Lights In Sky Over Coalfields Spark Alien Fears

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hundreds of coalfields residents have reported strange lights in the sky overnight, sparking a host of conspiracy theories that the area was being invaded by aliens.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi has taken to social media in a bid to allay residents fears, also posting a photo showing 5 balls of light in the air over Cessnock.

He says what people are seeing are military illumination flares being used for night-time training exercises at the Singleton Army Base.

Apparently they're dropped from aircraft with a small parachute attached and burn brightly for a few minutes before slowly drifting down to the ground.

 
 

Lights in the sky over Cessnock Photo: Hunter Mp Dan Repacholi

Crocodile Captured At Wallsend

 BY IAN CROUCH 

A crocodile on the loose at Wallsend is now in the care of reptile experts after being captured overnight.

Police were called to Federal Park on Saturday afternoon following reports a juvenile crocodile was found in a nearby pond.

They formed a perimeter around the pond to prevent the croc from escaping and protect onlookers.

Animal handling specialists and the SES were called but were unable to retrieve the animal on Saturday.

They returned yesterday (Sunday 1 March 2026) and were able to safely capture the animal.

It's still not clear how the crocodile came to be in the pond - police say no further crocs have been found in the area.

The juvenile crocodile was found in a pond near Federal Park

 

 

Union Calls For Action After Violent Bus Attack

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

Local unions members are calling for better safety protections on Newcastle buses, after a driver was violently attacked by a passenger earlier this week. 

At around 11pm on Wednesday night, police were called to the Pacific Highway at Charlestown following reports a bus passenger allegedly punched and stabbed a driver in the hand. 

The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with numerous offences. 

However, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has said the attack has worsened fears around the current safety measures present on Newcastle buses. 

The incident comes alongside more than 12 months of enterprise bargaining between the RTBU and private transport operator Keolis Downer, over safety measures, pay and working conditions. 

Tram and Bus Division President Peter Gresch said the attack highlights the ongoing safety risks drivers are currently facing within the region. 

"This is a horrific attack on a worker who was simply doing his job," Mr. Grech said.

"We've seen a string of violent incidents on Newcastle buses in recent months. 

"Drivers have been spat on, bashed, assaulted - and now even stabbed. 

"This cannot continue."

Mr Gresch added the incident should not be overlooked by Keolis Downer. 

"It should be a strong wake-up call for not only Keolis Downer, but for the NSW Government and Transport NSW as well," Mr Gresch said. 

"They need to act and react to what's happened. 

"We've been calling for these changes for many, many years and everyone keeps sitting on their hands."

The RTBU is calling for immediate discussions to ensure stronger protections are put in place to keep both drivers and passengers safe.

Picture: RTBU

Nationals Concerned Over Future of High Speed Rail

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter-based Nationals senator Ross Cadell is unsure whether a Coalition government would continue on the High Speed Rail project if elected. 

Earlier this week, the project's business case was released to the public, disclosing the current plans to its development. 

The High Speed Rail Authority has set the estimated cost of the Newcastle to Sydney line at nearly $90 billion, with the next two years to be spent on developing the final route plans.  

It was also announced the federal government would be investing an additional $230 million into the project, putting the current expenditure at $660 million overall. 

However, Senator Cadell is concerned the project may never come to fruition. 

"We're spending hundreds of millions of dollars on feasibility studies for a project that will cost $100 billion in today's dollars," he said. 

"We all know these budgets flow out and there is no allocation in the future.

"I don't think we'll see the start of this in two years, I don't think we'll see the finish of this in 50 years." 

Ahead of next year's state election, Senator Cadell said if the vote goes to the Coalition, it's uncertain whether the project will be continued. 

"I can't speak for everyone, but clearly I've got some concerns and I'll be voicing those concerns" he said. 

"If our party room and shadow cabinet allay those concerns that will be supportive.

"But, I have not seen anything at the moment that shows a funding source where we can come up with $100 billion - that the government doesn't have - to fund it." 

Picture: Nationals Senator Ross Cadell. 

Man Goes Missing From John Hunter Hospital

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing in the Newcastle area.

37-year-old Timothy Trippier was last seen at the John Hunter Hospital last Saturday (21 February, 2026) and police hold concerns for his welfare.

Timothy's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175 to 185cm tall with a medium build and light brown hair and is believed to frequent the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Missing man Timothy Trippier

 

Details Revealed On High Speed Rail Project

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK 

The business case for the High Speed Rail project has been released to the public today. 

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King visited Newcastle early this morning to announce the next phase of the major project. 

She said the federal government would be injecting an extra $229.6 million into the development phase, increasing its total investment to $659.6 million overall.

The High Speed Rail Authority will use the next two years to lock in the design, approval processes, scope and costs. 

Estimated to cost up to $90 billion, it's likely to be one of the most expensive pieces of infrastructure funded by the federal government so far. 

It comes as a major step forward in the development, set to revolutionise travel between Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast and Sydney. 

Minister King said the project will provide a range of benefits to local communities. 

"High-speed rail between Newcastle and Sydney will change the way people live, work and travel in our country's most populous region," she explained. 

"It will connect the Newcastle and Central Coast communities to Sydney in a way that has never been done before." 

The Newcastle to Central Coast stretch is slated to be completed by 2037, followed by an extension to Sydney Central by 2039 and Western Sydney International Airport by 2042.

The project would include stations at Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Sydney Central, Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport. 

Council Demands Answers on Newcastle Post Office

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Council has called for an urgent meeting with Newcastle Post Office owner Dr Jerry Schwartz on the progress of the historic site's restoration.

Dr Schwartz bought the building in 2018 for $3.5 million, and has received a $1 million heritage grant for its refurbishment. 

However, the long-awaited restoration must begin before April 8, before the current five-year development consent lapses. 

Councillor Clausen says if the consent lapses, they'll be back at square one. 

"Dr Schwartz needs to progress and secure a construction certificate for the site in order to enable physical works to commence," he explained. 

"If that process hasn't already commenced, that is an enormous ask and I'm very concerned that it's not going to be achievable within the timeframe. 

"Consent dates are hard and fast, they can't be moved by Council.

"If nothing happens, it will lead to unfortunately years of further decline and no clear path for the restoration and upgrade of that building.

"I think it's incumbent on him to demonstrate to the community how he intends to do that and to show that it is not just sitting there as some form of speculative land banking." 

Councillor Clausen, along with Paige Johnson, Peta Winney-Baartz, Elizabeth Adamczyk, and Deahnna Richardson will put forward a notice of motion at Tuesday night's Council meeting, noting the strong community connection to the building. 

Picture: Newcastle Post Office