Manhunt Under Way In Newcastle For Man Mistakenly Released From Gaol

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police are asking for our help to find a man who's been mistakenly released from gaol.

35-year-old Kyle Quayle was serving a sentence for stealing and assault related offences when he was erroneously released from a correctional centre on Tuesday.

Police believe he's in Newcastle area.

Quayle is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 180cm tall with a medium build, black hair, brown eyes and is unshaven.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest for being Unlawfully At Large.

Wanted man Kyle Quayle

 

Lord Mayoral Candidates Speak Out On Link Road Forest

 BY OLI GOELDNER

The Link Road Forest Campaign is urging Newcastle residents to think carefully at the ballot box this weekend. 

Ahead of the upcoming Lord Mayoral by-election on Saturday April 18, the environmental group requested comments from the six candidates on their plans around Link Road Forest. 

The 574-hectare site is earmarked for a large-scale housing development by the state government, despite it reportedly being home to several endangered species. 

In December, Newcastle council voted in favour of the campaign, calling on the state government to convert the lot into a national park. 

"We're just ensuring through this by-election coming up that we get a Lord Mayor that is going to champion this cause for the people of Newcastle," said Link Road Forest Campaign spokesperson Ian McKenzie. 

Greens candidate Charlotte McCabe, Labor's Declan Clausen, independent Gavin Morris and the Socialist Alliance's Steve O'Brien responded positively to the questions. 

"I understand the land forms part of a green corridor which is vital for the ongoing survival of many endangered species," Mr O'Brien responded. 

"I think the broad cross-party and community support for protecting this habitat as a National Park is a powerful story that needs to be told again from the chamber," said Ms McCabe. 

Mr Morris stated simply the "land must not be developed," and Mr Clausen reinstated his continued stance, noting "where the land has high environmental value" he will advocate for its protection. 

According to the environmental group, independent Milton Caine was personally supportive of retaining the forest but failed to answer the questions. 

Liberal Jenny Barrie also did not provide a response. 

Pre-polling for the by-election is currently open. 

Picture: Link Road Forest Campaign

Search Under Way For Missing Hunter Valley Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have launched a search for a teenage girl who's gone missing in the East Maitland area.

16-year-old Dakoda Burns was last seen at Green Hills about 1.00pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April, 2025) and police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she lives with a number of health issues.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 167cm tall with a solid build and red/brown coloured hair.

Dakoda was last seen wearing a black jumper with the word "Stashouse" in white down the arms, black pants and black sandals with sox.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or Belmont Police Station.

Missing teen Dakoda Burns

 

Man Arrested During Police Operation At Cessnock

 BY IAN CROUCH

A police operation in the heart of Cessnock has ended with the arrest of a man on domestic violence-related offences.

It's alleged the 34-year-old forced his way into a unit on North Avenue around 2.30am on Sunday and threatened a woman with what's believed to be a firearm.

Following investigations, officers from the Tactical Operations Unit and local police sealed off the area around midday yesterday (Monday 13 April 2025), with the man taken into custody at about 4.30pm.

He's been charged with four offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm DV and will face the bail court today (Tuesday 14 April, 2025).

 

Police deployed heavily armoured bearcat vehicles to the area around North Avenue at Cessnock

Union Backs Reintroduction Of Cessnock Passenger Trains

BY LIAM COLLINS

The Rail Tram and Bus Union is calling on the Minns Government to reinstate passenger train lines between Maitland and Cessnock.

Current and expected population growth in both regions have spurred the union to advocate for the lines to be reopened, hoping to put forward a motion at the NSW Labor Party State Conference this July.

Currently, residents travelling between Newcastle and Cessnock don't have any direct public transport options, with the Train to Cessnock Campaign having voiced concerns since 2023.

The Maitland-Cessnock passenger line has been closed since the 1970s after patronage declined.

The union's Loco Division secretary Farren Campbell said reinstating passenger trains is a common sense position.

"Good, cheap, reliable, efficient public transport is so important for communities everywhere, and that's particularly the case in the Hunter," he said.

"We've seen regional communities really struggle with public transport - we think this is a no-brainer.

"It's good for working families and good for the Hunter."

Mr Campbell further stated the opportunity the union had to advocate for the line reopening would be beneficial.

"We're proud to be spearheading this at the upcoming Labor conference," he said. 

"It's something that we absolutely support, and we commend anyone who's willing to get behind it."

The NSW Labor Party State Conference will be held at the Sydney Town Hall on the 4th and 5th of July.

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.