Fire Rips Through Kurri Kurri Unit

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused extensive damage to a unit at Kurri Kurri overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says 6 trucks were called to a duplex on Burns Street just after 7.30pm on Monday (1 June  2026) to find one of the units up in flames.

It's taken 25 firefighters around 90 minutes to fully extinguish the blaze which they managed to contain to the one unit.

All residents were for and no-one was injured.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.  

Crews at the burnt out unit at Kurri Kurri. Picture Kearsley Fire & Rescue

 

Concerns Mounting For Missing Teenage Boy From Metford

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are held for the welfare of a young teenage boy who's been reported missing from Metford.

14-year-old Xavier Powrie was last seen on Marshall Avenue at about 1.00am on Saturday May 30.

The alarm was raised when he couldn't be contacted or located.

Xavier's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build, short curly hair with a rat's tail and a diamond earring in his right ear lobe.

He was last seen wearing a black Nike zip up jumper and black baseball pants.

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

 

Missing teen Xavier Powrie

 

 

E-Petition Launched For Link Road Forest to Be Labelled National Park

BY MARLEY RAE

An environmentalist group have launched an e-petition calling for the State Government to recognise the Link Road Forest as a national park.

On Saturday, members of the Save Link Road Forest campaign met and cycled with Greens MP and spokesperson for the Environment, Sue Higginson at the Glendale Wallsend Tramway Track where the petition was launched.

Members of the campaign presented Ms Higginson with questions to ask Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, as well as inviting the Minister to meet with campaigners and experience the forest. 

Spokesperson for the Save Link Road Campaign Ian McKenzie said it's time politicians take notice.

"It is vital that our elected representatives listen to what the community is saying about Link Forest Road," he said. 

Last year, the State Government announced the rezoning of the 574-hectare bushland to be fast-tracked for the Eden Estate Housing project, where an estimated 4200 dwellings would be developed.

Buildings would include a mix of housing types with a focus on affordable housing, employment and supporting community facilities. 

The project, which is one of the largest Hunter land rezonings in decades, straddles the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie council areas and is bound by Wallsend, Cameron Park, Elermore Vale and Glendale.

Mr McKenzie said the loss of the bushland, if rezoned, would have a negative impact on the area.

"It's real value for wildlife and community will be lost forever," he said.

"Sue Higginson's interest in and support for Link Road Forest is commendable. 

"It is time for other NSW politicians to step up and get involved with this issue." 

Information about the campaign can be found on the group's website, with the e-petition requiring 20,000 signatures to be considered in parliament. 

Picture: Save Link Road Forest Campaign

Appeal Launched To Find Missing Carrington Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search is underway for a man who's gone missing from the Newcastle suburb of Carrington.

57-year-old Adam Hinks was last seen on Thornton Street on Friday May 29.

There are concerns for his welfare as he requires regular medication.

Adam's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a thin build, grey hair and green/hazel eyes.

He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and brown pants and it's understood his right arm is in a sling.

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

 

 

Missing man Adam Hinks

 

Graves Desecrated At Hunter Valley Cemetery

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police are searching for those responsible for the desecration of several graves at the Sedgefield Cemetery near Singleton.

It's believed sometime between 11.00am last Tuesday May 26 and the following day seven headstones were smashed, some beyond repair.

The crime has caused distress to the families of the deceased and the local community.

Police are asking anyone who may have information which could assist their investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

Woman Killed In Pedestrian Crash At Wyee

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash at Wyee overnight.

Just after 7.00pm on Sunday 31 May, emergency services were called to Wyee Road near Bethshan Street to reports a pedestrian had been struck by a black sedan.

Paramedics treated a 45-year-old woman but she couldn't be revived - she is yet to be formally identified.

The driver of the car, a woman in her 40's, was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

 

Broke Crowned Best Tiny Town In NSW

BY BRONWYN VERWEY

A small town in Singleton has been awarded as the best 'tiny town' in the state. 

Broke in the Upper Hunter landed the top spot in the Tiny Town Tourism category at the NSW Tourism Industry Council awards this week. 

The category is reserved for communities with a population of less than 1,500, with Broke currently only hosting 557 residents. 

"It's a village brimming with reasons to visit - history and heritage, arts and culture, incredible food and wine experiences, and plenty of country charm," Says Singleton Mayor Sue Moore. 

Broke has consistently performed well in the competition, walking away with silver for the past two years in the Tiny Town Tourism category.

It comes off the back of the town seeing an eight per cent increase in visitation in the past 12 months, boosting the local economy by 10 per cent. 

Popular activities in the region include art galleries, wineries and alpaca interactions. 

"As regional nature-based tourism continues to grow, Broke has everything people are looking for," Mayor Moore said.

After two years of being awarded silver in the category, the recent gold prize comes following strong public support for the region. 

Mayor Moore accepted the award on Wednesday. 

"We're incredibly proud of Broke's silver results over recent years, but now it's time for the village to have its moment in the spotlight and take out gold," she said. 

"To be acknowledged in these awards is a testament to the passion, authenticity and love that our local businesses, makers and community share with visitors to Broke."

Picture: Singleton Council