Monday 20 January 2014

Redhead beach concerns

Redhead locals are voicing concerns about the behaviour of four-wheel drivers and motor bike riders on the Nine Mile beach dunes

Residents say there has been an increase in littler and torched vehicles left along the coastline

Lake Macquarie mayor, Jodie Harrison, says recreational vehicle users should stay off the dunes.

“It is a public beach and we do ask people to consider others when they use. It if people do see other using incorrectly, we do ask they to either approach the people, as long as it’s safe, or else to report the behaviour,” Mrs Harrison said.

The increase use of the beach by motor vehicles is thought to be due to restrictions at Stockton beach, which came in just over 12 months ago.  

Hunter unemployment predicted to rise


A recent study has revealed large parts of the Hunter will likely see an increase in unemployment throughout this year.

The study released by the Centre of Full Employment and Equity (CofFEE) at the end of last year named 14 Hunter and Central Coast suburbs as high risk localities for unemployment rises.

The suburbs included; Muswellbrook, Singleton, Belmont South and Maitland West.

CofFEE Director, Professor Bill Mitchell said the study is the second of its kind for the area.
The reason for higher unemployment was contributed to a high rate of causal work and lower education levels among residents.

 “Regions that have a high percentage of casual or part time work can tend to face more job loss that regions that have strong full time employment,” Professor Mitchell said.
The areas at risk also had a high concentration of “sensitive” industries.

“We know that some industries like manufacturing, construction, retail trade, hospitality, these sorts of sectors are more sensitive to economic slowdown than other industries. So if a local area has a high proportion of the more sensitive industries it’s likely that they’ll experience greater job loss,” Professor Mitchell said.

The national unemployment rate was 5.8 per cent as of December and is expected to rise above 6 per cent this year.

Midday News Mon 20.1.14 Read By Cecilia Connell


8.30 News Mon 20.1.14 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30 News Mon 20.1.14 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30 News Mon 20.1.14 Read By Ian Crouch


Wednesday 15 January 2014

Child Support in Question

Staff at Hunter drug and rehab centre The Glen are preparing to sit down for compromise talks with the Department of Human Services.

The discussions come on the back of community outrage at the scrapping of a successful Child Support Outreach service.

The Glen is hoping anger at the axing will hold them in good stead for a revamped program, as they make arrangements to enter the negotiations.

There are fears cutting the Outreach service altogether could result in misinformation about the financial circumstances of The Glen's clients, meaning payments to ex-partners would be forfeited.

But CEO Joe Coyte says staff are only seeking the best outcome for fathers and families who benefit from the program.

"We just hope our clients get the opportunity to re-engage with important Government services such as child support."

"This way they can move on with their lives, and the ex-partners, mothers and children can move on with theirs."

Joe Coyte is warning the Government there could be a detrimental flow-on effect, if they fail to deliver on their promises for an improved Outreach service replacing the program already cut.

"The clients have got a good relationship with us, and we encourage them to go and see Child Support."

"They help clients get updated information into system, who then have often found the payments were actually quite affordable...and they move forward."




No Plea for Accused Fire Bug

A volunteer firefighter allegedly responsible for lighting two bushfires at Mannering Park in November 2013, has entered no plea at Toronto Local Court today.

Alex Gordon Noble from Rutherford has two new charges against his name, accused of knowingly causing fire and being reckless to its spread.

The two alleged offences relate to fires which destroyed the historic Wallarah House and Jetty Master's Cottage in Catherine Hill Bay in October 2013.

It's on top of 10 identical charges, to which the 21 year old has already plead guilty.

Hunter fire danger predicted for the weekend

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service is warning Hunter residents to be cautious and be prepared ahead of this weekend.

The state's heat wave is set to see the mercury reach between the high 30 - low 40°C mark, with Hunter properties at risk.

RFS Community Safety Officer, Bert Pipan said keeping properties and gutters clear of leaves, debris, and implementing a Bushfire Survival Plan are crucial items to tick off the list.

"While we had large bushfires in October, there's still a lot of bush land around the lower Hunter which hasn't been burnt.

"We still ask residents to be vigilant and understand that there is a possibility of fire and to make sure they have a bush fire survival plan."

All fire permits are suspended ahead of the high fire danger warning, which could reach severe levels by Saturday.

"Our brigades are always at the ready, we're only halfway through summer... volunteers are ready to call on at any time, which is wonderful."

Midday News Wed 15.1.14 Read By Sarah Iuliano


8.30 News Wed 15.1.14 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30 News Wed 15.1.14 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 13 January 2014

Privatisation fears for new hospital

There are concerns a trend plaguing Sydney Hospitals may soon reach our doorstep, with the possible privatisation of the new Lower Hunter Maitland Hospital.

The Metford development is set to become the main health facility servicing the Maitland region, as well as zones of Port Stephens and Raymond Terrace.

The Nurses and Midwives Association are demanding assurances the facility will not be privatised, amid concerns it may meet the same fate as Port Macquarie Base Hospital, which had to be bought back from a private company.

Debate over strategies to curb binge drinking

Calls to raise the price of alcohol in the wake of the alcohol related violence death of a Sydney teenager will do little to curb binge drinking say leading health experts. 

A study by the National  Drug and Action Research Centre revealed binge drinkers, when faced with price hikes adjust their consumption habits in order to maintain their behaviour.

Newcastle community spokesperson Tony Brown is calling for the implementation of Newcastle style restrictions across the state.

Mr Brown believes an increase to the price of alcohol will prevent over consumption among young people.

Fair Work to visit Hunter vineyards

In the coming weeks, around 20 vineyards in the Hunter Valley will be audited by the Fair Work Ombudsman to check if grape pickers are receiving the correct pay.

Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Singleton vineyards will have their employment records audited to check if payslips and entitlements are being given to employees.

Many grape pickers are often foreign workers who may not know their work rights or are reluctant to lodge complaints.

In recent years, Fair Work investigators have caught out thousands of employers underpaying workers across the country

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Director Phil Marsh says information about employees' rights can be easily accessed through Fair Work by contacting 13 13 94 or visit www.fairwork.gov.au

Hunter farmers call for reassessment of droughts

Upper Hunter farmers are calling for a change to the way areas are officially drought-declared, following a year of low rainfall and dwindling ground water reserves.

National reforms have meant zones are assessed using regional seasonal condition reports, which are heavily dependant on computer modelling rather than input from farmers.

Many fear the new system will obscure the real impact of recent weather conditions, and leave families without assistance.

Man wanted over unprovoked attack

Detectives have released a description of a man wanted over a savage assault at southern Lake Macquarie.

56-year-old Graeme Wilton was on his daily walk along Griffith Road, Mannering Park at about 7.30pm on Thursday, December 12 when a white utility pulled up.

The driver got out and punched Mr Wilton in the head, causing him to fall.

Mr Wilton sustained life threatening injuries in the attack and remains in hospital.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s to early 30s, approximately 180cm tall, with short dark hair.

Midday News Mon 13.1.14 Read By Cecilia Connell


8.30 News Mon 13.1.14 Read By Ian Crouch


Friday 10 January 2014

Knights Behaving Badly

The Newcastle Knights' horror week is continuing, after a magistrate granted an A.V.O against prop, Zane Tetevano yesterday.

The order comes after police were called to a Merewether home just before Christmas, where his girlfriend is believed to have told friends the star prop assaulted her the previous night.

But Knights officials say Tetevano and his partner have confirmed they intend to clarify the matter, and have the order annulled in court next week.

At this stage, the A.V.O is expected to be in-place for one year. 

It caps off a week the team would rather forget, with revelations gaoled prop Russell Packer faces the prospect of deportation, if he fails to have his 2 year sentence for assault reduced to under a year. 

Teen Assaulted at Nobby's Beach

A 17 year old male has informed police he was physically assaulted in a toilet block at Nobby's Beach in Newcastle yesterday afternoon.

The teenager says he was at the beach with friends around 2pm, before visiting the toilet block at the Surf Pavilion, where a man approached him, punching his face and causing facial injuries.

The victim has described his attacker as a Caucasian male, between 20 to 25 years old

Unexplained Oyster Deaths

A mystery illness which continues to plague Port Stephen's multimillion dollar Pacific oyster crops, has growers and biosecurity experts stumped.

Hundreds of thousands of oysters have died since late last year, raising fears the port may need to be quarantined to curtail further spread of the disease.

Twenty batches of affected oysters have been tested for the virus which causes Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome, however all returned negative results.

Environmental factors are currently being investigated.

Youngster Heeds Fire Safety Message

An eight year old girl is being praised for her quick thinking, after her family home at Tenambit caught fire yesterday.

Angel Gover noticed thick smoke drifting from a bedroom, and swiftly alerted her grandmother and older sister to the  blaze.

She then directed the pair to evacuate, and accompany her to a neighbour's house to call triple-0.

One of the firefighters who helped contain the blaze had taught Angel and her classmates about fire safety at Primary School last year.

Investigators have determined a faulty clothes dryer started the fire.

International Children's Games

The signing of the official 2014 host city agreement between Lake Macquarie and the International Children's Games will take place today, marking a key phase in the lead up to the December event.

The Games will include a range of track-and-field events at the Hunter Region Sports Centre, as well as water polo at Speer's Point Pool.

Two thousand 12 to 15 year old competitors from 40 countries are expected to participate.

The event aims to promote cross-cultural friendship, tolerance and world peace.

8.30 News Fri 10.1.14 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


7.30 News Fri 10.1.14 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


6.30 News Fri 10.1.14 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


Friday 3 January 2014

Swimming Pool Safety Inspection Program

Lake Macquarie Council is implementing a Swimming Pool Safety Inspection Program in response to new State Government laws.

The scheme will require pool owners to pass an inspection to ensure adequate fencing surrounds backyard pools and spas, in accordance with the Swimming Pools Act.

The program will also monitor pools located in holiday parks.

Subsequent Shark Sighting

Three Newcastle beaches have been forced to close, on the back of two more separate shark sightings in the area.

Lifeguards shut down Merewether and Dixon Park beaches for two hours yesterday to conduct a search of the water, after two teenagers swimming 10-metres off the shore reported the sighting.

A surfer also reported seeing a shark off the Cowrie Hole near Nobby's Beach.

The three beaches were later reopened, after lifeguards failed to locate the sharks

Social Housing Crisis

The O'Farrell Government is being urged to build and invest more in Hunter public housing, as part of its New Year's Resolutions.

Shadow Housing Minister, Sophie Cotsis claims the NSW waiting list has blown-out to 57,000 families, with fewer public housing properties built in our region to accommodate those in need.

The Legislative Council will be conducting a large scale inquiry into the issue, and residents are encouraged to make submissions to the Social Housing Select Committee by February 28.

Public hearings will commence from the second week of March. 

Car Chase

A woman disqualified from driving until 2040 has been arrested, after leading police on a 22-kilometre high speed chase.

The pursuit began after police spotted a car driving the wrong way into Maitland Hospital car park on New Year's Day.

When they signaled the driver to stop, the 37 year old allegedly reversed out of the car park, and sped off towards East Maitland, before turning onto Raymond Terrace Road.

Road spikes were set up near the Irrawang Bridge at Millers Forest and William Bailey Bridge at Raymond Terrace, however the car crossed to the wrong side of the road, almost colliding head-on with another vehicle.

The car eventually mounted a footpath, prompting the woman to run away from the vehicle, abandoning two young children at the scene.

She is yet to enter any pleas, and did not apply for bail.

Shovel Attack

A man accused of attacking a Hamilton South resident with a shovel has appeared before Newcastle Bail Court.

The 33 year old allegedly armed himself with a shovel and a garden pick, when a dispute arose during a backyard drinking session.

After being asked to leave the premises, the accused allegedly ran at the party's host with a shovel, cutting his hand.

He was later arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and contravening an apprehended violence order.

Indigenous Trust Fund

A state trust fund set up to compensate Hunter Indigenous communities for the loss of culturally-significant sites due to coal mining, has been accused of returning little to the region.

The Herald reports cash handouts have been distributed to compensate for only two Upper Hunter mining programs in a twelve year period, leaving Aboriginal Elders demanding an explanation for the lack of funds.

The trust allows Indigenous communities to apply for funding to run employment and cultural heritage programs, with mining companies contributing $50,000 for each consent granted.

It's believed the trust's original advisory group hasn't met in up to a decade, angering Indigenous communities, who are demanding to know where the money's been spent. 

8.30 News Fri 3.1.14 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


7.30 News Fri 3.1.14 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


6.30 News Fri 3.1.14 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


Thursday 2 January 2014

Asbestos-Laden Locomotives

Newcastle-based engineering company, Bradken, is being criticised for importing heavy-rail locomotives containing asbestos.

The carriages, imported from China, are currently quarantined at Rutherford, as Customs and Border Protection officials investigate the breach of a 10 year ban on the import of products containing asbestos.

While the two locomotives were declared "asbestos-free" by Chinese manufacturers, Bradken is being accused of failing to ensure the safety of its supply chain.

The company could face a fine of up to $850,000.

Violence On-Board Hunter Public Transport

A trip home from Newcastle's New Year's Eve celebrations aboard the Swansea Heads 350 service has been dubbed a "bus ride from hell" after commuters were threatened and abused by a group of drunken teenagers.

Several youths boarded the bus at Charlestown, and proceeded to abuse an elderly lady after she asked them to stop swearing.

Another heavily intoxicated commuter got into a physical altercation with a fellow passenger, prompting the bus to pull over, after which, the scuffle ensued on the side of the road.

A spokesperson for State Transit says CCTV footage is currently being reviewed, and the incident is being investigated by police.

Beach Safety

As the hot weather intensifies over the new year holiday period, Hunter residents are being reminded to stay safe when in, on or around the water.

Beach-goers are reminded to stay between the flags, and to check for submerged objects and water depth before diving in.

With extra boats expected on the harbour and along the coast in the coming days, skippers are also being reminded of their responsibilities.

Surf Lifesaving New South Wales says paying attention to the directions given by lifeguards is vitally important.

Holiday Health Advice

With a hot start to the new year forecast for this week, holidaying Hunter residents are being urged to have a 24-hour Health Advice contact on standby.

NSW Health is reminding travellers to be aware of the impacts of heat, to remain well hydrated, and to take heed of the Slip, Slop, Slap message.

People can access a range of online health information by logging onto <www.healthdirect.org.au> but are also advised to call Health Direct Australia on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse.

Maitland Man Charged With Firearm And Drug Offences

An East Maitland male will appear before Newcastle Local Court later this month, after police carried out a search warrant of his property overnight.

Around 7:45pm, detectives allegedly seized a 22-calibre pistol, additional firearms parts, cannabis, and further drug paraphernalia from the Skilton Avenue unit.

The 25 year old is up against an array of charges, including manufacture and possess prohibited firearm, two counts of possess prohibited drug, and cultivate prohibited plant.

Second Shark Sighting

Blacksmiths Beach has been forced to close for the second time in as many days, after another shark sighting delivered beach-goers a nasty New Year's Day surprise.

Lifesavers shut down the area for an hour to search the water for the shark, after a private helicopter operator reported the sighting.

Blacksmiths was the third beach Hunter-wide to close for New Year's morning, with Redhead and Newcastle Beaches both shut due to dangerous surf conditions.   

Firework Faux Pas

We're being reminded of the dangers involved in attempting to light fireworks at home, as a Gloucester man is at risk of losing his vision completely, after fireworks exploded in his face.

The 24 year old was rushed from a property on Bullen Bullen Road to Gloucester Soldier's Memorial Hospital, before being transferred to the Sydney Eye Hospital, to undergo emergency surgery yesterday afternoon.

Police are currently investigating the incident, including the source of the fireworks.

8.30 News Thurs 2.1.14 Read By Cecilia Connell


7.30 News Thurs 2.1.14 Read By Cecilia Connell


6.30 News Thurs 2.1.14 Read By Cecilia Connell