Man Arrested Following Fatal Kooragang Crash

 BY OLI GOELDNER

A third driver has come forward following a fatal two-vehicle crash at Kooragang this morning. 

At about 9.25am, emergency services were called to Cormorant Road, following reports of a crash.

At the scene, police were told a sedan and van had collided head-on in the northbound lanes. 

NSW Ambulance paramedics assisted the two occupants of the sedan; however, they died at the scene. 

They are yet to be formally identified. 

The driver of the van was treated at the scene for minor injuries, and taken to John Hunter Hospital for assessment and mandatory testing. 

Following the crash, at 9.45am, a 42-year-old man attended Waratah Police Station allegedly reporting he was involved in the crash. 

The man was arrested and taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing. 

He stated he was not in either of the vehicles, with his involvement in the crash still being investigated by Newcastle City Police with assistance by the Crash Investigation Unit. 

As inquiries continue, police urge anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

CCTV Footage Released of Thornton Business Fire

BY OLI GOELDNER

Detectives are appealing for information after a suspicious fire at a Thornton business last week. 

At about 1.05am on Tuesday 10 February, emergency services were called to the business on the New England Highway, following reports of a fire. 

Fire and Rescue NSW crews brought the fire under control and extinguished the blaze.  

The building sustained minimal structural damage; however, large amounts of stock were destroyed, and a cash register was stolen.

Police attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the fire.

The men are depicted in the CCTV wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, and are believed to have left the area in a light-coloured hatchback.

One of the men is seen leaving the area with the lower half of his body engulfed in flames.

Police believe the man might have suffered burns following the incident.

As inquiries into the incident continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man Charged With Threatening Shoppers At Waratah Village

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Tuesday 17 February 2026) accused of threatening to assault shoppers at the Waratah Shopping Village.

Police were called just to the Turton Road shopping precinct just before 7.30pm on Monday 16 February 2026  to reports a man was randomly harassing shoppers at the K Mart store and allegedly threatened to assault a female.

Other shoppers intervened and performed a citizen's arrest until police arrived a short time later.

The 32-year-old from Sydney was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today charged with affray.

 

State Government Steps In On Calvary Mater Repairs

BY EVIE JONES 

Cladding remediation works will soon begin at Waratah's Calvary Mater hospital, with a state government intervention. 

The hospital's private manager NovaCare has been issued multiple notices of breach, after it was found cladding on the facility's facade was not up to code. 

It's believed the unsatisfactory exterior has caused water to leak into the hospital and create significant mould infestations, which have led to several wards closing in the past month. 

Progress for the works has been repeatedly delayed due to ongoing commercial discussions between NovaCare and NSW Health, leading the state government to step in. 

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said they had no other choice. 

"We had to intervene to make sure that work was done on time," she said. 

"Unfortunately, the private provider hasn't stepped in as quickly as they should have, and that's why the state government has stepped in."

A contractor has been employed by the state government to begin the works in March, which are set to be completed by mid next year. 

The intervention comes as staff and concerned civilians rallied outside the facility last month protesting unsanitary and unsafe conditions. 

Sonia Hornery said she agrees with staff, labelling the mold as an unacceptable safety concern. 

"It's important for us to expedite this work because it's a continuing safety problem, particularly for people who are very ill," she said.

"We know that the Mater is a leader in treating cancer patients.

"We can't afford to have very ill people getting sick because the building isn't clean and safe and sanitary.

"It also provides problems for people with pneumonia and other chest and lung infections. "We really do need to urgently get rid of it."

NSW Health indicated it will work closely with the Calvary Mater team to coordinate remediation works while minimizing disruption to patients, staff and visitors. 

The state government also showed its support for the Calvary Mater, claiming it will take all necessary steps to support remediation and ensure the continued safety, functionality and reliability of the hospital. 

Teen Killed In Tragic Crash Near Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenage boy has been tragically killed in a crash at Bishops Bridge overnight.

Emergency services were called to Wollombi Road about 10km west of Maitland at about 8.30pm on Sunday 15 February 2026 to reports of a crash between a car and a push bike.

They arrived to find a 15-year-old boy with serious injuries.

Despite the efforts of paramedics he died at the scene.

Police established a crime scene and are urging anyone with information,  CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

 

Gavin Morris To Run For Newcastle Lord Mayor

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Former NBN weatherman Gavin Morris has announced he will be running for Lord Mayor in the upcoming by-election. 

He announced his candidacy on Friday morning, with the endorsement of former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge. 

Mr Morris said he plans to run as an Independent. 

"There is a lot to do from here on in," he said.

"I have to build a campaign, I need volunteers, I need to build funding, I need to engage with the community, and that is my focus right now.

"If I were elected Lord Mayor, I would take what I learn over the next week and help it guide with the decisions that need to be made for the betterment of our city in the future."

It follows Cr Ross Kerridge resigning from the position on Monday due to his ongoing battle with cancer. 

Mr Morris said he believes his skills in the media will be beneficial if he is to be elected. 

"I've been a member of the media for more than 40 years and I have a unique skill set and I think a lot of those skills from my days in media and engaging with the community carry over beautifully into the position of Lord Mayor," he explained.

"And I feel it's really important to come in completely afresh.

"I am not connected and I am not influenced by any past goings-on in the council and I think that is really important, not just for me but for the future Lord Mayor.

"I think it's really important that that future Lord Mayor is completely and truly independent.

"I think that's more important than just about anything else."

The upcoming by-election for the position is expected to be held in mid-April.