Council Demands Answers on Newcastle Post Office

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Council has called for an urgent meeting with Newcastle Post Office owner Dr Jerry Schwartz on the progress of the historic site's restoration.

Dr Schwartz bought the building in 2018 for $3.5 million, and has received a $1 million heritage grant for its refurbishment. 

However, the long-awaited restoration must begin before April 8, before the current five-year development consent lapses. 

Councillor Clausen says if the consent lapses, they'll be back at square one. 

"Dr Schwartz needs to progress and secure a construction certificate for the site in order to enable physical works to commence," he explained. 

"If that process hasn't already commenced, that is an enormous ask and I'm very concerned that it's not going to be achievable within the timeframe. 

"Consent dates are hard and fast, they can't be moved by Council.

"If nothing happens, it will lead to unfortunately years of further decline and no clear path for the restoration and upgrade of that building.

"I think it's incumbent on him to demonstrate to the community how he intends to do that and to show that it is not just sitting there as some form of speculative land banking." 

Councillor Clausen, along with Paige Johnson, Peta Winney-Baartz, Elizabeth Adamczyk, and Deahnna Richardson will put forward a notice of motion at Tuesday night's Council meeting, noting the strong community connection to the building. 

Picture: Newcastle Post Office

UPDATE! Land and Sea Search Launch For Man Missing From Catherine Hill Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have advised the search for Paul Ellis concluded on Monday afternoon when he was found at Flowers Drive in Catherine Hill Bay. 

The 48-year-old was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for assessment.

Police have thanked the community for sharing the appeal.

EARLIER:  

 A search is under way for a man reported missing from Lake Macquarie.

48-year-old Paul Ellis was last seen on the beach at Catherine Hill Bay at about 2.30pm yesterday (Sunday 22 February 2026).

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as he lives with a number of health issues.

PolAir and Marine Rescue were involved in the search during daylight hours with local police supported by Police Rescue and the SES in a land search overnight.

Paul is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 195cm tall with a thin build, short blonde hair and a goatee beard.

He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and blue shorts.

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact Belmont Police Station of Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
 

 

Missing man Paul Ellis

Police Appeal For Help To Find Missing Metford Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are growing for the welfare of a teenage boy who's gone missing from Metford.

14-year-old Jack Taylor was last seen on Schank Drive at about 8.25am yesterday (Thursday 19 February 2026) and the alarm was raised when he failed to return home and couldn't be contacted.

He lives with a number of medical conditions which require regular medication.

Jack's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a slim build and short dark hair.

He was last seen wearing a school uniform consisting of black shorts, white shirt and black shoes.

Jack was last seen heading towards Metford Railway Station and is known to frequent the Thornton shopping centre.

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

 

Missing teen Jack Taylor

  

Councilor Condemns Proposed Cooks Hill High-Rise

BY LOUISE LIMBERS

Newcastle councillor Declan Clausen has voiced his strong disapproval of high-rise apartment blocks proposed for Cooks Hill. 

He, alongside many residents, have sent in submissions slamming the proposal, claiming they will cause parking issues, as well as overshadow the surrounding heritage infrastructure. 

Sydney company Vivacity applied to the NSW Housing Delivery Authority for development approval to build two apartment blocks, one 13 storeys and the other eight, creating 113 dwellings. 

Located in between Civic Park and the Newcastle Art Gallery, the proposed 45-metre tall build is more than triple the current permitted height limit of 14 metres. 

Cr Declan Clausen said he believes the build will significantly impact the area. 

"Putting a 45 metre residential tower in the middle of a residential conservation area where there are clear zoning rules," he said. 

"I think would be an enormous mistake." 

Set to cost more than $133 million dollars, the development will exceed the threshold of state significant development of  $30 million and 40 dwellings for a proposal in regional NSW. 

"We are a council that absolutely welcomes additional growth and new housing but it's got to be in the right locations," said Cr Clausen. 

He lodged a formal objection to the project on Tuesday. 

"I hope that they take seriously, the submissions that I've made, and the submissions that have been made by hundreds of Novocastrians, who just expect a fair outcome where the planning rules are respected for our city," he added. 

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.