CRIKEY! Crocodile Captured In Wallsend Creek

 BY OLI GOLEDNER

A juvenile crocodile has been captured in a Wallsend creek, believed to possibly be an escaped pet. 

The animal was spotted at about 4.30pm on Saturday 28 February at a creek running behind Federal Park. 

Police and Australian Reptile Park handlers formed a perimeter around the pond to prevent the reptile from escaping and keep onlookers safe. 

The park's manager Billy Collett said they had a difficult time catching the croc initially. 

"I got a few of the lads together and we went up and spent a few hours in daylight searching," he said. 

"We couldn't see it, so on Saturday night when the sun set, we managed to eyeshine him from the bank. 

"Then SES provided us with a rescue craft, but we just couldn't get close enough to him to be able to catch him." 

Eventually, on Sunday night Mr Collett and his crew returned. 

At about 8.30pm they successfully captured the croc and brought it back to the park for specialist assessment. 

The croc was found to be a male sub-adult freshwater crocodile, measuring it at just under a metre in length and only weighing a few kilograms. 

Mr Collett explained they're still unsure as to how it found it's way into the pond. 

"We think it's either an escaped pet or it's been let go," he explained. 

"We're not too sure, but that's what we would think."

He confirmed no other crocodiles were spotted in the creek during their search. 

"I scouted that area heavily for two nights and only located one crocodile," he added. 

"So, to my knowledge there's only the one in there." 

Picture supplied. 

Teenage Girl Missing From New Lambton Hospital

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the Newcastle area.

Kaylani Thompson, aged 16, was last seen at a hospital on Lookout Road, New Lambton, about 2pm yesterday. 

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Family and police hold concerns for Kaylani’s welfare as she requires regular medication.

Kaylani’s described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150-160cm tall, of slim build, with pink/red coloured hair.

She was last seen wearing black tracksuit pants, a white singlet with white and a navy striped cardigan.

Kaylani is believed to frequents the Raymond Terrace and Gosford areas.

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

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