Hunter Preschool Teachers Take On State Government

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter preschool teachers took to the streets of Sydney today, calling on the state government to provide proposed pay rises. 

Hundreds of educators, parents and supporters, dressed in bright pink, gathered in Martin Place in the lead up to the state government delivering its annual budget in June. 

Earlier this year, the community preschool sector was promised a gender under-valuation increase, with a five per cent pay rise promised for both March and June this year, followed by an additional five per cent in June next year. 

However, members of the Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch  (IEU NSW/ACT) said the state government does not plan to fund the increase, with the onus on service providers to pay the extra wages. 

East Maitland Preschool director Jodie Cox said small businesses cannot afford to keep up with the increase. 

"We're not asking for more at this stage, we're just asking for funding to be able to cover those costs for our preschools," she said. 

"We're finding that preschools are starting to have to cut their budgets and are operating at a deficit. 

"So, they're having to charge families more and more fees as well." 

In February, the Fair Work Commission recommended the state government review and boost funding for community preschools to lift pay and conditions for educators. 

The IEU NSW/ACT reported community preschools earn up to 30 per cent less a year than their counterparts in schools with similar qualifications and roles, and 15 per cent less than their colleagues in long day care centres. 

"Funding for community preschools is derived solely from the NSW Government and parent fees," said an IEU NSW/ACT spokesperson. 

"They do not receive funding from the federal government. 

"In a cost-of-living crisis, it is essential that preschools avoid fee increases." 

Picture: IEU NSW/ACT 

Hunter Activists Allege Abuse during Israeli Military Detainment

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK.

A pair of Hunter activists are speaking out about the abuse they claim they suffered, while detained by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

At approximately 10am AEST on Thursday the 30th of May, a group of six Australians were captured from the Global Sumud Flotilla enroute to Gaza.

The Flotilla was reportedly loaded with more than 500 tonnes of medicine, food and other aid.

After departing from Italy earlier last week, the fleet was intercepted off Crete, with the group who organised the Flotilla claiming sabotage from the IDF.

They say this took the form of engine disabling and the destruction of navigational equipment.

Following their detention, the six Australians were held in Israeli custody for more than 30 hours before being freed overnight on Friday 1 May.

Of the six freed, activists Ethan Floyd, Zack Schofield, and Neve O'Connor were taken to Sitia General Hospital in Crete for treatment of injuries including concussion, bruising, and cuts.

The other three activists, Surya McEwen, Cameron Tribe and Bianca Webb-Pullman were the released without harm.

Mr. Floyd, Mr. Schofield, and Mr. Tribe are from the Hunter, with Mr. Floyd set to return home to Newcastle tonight (4th May 2026). 

In videos posted to social media, Zac Schofield said he was beaten and tortured by the IDF prior to his release.

Rising Tide spokesman Campbell Knox said Mr. Schofield is reportedly planning to continue his mission of bringing aid to Gaza before he returns home.

"We can't ask him to not be himself," he said.

"We can't ask him to abandon his humanity and give up on this mission when he knows what he's doing is right and what he's doing is necessary."

Mr. Knox said Zac Schofield was aware of the risks.

"I know that he went in knowing that this could happen, knowing that these are the risks, but he knew despite those risks, it was worth it even if just one morsel of food could reach the people in Palestine," he said.

"He was willing to take that risk, put his life on the line, and I couldn't be more proud of him for that."

Mr. Knox and his Rising Tide compatriots are now calling on Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon to help kickstart a push to assist in bringing the remaining Australian activists home safely.

Apart from the Australians, 173 other global humanitarians were also freed, 30 of whom were also admitted to Sitia hospital for similar injuries.

Meanwhile, concern has also been raised around the whereabouts of Flotilla leaders Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek, as they still remain unaccounted for.

Zack Schofield addresses media before embarking on humanitarian mission. Photo supplied.

Appeal To Local Man Missing From Singleton

BY OLI GOELDNER 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter. 

55-year-old Robert Symons was last seen in Singleton on Wednesday April 15. 

Hunter Valley Police District were notified at about 8pm yesterday and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts. 

Police hold concerns for Robert's welfare as he lives with a medical condition. 

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of large build, with brown hair and green eyes. 

He may be driving a gold Mazda with NSW registration VKY544. 

Robert's believed to frequent the Singleton and Wetherill Park areas. 

BREAKING! Multiple Shots Fired At Charlestown Home

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have set up a crime scene after shots were fired at a house in Charlestown overnight.

Emergency services were called to a home on Dickinson Street at about 11.40pm on Sunday 3 May 2026 to reports of a public place shooting.

Police have been told multiple shots were fired at the home before a red ute left the scene on Kahibah Road.

The occupants of the house were not injured.

Police have yet to establish a motive for the shooting and say no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

 

State In Support Of Locking In Hamilton CCTV Trial

 BY OLI GOELDNER 

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is confident the state could fund the proposed CCTV trial of Beaumont Street. 

On Tuesday, Newcastle councillors voted in support of the trial, after months of deliberation. 

They endorsed a run of up to three years within a defined location on Beaumont Street at Hamilton, in a bid to combat a recent spike in anti-social behaviour. 

"I'm so relieved and happy for the community," said Councillor Jenny Barrie. 

"We've been working towards this for six months since we stated the Hamilton Community Safety Committee after a whole year of talks on CCTV.

"The community deserves to have such a basic tool that's used right across the state and Australia in local government areas." 

However, the trial is conditional on the state government contributing no less than 50 per cent of the total cost. 

Council reports indicate the total bill is estimated at $225,000, including upfront and monthly costs associated with installing and maintaining the required infrastructure. 

Mr Crakanthorp has been a long-time supporter of the motion, recently presenting a 1000 signature petition to state parliament endorsing the trial.

Today, he announced he has engaged in talks with Police Minister Yasmin Catley over the ruling. 

"I've had a number of discussions with Minister Catley's office about it," he said. 

"We're confident that we can come up with half of that." 

A formal endorsement is yet to be issued. 

UPDATE! Concerns Held For Woman Missing From Calvary Mater Hospital

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police have advised Teagan has been found and wish to thank the public and the media for their assistance.

EARLIER: 

Police are asking for our help to locate a young woman reported missing from the Calvary Mater Hospital at Waratah.

28-year-old Teagan Few was last seen at about 2.45pm on Saturday April 25 and there are concerns for her welfare as she lives with a medical condition which requires ongoing treatment.

Teagan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build and long brown hair and was last seen wearing a grey baggy jumper and glasses.

She's known to frequent the Newcastle, Booragul and West Wallsend areas.

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

 

Teagan Few went missing from the Calvary Mater Hospital on Anzac Day

Hunter Water Dips Into Tomago Sandbeds As Stores Decline

 BY JOHN HEWITT

Hunter Water will start dipping into supplies from the Tomago Sandbeds, following a steady decline in the region's overall water stores. 

Overall water storages are down by more than 20 per cent since last November, leaving levels at 63.7 per cent capacity, which is just above the 60 per cent trigger for Stage One water restrictions. 

Stage one restrictions include reducing daytime outdoor watering and the use of trigger nozzles, along with advice to customers to implement their own measures such as fixing leaking taps and toilets, waiting for a full laundry load and aiming for no more than a four minute shower.

With the long-term weather outlook predicting warmer and drier conditions associated with an increased chance of an El Nino event, Hunter Water has decided to begin supplying drinking water from the Tomago Sandbeds.

Hunter Water executive manager Glen Robertson said the Sandbeds play a significant role in the region's water supply system, providing up to 20 per cent of drinking water during times of shortfall.

He said there may be temporary changes in water taste and colour for some customers but the water remains safe to drink after having been tested at multiple points before entering the drinking water network.

"Groundwater contains higher levels of naturally occurring minerals such as iron and manganese and these minerals can be more difficult to remove during treatment and may occasionally cause some discolouration, which is not a health concerns," Mr Robinson explained. 

In addition to increasing supply through the Sandbeds other initiatives being deployed include working with businesses and communities around ways to save water, and ensuring all water storages remain available to address prolonged periods without rain. 

There is also work underway on a desalination plant, although that won't be available until 2028.

In the meantime, Hunter Water said the additional supply from the Sandbeds, along with smart water choices by consumers, can delay the need for any water restrictions.

It is currently forecasting the 60 per cent threshold for stage one restrictions to be reached in mid to late June.  

Tomago Sandbeds. Picture: Hunter Water