neck injuries when she fell from a horse which bolted at the Jillaroo program being run by Dubbo TAFE in 2009.

It was later revealed the horse involved had competed at a race meeting just 6 weeks earlier.

A Coronial Inquest in December last year was extremely critical of the Jillaroo program, finding the instructor was not sufficiently experienced to run the course.

830am News 27.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News Fri 27.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am News Fri 27.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Wednesday 25 July 2012

Newcastle Airport Plans For Expansion

Newcastle Airport will undergo a full-scale corporate restructuring after Port Stephens Council signed up to the modernisation deal with Newcastle Council.

The changes mean the airport can pay a dividend to its two parent councils, who hope to earn almost $30 million over the next decade.

The new format also allows for gradual privatisation of some airport assets, and the introduction of third-party ownership of shares.

Expansion work already planned will allow the airport to offer a wider range of regional flights, branching out to locations like Adelaide, Mackay and Cairns.

Upgrades will also include new taxi-ways and increased capacity for larger planes.

Singleton Houses Doctors

A short-term staff residence building at Singleton Hospital has been completed, with two Doctors already staying in the accommodation.

Located at the rear of the hospital, the residence has four bedrooms with ensuites, and common kitchen, lounge, dining and laundry areas.

The $550,000 project aims to address a lack of short-term accommodation in the area, and Singleton Health Services Manager Wendy Mason-Jones says it will be particularly helpful in staff recruitment.

"If we recruit somebody and they move to Singleton, and they're finding it difficult to find somewhere the live or rent, we can offer them short term accommodation to help out with that."

She says it'll also make it easier for medical students assigned to the region for placement.

"It'll give them somewhere to stay while they're doing their clinical work at the hospital."

The project follows on from the construction of similar facilities in Muswellbrook and Gloucester.

The Hospital's Emergency Department will also be upgraded in the coming months, with a bed increase from three to seven, along with a number of other improved services.

Midday News 25.7.12 Read By Patrick Fisher


830am News 25.7.12 Wed Read By Ian Crouch


730am News 25.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am News Wed 25.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 23 July 2012

Hungry Jacks Hold-Up

Police are looking for a man who held up the Hungry Jacks at Jesmond with a box-cutter knife last night.

At around 5:45pm the man entered the store and attempted to rob a 63 year old woman in the queue. He then jumped over the counter and forced staff to open the register while he threatened a 15 year old female employee.

He left with a small amount of cash and was last seen running down Blue Gum Street.

He was described as in his early 20s, of pale complexion and was wearing a dark track suit with a hooded jumper and bright blue shoes.


Anyone with information is being urged to contact police.

Midday News Mon 23.7.12 Read By Patrick Fisher


830am News Mon 23.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News Mon 23.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am News Mon 23.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Friday 20 July 2012

Hammersmith Gets The Go-Ahead

West Wallsend residents appear to have lost their fight against a controversial housing estate planned for the town.

The Joint Regional Planning Panel last night approved the 400-lot Hammersmith development.

Residents had argued the development would remove the last piece of prime bushland in West Wallsend and detract from the area's historical and Aboriginal significance.

Hammersmith says the residential estate will include 32 hectares set aside for new trees to grow on the site and the development would help tackle the housing supply shortage in the Lower Hunter.

Probe Into Fatal Smash

A report is being prepared for the Coroner into a fatal smash at Mayfield.

A Mitsubish Lancer travelling west on Industrial Drive was clipped in the rear by a Holden Commodore travelling in the same direction just before 9.30 last night.

The collision forced the Lancer off the road and into a power pole.

The 51-year-old female driver died at the scene. The male driver of the Commodore was taken for mandatory blood and urine tests.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Kooragang Cancer Cluster

Unusually high cancer rates among workers at Port Waratah Coal Services on Kooragang Island has prompted calls for a public health inquiry.

A study by the University Of Newcastle on the data of 900 workers between 1983 and 2006 found Kooragang Island employees were between 2 and 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer compared to the rest of NSW and Australia.

The shock findings have prompted questions as to why this happening, with green groups calling for work on the the T4 coal terminal to be suspended until these questions are answered.

Midday News Fri 20.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


830am News Fri 20.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News Fri 20.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am News Fri 20.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Tuesday 17 July 2012

Midday News Tues 17.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Glimmer Of Hope For Cash-Strapped Club

Playing activities at the historic Waratahs Rugby Club won't be affected despite the licensed club closing it's doors.

The directors have placed the Station Street business into administration after a last ditch offer to buy the club fell though last week.

The club is believed to have debts of almost a million dollars, with a creditors meeting set down for next Thursday.

Administrators Jirsch Sutherland say a number of people have expressed interest in the club and the site, sparking hopes it could reopen under new management.

Mayor Survives Confidence Vote

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore has used her casting vote to survive a motion of no confidence.

The motion was brought following comments by the mayor in her regular column in the local paper, with councillors divided over whether she is abusing the privilege to unfairly attack her council colleagues.

Several councillors wept during last night's heated debate.

Sue Moore apologised but told council she stands by her comments in the newspaper.

Hunter Mp Accused Of Not Supporting PM

The Federal Opposition has seized on comments made by Hunter MP, Joel Fitzgibbon, who's failed to throw his full support by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The Chief Government Whip says it's inevitable unpopular leaders won't remain in power.

The opposition claims it's the 3rd time the Hunter MP has failed to back the PM.

It's prompted a quick response from Joel Fitzgibbon who says the party's polling numbers will improve and the PM will be allowed to get on with the job once current polices are bedded down.

Naval Base For Newcastle?

The state government is considering turning the former BHP site at Mayfield into a 1-billion dollar naval base.

It comes after plans for a container terminal at the site were effectively abandoned last month.
A Defence Force review in March concluded a second east coast base would be needed if Sydney's Garden Island was required to cater for growing commercial interests.

However, the review is favouring Brisbane over Newcastle for the second base.

830am News Tues 17.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News Tues 17.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am News Tues 17.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 16 July 2012

Midday News Mon 16.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Credit Card Thief Caught Out


Hunter Police are urging residents to be vigilant with their credit cards following the arrest of a man at The Junction.

The 27-year-old from Warners Bay is accused of breaking into a Merewether house earlier this month and stealing a credit card.

It's alleged he purchased clothing, a mobile phone and cigarettes using the Tap-And-Go method, where a person's credit card is swiped without any PIN required.
He's been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today charged with 9 offences.

Helping Hand For Newcastle City Council

Newcastle City Council is among the first in NSW to be given a state government loan subsidy to help fund infrastructure repairs.

Under the deal, the ocean baths, promenade and pump house will receive a 2-and-a-half million dollar upgrade, while 7-and-a-half million will go towards restoring the clock tower.

Rather than funding the entire 10-million dollars, the state government is providing a loan subsidy of 4 per cent over 10 years which will allow council to borrow the money at a greatly reduced rate, or interest-free if it's able to secure a compatible loan.

Sleeping Scavenger

A man has had a lucky escape after becoming trapped in an abandoned building in Newcastle.

The 38-year-old was with a number of other men searching for scrap metal in the King Street building on Saturday afternoon when he dislodged a lump of concrete, which trapped his left arm.

His companions abandoned him.

Police later found the man asleep, but still trapped under the block of concrete.

Hunter Families Left In The Cold

It's fear the disadvantaged and struggling Hunter families could be left in the cold, with the state government making cuts to energy assistance vouchers.

Electricity prices are expected to increase from this month and, combined with the 17.9 per cent price rise last year, residents can expect to pay an extra 600-dollars a year on average.

The opposition is proposing an extra 55 million dollars to increase the cap per family from 480 dollars to $640 per year.


830am News Mon 16.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News Mon 16.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am News Mon 16.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Friday 13 July 2012

Olympic Health Warning

Hunter New England Health is urging travellers heading to the London Olympics to ensure they are immunised against the measles.

Although there are very few cases of the contagious virus in Australia, there's been a spike in the decease across Europe.

While there are no reported deaths in Australia, more than 380 children worldwide die from the infectious disease each day.

New Bank For Wallsend


Wallsend residents and business owners are hoping the former Commonwealth Bank in the town's main street can be re-opened as a community bank.

The Wallsend Town Business Association is leading the push and believes a community bank would help to revitalise Nelson Street.

Interested residents, workers and business owners are being encouraged to visit the wallsendtown.com.au website and register their interest on Facebook.

Wickham Public School To Be Sold


The historic former Wickham Public School could be sold for just a dollar, with Newcastle Council to consider selling the three-million dollar building to the Samaritans Foundation.

The Samaritans want to use the site to accommodate the region's homeless and vulnerable youths, with the proposed purchase to go before council on Tuesday night.

The building was transferred to Council in 1996 for the nominal sum of $2 and has since been used for student accommodation.

Although council currently receives $180,000 in rent, a cost analysis indicates the maintenance bill on the building could top more than half a million dollars per year within a decade.

Major Drugs Bust At East Maitland

Police have had a break though in the war on drugs, seizing cannabis worth an estimated 100-thousand dollars at East Maitland

Police allegedly found a hydroponic system in a garage in Rous Street growing 34 cannabis plants, as well as 500 grams of cannabis head and an amount of cash.

A 50 year old man has been arrested and charged with 5 offences, and is due to front Maitland Local on August 13.

Thursday 12 July 2012

New Directions Strategic Plan for the University of Newcastle

By Jacob Stuart

The University of Newcastle is unveiling a new plan to boost the institutions performance and attract the world's brightest brains.

The draft New Directions Strategic Plan aims to raise the university's international ranking by increasing funding to achieve a 30 percent growth in research.

If the plan goes ahead, it's believed the university could move into the top 200 in the world.

Dangerous Diesel Fumes

By Jacob Stuart

Upper Hunter residents are calling for an investigation into the potential health effects of diesel fumes, after new studies revealed a link between the fumes and cancer.

The World Health Organisation recently categorised diesel fumes as a known carcinogen, which could have major implications for local communities exposed to the fumes through heavy road and rail transport.

These new findings place diesel fumes in the same category as other hazards such as asbestos and ultraviolet light.

Cancer Research Forum Tonight

By Jacob Stuart

The Cancer Council is hosting a public forum tonight, to promote the work of research in improving cancer rates in the Hunter.

Figures previously revealed the Hunter New England Health Service had a higher than state average incidence of melanoma and a higher overall rate of cancer in males.

The Cancer Council invites members of the community to attend the forum, which will address future developments and provide information on the benefits of Cancer Research in the area.

The forum starts at 5:30pm at Newcastle City Hall.

Child Approached at Swansea

By Jacob Stuart

Lake Macquarie Police have released details of a man who approached a teenage girl at Swansea.

The girl and a friend were sitting under the Swansea bridge around midday yesterday when the man approached the girls and began chatting to the victim, before rubbing her thighs and back.

He then tried to kiss the girl, but she pushed him away and ran off with her friend.

The male has been described as being aged in his early 40's, solid build with thick arms, 175 to 180 centimetres tall, short brown hair and stubble.

He was wearing black sunglasses, a black singlet, black shorts and white joggers.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Midday News 12.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Man Burnt In Shed Fire

By Ian Crouch

Investigations are continuing into the cause of a shed fire at Phoenix Park near Morpeth which has left a man with serious burns.

The 38-year-old was asleep in the shed at the Wrights Road property when the fire broke out just after two o'clock this morning. He raced outside and contacted emergency services, however, believing there was a gas bottle still in the shed and fearing it could explode, he ran back inside to retrieve it.

The man suffered burns to his palms and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital before being transferred to the Burns Unit at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital for specialist treatment.

The shed was destroyed in the fire.

Frightening Armed Robbery At South Maitland

By Ian Crouch

A female employee has been left shaken after an armed robbery on a take-away shop at South Maitland which was witnessed by her young son.

The 25-year-old woman and the 5-year-old boy were in the shop on the corner of Louth Park Road and Blomfield Street just before 8 last night when a man entered, pulled out a pistol and demanded money from her before grabbing the cash register and running off.

He was last seen running down Louth Park Road before turning left into Evans Street. The woman and her son were not injured, but police say she was extremely distressed by the incident.

A police dog found the cash register a short distance away, still with the day's takings inside.

The bandit is described as being between 19 and 25 years old with a thin build and about 165 centimetres tall. He has sores or pimples on his face and stubble. At the time of the robbery he was wearing a hooded jumper over his head.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information which could assist detectives is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

830am News 12.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News 12.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am News 12.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Wednesday 11 July 2012

Big Willie Buys Into Manly Hype

Towering Newcastle Knights forward, Willie Mason is excited to be playing Manly on home turf this weekend, but doesn't want a repeat of a famous clash he witnessed as a young fan at Marathon Stadium 17 years ago.

The 32-year-old says skipper Danny Buderus is getting everyone in the side to buy into the traditional rivalry between the two clubs, especially the younger players who are yet to experience playing against the Sea Eagles.

Mason clearly remembers the massive on-field collision in 1995 between Knights stalwart Paul (The Chief) Harragon and Manly's Mark (Spud) Carroll. '"You know, it's a bit surreal now that I'll be donning the number 10 (jersey) and playing for the Knights against Manly, so hopefully that doesn't happen, but I've got great memories of that and obviously the '97 Grand Final", he said.



Willie Mason After Today's Training Session



Boarding House Blues


Newcastle Councillors say they are powerless to stop a controversial boarding house development from going ahead at Waratah.

19 people will be crammed into the single-storey cottage on Turton Road.

Council last night voted 5 to 4 in favour of the plan, but many councillors say they're hamstrung by affordable housing laws, which override local planning guidelines.

Council is bound to approve applications which comply with state-imposed planning laws.

Grafton Gaol Warders and Prisoners To Be Transferred To Cessnock


It's believed prison officers at Grafton Gaol have been offered transfers to Cessnock Correctional Centre, which will receive up to 180 relocated prisoners.

The state government has begun downsizing the Grafton facility, but many inmates are yet to be transferred due to a community picket line set up in front of the gaol exit.

Around 100 Grafton jobs are expected to be lost.

Another Rock Fishing Tragedy On The Central Coast

A man who failed to return home last night after a fishing trip on the Central Coast appears to be the latest in a number of rock fishers washed into the ocean and drowned in recent weeks.

The man's family raised the alarm last night and his abandoned car was found at Wybung Head.

A body found on Hargraves Beach this morning is believed to be that of the missing man.

This latest incident occurred close to Ghosties beach, where three young people from Lake Macquarie are believed to have drowned while fishing last month.

The bodies of Niranda Blair and Ben Winn have been recovered, but Trey Adamson has not been located.

Midday News 11.7.12 Read By Kerrin Thomas


830am News 11.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch.


730am News 11.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am News 11.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Tuesday 10 July 2012

Knights Prepare To Tackle Arch Rivals Manly

The Newcastle Knights will be looking for a big improvement when they take on the Manly Sea Eagles at Hunter Stadium this Saturday.

Having won only 6 games this season, Newcastle needs at least 2 wins to be in contention for the top 8.

Knights forward, Alex McKinnon is looking foward to experiencing the traditional rivalry with Manly, but admits he wasn't sure why he's supposed to hate the northern beaches side, telling reporters today "I hated them but I didn't know why I hated them". He said he asked skipper Danny Buderus about it and was told the Knights played their first compettion match in 1988 against Manly and there was no love lost between the two sides after the Knights beat them on the bell in the thrilling 1997 A.R.L Grand Final . "You can just tell when people 'round the club talk about it. It's means something to them, so it means something to us. You never want to let your team down any day, but I think this is a bit more important," he said.

Alex McKinnon

Midday News Tuesday 10.7.12 Read by Patrick Fisher


830am News 10.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News 10.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630 News 10.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 9 July 2012

Midday News Mon 9.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Manhunt For Attacker

by Ian Crouch

Lake Macquarie police have issued a description of a man wanted over an indecent assault on 69-year-old woman at Jewells.

The woman was inside her unit at the Greenleaf Retirement Resort on Ntaba Road around 3.30 on Saturday afternoon, when the doorbell rang. A man asked for directions before pushing her to the ground and indecently assaulting her.

The man fled when the woman's screams alerted a neighbour.

She suffered cuts and bruising, but managed to scratch the man's face as she fought back.

He's described as being in his 20's, about 165-170 centimetres tall with slightly tanned skin, stocky build and was unshaven. He was last seen wearing a blue jumper and dark pants.

Police say he also reeked of cigarette smoke.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800-333-000.

Cliftleigh Residents Seeing Duplex

by Ian Crouch

Cessnock Council is being urged to ask the state government to authorise a change to the city's Local Environmental Plan to stop the spread of high density housing.

New housing estates have sprung up in the past 5 years in semi-rural areas like Heddon Greta and Cliftleigh, but developers are taking advantage of current zoning laws to erect dozens of duplex homes compared to owner-occupied freestanding homes. Residents say this is a gross over-development of the area and is creating urban ghettos in these villages.

Council is obliged to approve developments which conform to the current LEP, otherwise it could face costly legal action in the Land and Environment Court from developers.

More than 50 residents turned out for a public meeting at Heddon Greta on Saturday, many of them saying they had no idea such developments would be allowed when they purchased land for their homes. They've signed a petition calling for the LEP to be changed before the third stage in the Cliftleigh development goes ahead. They've also asked council to order the developer to cease work and not to proceed any further until another promised access road is built and repairs are carried out to Heddon Street, which is the only access road to the area and has been damaged by heavy trucks heading to bulding sites.

Cessnock Mayor, Alison Davey has promised to put forward a mayoral minute on the issue at the next council meeting on July 18, but admits changes to the LEP could take some time. However the issue of promised infrastructure is something which council can act on immediately.

Councillor Neil Gorman said he would also consider raising an urgency motion at the meeting.

State Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said he would discuss the matter with NSW Planning Minister, Brad Hazzard, but stressed it was up to council to make a formal application for a change to the LEP, which he would be happy to take to the minister.

Both Mr Barr and Councillor Davey agree high-density housing is inappropriate for rural and regional areas such as Heddon Greta and Cliftleigh.



Cessnock Mp, Clayton Barr and Mayor Alison Davey address the meeting

Concerned residents want action


830am News 9.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News 9.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630am News 9.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Thursday 5 July 2012

Hunter Teachers Fear Job Cuts

By Jacob Stuart

The Teachers Federation fears plans to axe public service jobs could lead to massive job losses in the Hunter.

The NSW Opposition claim the proposed cut of 2400 education jobs from the state would equate to a loss of 240 school and TAFE jobs from the region.

The union claims the changes will hit the Hunter region over the next four years, which will also see cuts to funding for demountable school buildings and education access services for migrants and disadvantaged groups.

Guide Dog Attack Prompts Appeal

By Jacob Stuart

An attack on a guide dog in Belmont by an unrestrained dog has prompted a call from Guide Dogs NSW for owners to keep dogs on a leash.

Ian Weller, who suffers from Retinitis Atrophy, was walking his Labrador Banjo through the mall on Monday when a dog came from nowhere and latched its jaws around the dogs neck.

Passers-by quickly came to the aid of Mr Weller and Banjo.

However, Mr Weller could lose Banjo as a result of the savage attack, which left the dog with multiple bruises.

It's one of 12 attacks on guide dogs reported over the past year.

Girl Escapes Attempted Abduction

By Ian Crouch

Police have issued a description of two people who approached a teenage girl at West Wallsend.

The 15-year-old was walking down Withers Street around 7 last night when a white Toyota Camry pulled up next to her.

A man got out and made a comment to the girl, but she kept walking.

She then noticed a female getting out of the front passenger seat.

The man told the girl to get into the car and attempted to grab her, but she managed to escape and ran to a friends house.

The man's described as being about 30, of Caucasian appearance with dark hair and possibly a small goatee beard and was wearing a bright green jumper and blue jeans.

The female passenger is about 30, of Aboriginal appearance with dark hair. She was wearing a blue jumper, white singlet and dark jeans.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000




Midday News Thur 5.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


830am News Thur 5.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News Thur 5.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Thur 5.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Tuesday 3 July 2012

Knights Ready To Fire Against Rabbitohs

The Newcastle Knights will be looking to make it 3 wins in a row when they take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs this Sunday afternoon at ANZ Stadium.

Second-rower Zeb Taia suffered a head knock in the game against the West Tigers 8 days ago, but has fully recovered and will take his place in the side.

However, he says they're not getting too far ahead of themselves and are taking each game a week at a time as they battle to make the NRL semi finals.
Zeb Taia fronts the media after this morning's training session

Midday News 3.7.12 Read By Patrick Fisher.


830am News Tue 3.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Tue 3.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630 News Tue 3.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 2 July 2012

Aspect Hunter School Another Step Closer

By Ian Crouch

The brand new Hunter Aspect School for Autistic Children at Thornton will soon be able to start taking students. The state government today pledged $400,000 towards the fit-out of the school.

The school has been providing services and support for children and families of Autistic Children in the Hunter for 30 years, but has been forced to use temporary accommodation at Gateshead West Public School since it outgrew facilities at Shortland Public in 2010.

A massive community effort along with federal and state funding has made the new school possible on land which it now owns thanks to a generous donation by Hunter businessman, Richard Owens. Well-known property developer, Hilton Grugeon, who's son has Asperger's syndrome, donated construction labour and material.

Hunter Developer Hilton Grugeon speaks with Ian Crouch
Maitland Mp, Robyn Parker, Disability Services Minister, Andrew Constance and Autism Spectrum Australia CEO, Adrian Ford
NSW Disabilities Services Minister Andrew Constance announces the funding

Midday News Mon 2.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


830 News Monday 2.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 News 2.7.12 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Read By Ian Crouch