McCabe Claims New Electric Fleet Cheaper Than Stockton Ferry Repairs

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe has taken aim at the recently announced Stockton ferry repair funding, claiming a new electric fleet would be cheaper. 

On Monday, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp announced the state government would be investing $5 million into the repair of the MV Hunter and MV Shortland. 

The 40-year-old vessels have faced a slew of technical issues in recent years, momentarily ceasing the Newcastle to Stockton route on several occasions. 

Each ferry will undergo significant technical and mechanical upgrades, as well as the installation of accessible infrastructure, set to cost around $2.5 million per vessel. 

However, Charlotte McCabe claims the investment is a misuse of government funds, with a replacement electric fleet being the more suitable option. 

"These ferries are already coming to the end of their life," said Cr McCabe. 

"I would've though the sensible thing to do is invest at this point at the end of their life, rather than funding a way to extend this old technology for another 10 years.

She noted Sydney's ferry fleet is transitioning to zero-emissions technology, with a commitment to be fully electric by 2035. 

"If Sydney's going to make a commitment to electric ferries, then why would be push that out for Newcastle for 10 years when we know that operating a diesel ferry is far more expensive," she said. 

"We know that $2.5 million is half the cost of a brand new modern electric ferry." 

Meanwhile, Tim Crakanthorp has firmly stated an electric fleet would be a far more costly option for both the state government and local council. 

"I'm certainly doing as much research as I can," he said. 

"I've talked to both the manufacturers Ampcontrol and the Sydney firm. 

"You're looking at electric ferries from $15 million to $30 million for new ferries.

"It'll take time." 

Under the current plans, Newcastle residents will have to wait until 2036 to see new electric vessels come into play. 

UPDATE! Crews Battling House Fire At Blackalls Park: Residents Unaccounted For

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have confirmed the primary occupants of a burning home at Blackalls Park have been accounted for.

Fire crews are continuing efforts to extinguish the blaze in Railway Parade North. 

EARLIER: 

It's feared there are people unaccounted for as crews battle a fierce house fire at Blackalls Park.

Newcastle Fire Command says they were called to a home in Railway Parade North at 4.25am today (Thursday 7 May 2026), with crews arriving to find the residence fully involved in fire.

It's understood there are cars parked in the driveway of the burning home.

Four fire trucks are at the scene with another four on the way.

They are being supported by the RFS and a Duty Commander from Newcastle.

Police and Ambulance are also at the scene.

 

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.