Police Investigate Suspicious Fire At Thornton

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating a suspicious fire overnight at a Thornton convenience store.

Fire crews from East Maitland and Tarro were called to the Ezy Mart on the New England Highway just after 1.00am today (Tues 10 February 2026) to find a fire in the office area.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews managed to contain the fire to office area, taking around 90 minutes to fully extinguish and mop up the blaze.

It's believed the fire was deliberately lit, with a Jerry can set on fire inside the front door of the store. 

 

 

 

Police Appeal For Help To Find Man Missing From Medowie

 BY IAN CROUCH

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

43-year-old Aaron Dege was last seen in Gwalia Close at about 3.00am yesterday (Monday 9 February 2026) and police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Aaron's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a thin build and brown hair.

He was last seen wearing hi-vis clothing.

Aaron may be driving a white Isuzu MUX with the NSW registration DAJ 17D.

He's known to frequent the Medowie, Karuah, Lemon Tree Passage and Soldiers Point areas.

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

Missing man Aaaron Dege

Newcastle Lord Mayor Steps Down

Newcastle's Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge, officially announced he's stepping down from the role "with great regret." 

In a media statement put out this morning he explains his reasons for departure.

Dr Ross Kerridge was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in October last year, and although he was able to return to work after receiving treatment, he said side effects have caused significant challenges at work. 

"In the weeks since returning to my role, it has been clear that although my cancer treatment is progressing well, the side-effects continue to be significant," he said.

"I had hoped to return to the role of Lord Mayor with renewed energy," he continued. 

"Unfortunately, it has become clear that I no longer have the energy for all that is required to deal with the challenges of the role at this time."

He mentions his personal responsibilities were considered when coming to his decision, as well as comments from his co-awardee Peter Sleap and eulogies for the late Paul Scott, each of whom battled cancer at one point themselves. 

"In making this decision today, I have also been influenced by Peter Sleap's comments at the recent 'Citizen of the Year' award, by the eulogies at Paul Scott's funeral last Thursday and by reflecting on the needs of my own family," he said.  

Dr Ross Kerridge expressed gratitude to those who supported him.

"I thank all those who voted for me and shared a dream for better local government."

In his statement, he reflects on his reasons for joining local government. 

"I ran for election to challenge the unhealthy dominance of party politics in local government and to change the direction of Council," he said. 

"I called for a shift away from 'big projects' and 'big issues' to focus on core services and and community projects across the entire city."

He concluded by calling for more government attention in Newcastle and The Hunter after his withdrawal. 

"Newcastle and The Hunter deserve more from State and Federal governments," he said. 

"Personally, I believe that more creativity in political thinking, a diversity of candidates and more independent representation is the only way this will happen," he claimed. 

"I hope that my election paves the way for other concerned citizens to seek public office in a non-partisan way."

According to guidelines set by the NSW Electoral Commission, when a mayoral position becomes  vacant, the role is to be filled via a by-election, unless it occurs within 18 months of the next ordinary election.

The next local government election will occur on 9 September, 2028, meaning a by-election will be held in Dr Ross Kerridge's case.

In an interview with the ABC this morning, Dr Ross Kerridge said It'll be interesting to see what may happen in the next few months. 

For now, he shared he'll be focusing on recovery. 

"I'm going to take a few weeks to let the dust settle," he said.

"For the next few months I need to just focus on my working on my fitness and recovering from this whole bout of chemotherapy."

However, he also shared his intention to write a book based on his medical career, spiked on by some of the nurses at his former workplace, The John Hunter Hospital. 

"I had an extraordinarily interesting medical career with a whole lot of interesting stories," he said. 

"Some of the things that I was involved in I do want to document."

BY EVIE JONES

Former Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge

Centennial Rejects Three Year Origin Contract for Myuna

BY EVIE JONES

The dispute between Origin Energy and Centennial Coal has persisted, with 300 workers livelihoods still hanging in the balance. 

The Myuna colliery owners recently knocked back Origin's offer to extend their Eraring Power Station supply contract by three years.

It followed the rejection of Origin's first offer of only 12 months, which Centennial claimed did not align with Eraring's recent operation extension to 2029.

However, Centennial claims the new proposition was contingent on terms identical to the first. 

Centennial's Chief Executive Craig Gilbards said they welcome the extension, but it does not address the cost of operating the mine. 

"We welcome that movement after many months of negotiations," he said. 

"But, a three-year extension on unchanged terms is not sustainable for the mine."

On Thursday, Centennial issued a statement flagging the current terms would cause the mine to lose around $1 million a week.  

"That is not a sustainable arrangement for workers, communities or Myuna," a spokesperson said. 

It noted Origin garnered a total of $1.5 billion in profits last year, with Eraring Power Station being one of the largest revenue contributors. 

Meanwhile, an Origin spokesperson said Centennial's asking price was unreasonable, claimed to be at $50 above market value. 

"The cost of operating Myuna is a matter for Centennial and its parent company, Banpu, a company of substantial size and profitability," Origin said. 

"Origin and NSW households cannot be expected to wear those costs."

With the contract between Centennial Coal and Origin expiring in March, both workers unions and Centennial are putting pressure on Origin to provide a fair, sustainable offer. 

Photo: Myuna Colliery

BREAKING! Fire Engulfs Unit At Mayfield

 BY IAN CROUCH

One person has been treated for smoke inhalation after fire engulfed a unit at Mayfield overnight.

Emergency services were called to a two storey apartment complex in Hanbury Street just after 10.30pm on Thursday 5 February 2026 to find one of the units well alight.

Newcastle Fire Command says 7 fire trucks, a ladder platform and 2 support vehicles were deployed to the fire, taking about 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

All the residents of the Department of Housing complex were safely evacuated and one person was treated at the scene by paramedics.

It's understood the fire started in the kitchen of the unit.

Crews took around 90 minutes to fully extinguish the fire which was contained to the one unit.

 

Federal MPs Slam Origin Over Myuna Deal

 BY OLI GOLEDNER

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi is slamming Origin Energy for their "lowball" contract offer to Myuna Colliery. 

The coal mine has been supplying exclusively to Eraring Power Station for more than 40 years. 

But, a lapse in contract will likely see the facility shut its doors in March. 

Origin Energy, the owner of Eraring Power Station, proposed a new 12 month extension of the mines operations, maintaining their current agreements. 

However, Myuna owner Centennial Coal refused the deal, stating it was not commercially viable as the mine is already running at a loss. 

The contract also provided little to no certainty to the mine's more than 300 employees, according to the Mining and Energy Union. 

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi has since voiced his support of Centennial Coal and the union's decision. 

"Origin's offer... was disgraceful," he said.

"It was a spin, not a solution.

"A short-term, take-it-or-leave-it proposal that provides no certainty for workers, their families or the local community is not good enough." 

It comes after Origin announced operations at Eraring would continue until 2029, instead of it's initial closing date in 2027. 

Mr Repacholi said it's not viable to have the power station running without the mine. 

"Myuna was built to supply Eraring, there is no alternative market," he explained. 

"If Origin walks away, this mine closes and that is a deliberate commercial choice, not an unavoidable part of the energy transition.

"The Hunter deserves better than corporate spin." 

Mining and Energy Union Northern Mining & NSW Energy District President Robin Williams. 

Drugs And Firearms Seized In Raid On Central Coast And Lake Macquarie Homes

 BY IAN CROUCH

Raptor Squad Police have arrested a man and seized firearms, ammunition and drugs during raids on three homes in Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.

Squad members allegedly found ammunition and prohibited drugs during compliance checks at homes in Halekulani and Cameron Park.

Then at about 9.30am on Tuesday 3 February 2026 a man was spotted running from scene of the single vehicle crash on the Pacific Highway at San Remo carrying a black bag.

A search of the area by the Dog Squad uncovered two black bags which police say contained two pistols, and a large quantity of methylamphetamine and MDMA.

Officers then went to a San Remo home, allegedly finding 7 more firearms, a large amount of drugs, two pill presses, drug paraphernalia and $6500 in cash.

They later returned to the home and arrested a 24-year-old man.

He's been charged with 19 offences including supplying a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, firearms offences and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.

The man's been refused bail to face the Bail Division Court today (Thursday 5 February 2026).

Some of the nine firearms seized by police