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.

 

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.