BREAKING! Police Investigate Armed Robbery At Gateshead Tavern

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are searching for three people involved in an armed robbery at Gateshead overnight.

Police say three young males entered the Gateshead Tavern on the Pacific Highway at about 5.30pm on Thursday 9 April, 2026 and stole alcohol from the bottle shop before threatening a 25-year-old male employee with a knife.

The group then fled - police say there were no reports of injuries.

They've set up a crime scene and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

Garbage Truck Driver Killed In Tragic Crash Near Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police are trying to piece together the circumstances leading up to fatal crash near Singleton.

Police say just before 9.00am yesterday (Thursday 9 April 2026), emergency services were called to Mirannie Road at Mirannie to reports of a crash.

They found a garbage truck had veered off the road and hit a tree before rolling down a steep embankment.

The male driver, believed to be in his 40's, died at the scene - he's yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene has been established as investigations continue and a report is being prepared for the Coroner. 

 

Police Investigate Suspicious Unit Fire At Bar Beach

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused extensive damage to a unit at Bar Beach overnight.

Eight fire trucks were called to a multi-unit complex on Light Street at 7.20pm on Thursday 9 April 2026 to find a top floor unit on fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says the occupants of the unit were accounted for and all residents of the complex were safely evacuated.

It took crews about an hour to douse the flames.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious.

Forensic officers and fire investigators are looking into the cause of the fire.

 

Case of Measles Confirmed In Newcastle

BY JACK HODGINS

Hunter residents are warned to remain cautious, with a case of measles detected at John Hunter Hospital. 

Earlier this month, an unvaccinated child recently returned from a holiday in Asia attended the hospital's emergency department, unknowingly infected with measles. 

The child was presented on two occasions, the first on April 1 from 6.30pm to 1am the next morning, and the second on April 6 from 1.30pm to 3pm. 

Anybody in the emergency department during these times is being urged to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles. 

Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough usually followed three or four by a red, blotchy rash which spreads from the head to the rest of the body. 

Public Health Physician with the Hunter New England Local Health District Dr David Durrheim said vaccinations are crucial to quash the disease. 

"We're seeing around the world, unfortunately multiple outbreaks of measles which is a real great pity," he said. 

"Anybody who's travelling overseas should make sure that they're protected against measles and they've had two doses of measles-containing vaccine.

"If they're unsure whether it's safe to get an extra dose, it's much better to be protected than to be exposed to measles." 

A full list of case locations is available on the NSW Health website here. 

Picture: John Hunter Hospital

M1 Motorway Extension A Year Ahead Of Schedule

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Progress on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is expect to be open later this year, more than a year ahead of schedule. 

The accelerated timeline comes following the completion of the new five kilometre motorway forming the Heatherbrae Bypass. 

As part of the northern section, the Raymond Terrace interchange, the Masonite Road overpass and a major bridge crossing at Windeyers Creek have also been completed.

The M1 extension will be open as soon as work on the 10-kilometre southern section from Black Hill to Tomago is complete, later this year. 

Roads Minister and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said it's a major step forward. 

"It's been a massive effort to get this essentially more than a year ahead of schedule," she said. 

"This project has created so many jobs in our region, with 2,700 people having worked on this project.

"It's something that generations of people across the Hunter can be very proud of the work that is here." 

Following opening, contractors will remain on site to monitor how the new road adjusts to carrying highway traffic, undertake landscaping establishment and targeted maintenance as required.

The monitoring will be carried out for up to two years on the southern section and one year on the northern section. 

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said it marks a big day for the Hunter. 

"The school holiday traffic we're seeing on the existing highway right now is a great reminder as to why this project is vital," she said. 

"Nearly 25,000 vehicles use this road on a normal day, with that number swelling during the holiday breaks."

Picture: Ian Crouch

Concerns Held For Teenage Girl Missing From Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage girl who's been missing from the Port Stephens area for a week.

14-year-old Aubree Way was last seen at Soldiers Point at about 9.00am on Thursday 26 March 2026 and Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Aubree's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall with a thin build and brown hair.

She's known to frequent the Soldiers Point, Liverpool, Casula and Cabramatta areas.

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

Missing teen Aubree Way

 

Fernleigh Track Signs To Combat Anti-Social Behaviour

 BY OLI GOELDNER 

New signage has been installed along the Fernleigh Track to address anti-social behaviour on the popular pathway. 

A total of 14 signs have been put in at all access points on the track, encouraging users to report incidents to police. 

Lake Macquarie Council Community Partnerships manager Matt Holloway said the signage will play an important role in combatting dangerous behaviour. 

"We're really encouraging people to report any incidents or unsafe behaviour they see or experience along the track," he said. 

"This can be done either through the triple zero emergency number, Crime Stoppers, the police assistance line or the online portal." 

Over the past 12 months, police have conducted regular bike and foot patrols of the popular walking track. 

NSW Police District Inspector Anita Kruse reported they've had hundreds of interactions with users of the path discussing their concerns and providing education in relation to e-bikes. 

During that time, ten infringement notices have been issued, and 24 offences have been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. 

However, Mr Holloway said users should be more vigilant with reports. 

"We're really hoping to see an increase in reporting," he explained.

"The reporting at the moment is quite static over the last six months, I don't believe the numbers have increased or decreased. 

"And, what we're hoping to see out of this is if these incidents are occurring, we see them being reported through these channels rather than through social media or other means." 

The signage is the first of many safety measures to be enacted by a dedicated subcommittee, formed during a Fernleigh Track roundtable meeting with key representatives in late 2025. 

"What we're looking to do is identify these signs and look for other safety-related signage," Mr Holloway said. 

'We also want a big focus back on etiquette ad acceptable behaviour. 

"Also, focusing not particularly on e-bikes, but the illegal e-bikes and anti-social behaviour along the track." 

Picture: Lake Macquarie City Council