Thursday 29 November 2012

Wheeling and Able celebrates 80th anniversary

Hunter charity group Wheeling and Able is celebrating its 80th birthday today.

The project, run entirely off community funding, has put smiles on the faces of more than 16,000 children with disabilities through providing clients with access to mobility equipment.

Mobility equipment can prove expensive for many families, and the help of volunteers, donors and sponsors who have contributed to the group has transformed the quality of life for the children.

"These kids are now able to attend mainstream schools, and the integration within the family, within the community [has] just been massive," Wheeling and Able Executive Officer, Karen Phillips says.

"They are able to live their lives just as any other child has been able to now."

Fanny’s named the most violent venue in NSW

Newcastle nightclubs Fanny’s and MJ Finnegan’s have been named and shamed by the NSW Government, topping the list of the State’s most violent late trading premises.
Despite a decline in reported alcohol related incidents from the previous year, the infamous Fanny’s remains the State’s most violent venue, with 28 reported incidents in the past financial year.
 Irish Pub MJ Finnegan’s was listed in equal third place with 21 reported incidents.  
Coalition Newcastle Inner City Residents Groups spokesperson Tony Brown says schemes such as the Government’s 'name and shame list' and the ID scanner network have not been enough to reduce the high levels of alcohol related harm as they fail to address the core problem.  
“That is simply in Newcastle, that too much alcohol is being provided to too many people, too late at the night and the early morning.”
The group is calling for the Newcastle Liquor Accord to get serious about alcohol related violence since the CBD has been home to the first and second most violent pubs in the last two consecutive periods.

Forum hopes to talk its way out of TAFE funding cuts

State government cuts to TAFE funding have prompted talks between Hunter students, teachers and politicians in Newcastle today.

Courses including Fine Arts and Boat-building are subject to the cuts, which the Greens say will be devastating to the economic and cultural prosperity of Newcastle.

TAFE provides a pathway to disadvantaged students, notably in Fine Arts where some Novocastrians may lack the means to enrol in university to pursue their vocational interests.

NSW Greens MP, John Kaye, says the O'Farrell government needs to restore funding or the cuts will further damage Newcastle's vibrant arts scene amid news grants to the Renew Newcastle project have been scrapped.

"The O'Farrell government is in deep trouble in the Hunter," he says, highlighting the problem Premier O'Farrell faces in the region's electorates.

"The Renew Newcastle program has been cut and now we're seeing TAFE - both Ship-building and Fine Arts being slashed in the Hunter."

The talks are being held in a bid to lobby the state government's decision.

Midday News Thur 29.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


830 am News Thur 29.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 am News Thurs 29.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630 am News Thur 29.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Wednesday 28 November 2012

Fears raised over Huntlee development

Fresh concerns have been raised about the proposed Huntlee residential development near Branxton.

Pressure has been placed on the state government to reject the proposal due to financial constraints.

A recent report indicates the project would put the Cessnock Council in financial jeopardy due to low value developer contributions.

Greens Councillor, James Ryan is calling on the state government to consider whether the development, in it's current form, is appropriate and sustainable.

He says the $16,300 to be provided per dwelling will not be enough to fund the necessary infrastructure.

School sport cuts

There are fears sport in Hunter's public schools will be jeopardised following the O'Farrell Government's decision to cut 1.7 billlion dollars from the education budget.

The decision has resulted in staff cuts from the School Sports Unit, the group which organises and runs representative school sport in NSW.

This could mean that school sport carnivals will face the axe.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says the government has got it's priorities all wrong.

Midday News Wed 28.11.12 Read By Stephanie Fisher


Centennial Coal ceases production

The Hunter's coal industry has been dealt a blow with Centenninal Coal shutting down it's Wyee and Lithgow mines.

As a result, 40 workers from both locations will be made redundant, with the rest of the workforce being redeployed.

Centenninal Coal points to falling coal prices and rising production costs as being to blame for the decision.

Meanwhile, Port Waratah Coal Services has announced the proposed plans for the controversial T4 coal loader at Kooragang are being significantly downsized.

While the original plan was for the facility to process 70 million tonnes of coal a year, this has been reduced to only 25 million tonnes.

The company is still confident that the terminal will be built.

830 am News Wed 28.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 am News Wed 28.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630 am News Wed 28.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 26 November 2012

Botched Dora Creek Ram Raid

Police are examining possible links to an early morning ram raid at Dora Creek.

Three would-be thieves have incurred thousands of dollars worth of damage on a Dora Creek take away shop during the raid early this morning.

A Mitsubishi Triton Ute which was reported stolen from Pendlebury Road at Cardiff on the weekend was driven through the front of the Eats At The Creek shop on Wamsley Street at about 3:30 this morning.

The Ute's three occupants attempted to steal an ATM , but were unsuccessful.


Senior Constable Tony Tamplin says the three people involved in the theft of an ATM following a ram raid on the Paxton Bowling Club last week remain at large.

Perverted Priest Absconds to Asia

A former catholic priest, charged five months ago with numerous counts of sexual abuse in the Hunter, has fled to Sri Lanka.

65-year-old Bernard McGrath had 252 charges laid against him in a Newcastle Court in June this year relating to alleged instances of sexual abuse during his time spent at church-run institutions in the Newcastle-Maitland diocese during the late 1970s and 1980s.

It is understood that a number of the charges relate to McGrath's tenure as a brother at Kendal Gange College in Morisset. 

Police were meant to extradite the former St John of God Brother from New Zealand where he'd been living, but he was allowed to leave the country and now resides at a tea plantation in Sri Lanka where Australia has no direct extradition treaty.

It's understood that Australian Federal Police based in Sri Lanka have been alerted to McGrath's presence and may have been tracking him.

Fatal Crash at Pokolbin

The death of a Cessnock man has prompted an urgent plea from police for motorists drive carefully following a spate of deaths on the state's roads.

A 31-year-old man was driving a Holden Commodore sedan on Wine Country Drive when his vehicle collided with a parked Toyota Hilux and a southbound Ford Falcon.

The man died at the scene while the 27-year-old female driver of the Ford and her 31-year-old male passenger were both treated in hospital for leg injuries.

The man is the 11th motorist to be killed on the state's roads since last Thursday.

Midday News Mon 26.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


830 am News Mon 26.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 am News Mon 26.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630 am News Mon 26.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Thursday 22 November 2012

Man Kicked In Face During Home Invasion

A man has been assaulted in a Raymond Terrace home invasion this early this morning.

The man answered the door  after hearing a loud banging about 5:30am, when a male assailant threatened him with a knife.

The intruder kicked the man in the face as he backed away, when another resident enquired about the noise.

The two residents were able to leave safely, whilst the intruding man stole a small portable safe.

New Hospital In Maitland Almost A Reality

The long-awaited second hospital for the Maitland area is taking another step towards becoming a reality.

Expressions of interest will be sought beginning next week from landowners willing to help find a suitable site for the hospital, with an announcement on the preferred site expected by mid 2013.

Maitland MP, Robyn Parker says other planning is under way to ensure the future health needs of the area are met by the new hospital.

Ten Hunter Fire Stations Close

The state opposition is voicing its concern over the recent closure of ten Hunter fire stations by the O'FARRELL government.

The offline stations, located in Newcastle and Cessnock, have prompted Labor MPs to criticise the government's cost-cutting actions as reckless.

Cessnock MP CLAYTON BARR says the state government funds only fourteen per cent of regional fire station's costs with local governments footing most of the bill, and the penny-pinching tactics are uncalled for.

Monday 19 November 2012

Ship Arrivals Herald Beginning of Cruise Season

Another cruise season commences today with the arrival of two cruise ships at the Port of Newcastle.

The arrival of 10 cruise ships throughout the season  spanning from November to May will provide a welcome boost to the Hunter's economy, with the fleet bringing bringing a total of 22,000 passengers to Newcastle and the Hunter Region.

279-metre long ship Rhapsody of the Seas will arrive in Newcastle today and will be followed by the 293-metre Celebrity Millenium on Friday.

To further interest and promote ease of access to information in preparedness for the upcoming season, a mobile phone application has been developed to to provide information specifically targeted at passengers on  visiting cruise ships.

Newcastle Port Corporation CEO Gary Webb says it's a great opportunity for the Hunter to show off what's on offer.



Maryville Man Charged With Sexual Assault

A Maryville man has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses stemming from the alleged sexual assault of two teenage girls.

It's alleged the man approached the two girls online through a social media outlet claiming to be a professional photographer seeking models.

Detectives from the Child Abuse Squad team along with Port Stephens police apprehended the man at Jesmond following investigations into separate assaults involving the two girls, aged 13 and 14.

Police have been informed the man requested nude photos of the girls and had arranged a photo shoot to take place, with one girl allegedly assaulted at Charlestown and the other at Maitland.

Detectives took the man to Waratah Police Station where he was later charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault and one each of aggravated indecent assault and intimidation.

31-year-old Daniel Enright faced Newcastle Local Court today.

He did not enter pleas and will face court again on Wednesday.

Shots Fired During Armed Hold-Up


Police say two men stormed the Wangi Wangi RSL at about 11:15 last night, armed with .22 calibre rifle and a large pole. Two shots were fired indiscriminately inside the club before the gunman went to an office section of the premises in search of cash.

Lake Macquaire Detective Senior Sergeant says two patrons and a staff member were present in the club when the robbery took place and has labelled the armed raid a concern amid a glut of armed robberies across the region.

The gunman is believed to be of a short, stocky build with his face concealed by a white t-shirt and wearing grey shorts and a dark coloured jumper.

The other man is described as being tall with a medium build and was dressed in a black jumper and black track suit pants.

Police are urging witnesses, or anyone aware of suspicious activity around the the time of the robbery, to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000.

Midday News 19.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


830 am News Mon 19.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 am News Mon 19.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630 am News Mon 19.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Thursday 15 November 2012

Dunn denies releasing Mayor's message to media

Newcastle City Councillor Jason Dunn says he did not release Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy's explosive voice mail message to the media.

The message in which Cr McCloy compares the actions of Cr Dunn to behaving like a "petty little schoolgirl" was instead handed over to other councillors for consideration.

The audio was recorded in response to Cr Dunn questioning the authority of Cr McCloy's chief of staff, Josh Hodges.

Cr McCloy says the voice mail was recorded in frustration as council was "being distracted from [its] $20 million deficit and other big things."

Cr Dunn has lodged a code of conduct complaint against Cr McCloy, and refutes the Lord Mayor's claim of pettiness, saying the Mayor's reaction was "completely unacceptable".

Knights and Jets Owner Denied Racehorse Winnings

Newcastle Knights and Jets owner, Nathan Tinkler, has been denied almost $600 000 from Sydney and Melbourne race clubs.

The 37 year-old mining magnate was denied the money because of debts to Sydney's Australian Turf Club and Melbourne Racing Club almost equalling his racehorse winnings.

Despite having the winnings frozen he denies being on the verge of financial collapse.

Tax Payers Foot The Bill For Privatisation

The Greens warn State Government plans to privatise power generators and the Cobbora coal mine will impact Hunter residents.

Despite reinvesting profits from privatisation into state infrastructure, The Greens say the privatisation will lead to job cuts because new owners will need to tighten budgets.

NSW Greens MP, John Kaye says that the system makes no long term economic sense and tax payers will foot the bill to attract private owners.

Midday News Thur 15.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


830 am News Thur 15.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 am News Thur 15.11.12 Read B y Ian Crouch


630 am News Thur 15.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Midday News 14.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Wednesday 14 November 2012

Break in at Cardiff Panthers

Two people are wanted over a break in at Cardiff Panthers this morning.

It is alleged the pair broke into the club at around 3.15, using a rock to smash the front glass door.

Senior Constable Tony Tamplin says it was clear money was a motive for the intruders.

He says they ran up the main stairwell of the club after entering the building and jumped over the keno desk.

Police are still searching for the pair.

Archbishop's stance causes outrage

Hunter victims of child sexual abuse are disgusted over the Catholic Church's position on confessions from paedophile priests.

The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell made the church's position clear.

He claimed priests who confess their abuse to other clergy will not be subjected to a Royal Commission.

He said the church will cooperate with authorities but the church's long standing convention of keeping confessions secret will be upheld.

Concerns over Kotara cinema

Despite being granted permission to build a new 2200 seat cinema, Westfield Kotara wants to make adjustments to the plans before beginning construction.

The new application would include a restaurant precinct that would be located adjacent to the cinema.

Kotara and Adamstown Heights residents claim this alteration would result in the loss of 250 parking spaces.

They claim this loss would further increase the problem of nearby streets being clogged with cars because shoppers are unable to find a park within the complex.

The application proposes to build 20 new parking spaces for staff, but some councillors say this will not fix the problem as many more will be employed to run these new facilities.

Decision on Newcastle Rail Line pending

The state government is yet to decide the fate of the Newcastle Rail Line.

The decision could still be a long way off despite rumours an announcement was imminent.

It is understood that cabinet is listening to both sides of the debate when considering cutting the line and introducing an alternative mode of transport.

While visiting Newcastle in August, Planning Minister Brad Hazzard said the harbour remains trapped on the other side of the rail line and business owners are keen to see it go.

Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian says all the options need to be carefully considered.

A proposal is currently in place requesting a trial suspension of the line.

830 am News Wed 14.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 am News Wed 14.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630 am News Wed 14.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Tuesday 13 November 2012

Midday News Tues 13.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Promising results for prostate cancer treatment

A Hunter led prostate cancer trial has yielded promising clinical results using hormone therapy to impede testosterone levels in conjunction with radiotherapy.

The only downside was that men experienced temporary symptoms similar to menopause including hot sweats, a reduction in libido and erectile dysfunction.

Toxicity and quality of life effects were studied in one thousand men across 23 cancer centres in Australia and New Zealand between 2003 and 2007.

The initial findings of the Randomised Androgen Deprivation and Radiotherapy trial have been published in the Lancet Oncology journal.

17-year-old dies in head-on smash

Investigations are continuing into the death of a teenager in a head-on smash at Muswellbrook.

The 17-year-old male was thrown from his Toyota Hi Lux Van, which collided with a Triton ute just before 7 this morning on Thomas Mitchell Drive.

The 27-year old driver of the Ute was taken to hospital with minor injuries and has undergone mandatory blood and urine tests.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner and anyone with information about the collision should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


Decision time for the Adamstown Level crossing

Newcastle City Council will debate a motion tonight to ask for state government help to stop coal trains using the Adamstown Level crossing.

Labor Councillor Tim Crackanthorp says as well as lobbying the State Government, there are a number of short term solutions to coal train problems.

Coal freight trains can be more than 1300 metres long, and keep the crossing closed for 6 hours a day, a figure that is set to increase when new coal services come online next year.

Crackanthorp says council needs to pursue wide ranging reforms to permanently limit coal train disruptions.

Welcoming a Royal Commission



The Prime Minister's announcement of a Royal Commission into child sex abuse is being widely welcomed.

It's come as the direct result of allegations raised by Port Stephens Chief Inspector Peter Fox  into claims of sexual abuse of children by Catholic Clergy in the Hunter dating back decades and allegations the crimes were covered up.

Founder and Executive Director of Child Protection Group Bravehearts, Hetty Johnston says the wide-ranging inquiry will help bring justice to victims.

It's feared the royal commission which will look into child sex abuse crimes in many organisations across the nation, as well as the Hunter, will take a decade.

Hunter MP, Joel Fitzgibbon is suggesting a separate NSW inquiry to report on the issue more quickly, because the national commission could take too long and cause trauma for many individuals.

Problems coming from the abuse are costing the country over 10 billion dollars, with 59 thousand children falling victim to child sexual assault each year.

Brave Hearts founder and director, Hetty Johnston, says child sex abuse causes increased mental health problems, crime, family violence and suicide.


830 am News Tue 13.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 am News Tue 13.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630 am News Tue 13.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 12 November 2012

Midday News Mon 12.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Hunter Residents urged to keep track of funds

Hunter residents are being urged to keep a closer eye on their financial records, with the stunning revelation that many Australians are owed unclaimed monies.

The 6-million dollars total in forgotten funds come from a number of sources, and range from small change to a hundred thousand dollars for each individual.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission recommends people visit the Money Smart web site to check if there are unclaimed funds in their name.

The website is given below:

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/

Elderly Couple Victimized in Cessnock

An elderly couple was targeted by a trio of youths in Cessnock after they attempted to stop the group vandalizing shopfronts.

A 64 year old man and his wife saw the teenagers stealing signs from a local restaurant and kicking at shop doors and windows.

The man tried to confront the youths, who proceeded to hit the man and his wife before making off with the lady's purse.

The trio consisted of two teenage girls and one boy all between 15 and 16 years of age. The girls were described as having dark hair, with the boy was described as having bleached blonde hair and a rats tail.

Greens MP claims Premiers inquiry is half-baked

Greens MP David Shoebridge has slammed Premier Barry O'Farrell's announcement of a special commission of inquiry into police handling of clerical sexual abuse cases in the Hunter.

Shoebridge claims the inquiry is a decoy, and the subject of any special commission needs to be the Church, not the police.

The Green MP said the terms of reference were simply too narrow, and a broader inquiry into clerical sexual abuse should be made across the state.


830 am News Mon 12.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 am News Mon 12.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630 am News Mon 12.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Thursday 8 November 2012

Deregulating Electricity Not The Answer

New South Wales Greens MP John Kaye says deregulating retail electricity prices is not the answer to rising power costs in the Hunter.

Despite price drops in wholesale electricity prices, overspending on infrastructure has continued to push retail prices up.

John Kaye says the government should be working with retailers to find a solution.

Top Cop Calls For Probe

Port Stephens Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox is calling on the Premier to announce a Royal Commission in NSW to address cases of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.

The Inspector has been at the front of police investigations of clerical abuse in the Hunter and Maitland region for decades.

He says the Church has evaded responsibility, failed to co-operate with police and betrayed victims and their families.












Fire Destroys Mount Thorley Business

A tyre repair business at Mount Thorley has been destroyed by a fire overnight.

10 Crews from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW were called to the Nationwide Tyre Repair business on Maskey Road just after midnight to find the structure engulfed in flames.

An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.






Midday News Thur 8.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 am News Thur 8.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 5 November 2012

Stolen Car Used in Four Ram Raid Robberies

Police are the look out for a group of thieves involved in four separate ram-raids in the Port Stephens area overnight. 

The group used a stolen Toyota Prado to break into four different buildings, including Oakvale Farm, a fitness centre, a public School canteen and Birubi Point Surf Club.


After the incident the Prada was found burnt out in a sand dune near Birubi Beach, Anna Bay.

The four sites will be examined by specialists forensic officers today as part of police investigations.

Any one with information is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

Midday News Mon 5.11.12 Read By Patrick Fisher


830am News Mon 5.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


730 am News Mon 5.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch


630 am News Mon 5.11.12 Read By Ian Crouch