Shortland MP Remains Vigilant Amidst Abbott Interest

BY LIAM COLLINS

Shortland MP Pat Conroy says nothing beats local expertise as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott eyes his federal seat.

Over the weekend, the Newcastle Herald revealed Tony Abbott's reported interest in running for seats along the Central Coast, including Shortland. 

Mr Abbott himself is yet to formally announce any interest in nominating for the local electorate. 

His former seat of Warringah saw incumbent independent Zali Steggall retain her position in the 2025 federal election, seven years after defeating Mr Abbott himself.

Pat Conroy, also Defence Industries Minister, said the public would have no reason to elect Mr Abbott into the Shortland seat.

"Why they would choose someone from the affluent Northern Beaches, who cut $50 billion from hospitals and $30 billion from schools, and attacked workers' rights - including coal miners' rights - is beyond me, but that's their decision ultimately," Minister Conroy explained.  

"I generally don't understand how they can represent our community if they don't live in or have a history in our community."

The Labor MP has held the local electorate since 2016, and has no current plans to retire.

Shortland has been under Labor leadership since 1949, with four members across its 77-year history. 

The Herald also reported local Liberal party members believe the current candidate Emma King is a better fit than Mr Abbott.

Ms King lost in her first federal election last year, with Minister Conroy landing a 5.5 per cent swing, but is still deemed as a worthy long-term prospect for the party.

"I'm prepared to run against whoever the Liberal Party put up," said Minister Conroy. 

"That's the beauty of democracy - anyone can stick their hand up and say 'I want to represent our community'. 

"And that's something that people have fought and died for."

When asked about his thoughts on the added pressure of One Nation's rising popularity, Minister Conroy said he's willing to go up against any opposition coming his way. 

"I expect [One Nation] will run, and I'll run on my record," he said.

"I'll also point out that One Nation has consistently voted against workers' rights. 

"They voted against Same Job, Same Pay that's delivering tens of thousands of dollars of pay rises to coal miners, to transport workers right now."

He said the importance of local governance and community cannot be overstated.

"I'm proud to be a local, raising my family in the electorate, and we'll see what comes around in 2028," he said.

"But the important thing is I'm working every day to represent the people of Shortland -- delivering records, spending on Medicare, and delivering manufacturing jobs for our community."

Federal Shortland MP and Defence Industries Minister Pat Conroy. Picture: Australian Labor Party

Fire Rips Through Kurri Kurri Unit

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused extensive damage to a unit at Kurri Kurri overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says 6 trucks were called to a duplex on Burns Street just after 7.30pm on Monday (1 June  2026) to find one of the units up in flames.

It's taken 25 firefighters around 90 minutes to fully extinguish the blaze which they managed to contain to the one unit.

All residents were accounted for and no-one was injured.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.  

Crews at the burnt out unit at Kurri Kurri. Picture Kearsley Fire & Rescue

 

Concerns Mounting For Missing Teenage Boy From Metford

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are held for the welfare of a young teenage boy who's been reported missing from Metford.

14-year-old Xavier Powrie was last seen on Marshall Avenue at about 1.00am on Saturday May 30.

The alarm was raised when he couldn't be contacted or located.

Xavier's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with a thin build, short curly hair with a rat's tail and a diamond earring in his right ear lobe.

He was last seen wearing a black Nike zip up jumper and black baseball pants.

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

 

Missing teen Xavier Powrie

 

 

E-Petition Launched For Link Road Forest to Be Labelled National Park

BY MARLEY RAE

An environmentalist group have launched an e-petition calling for the State Government to recognise the Link Road Forest as a national park.

On Saturday, members of the Save Link Road Forest campaign met and cycled with Greens MP and spokesperson for the Environment, Sue Higginson at the Glendale Wallsend Tramway Track where the petition was launched.

Members of the campaign presented Ms Higginson with questions to ask Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, as well as inviting the Minister to meet with campaigners and experience the forest. 

Spokesperson for the Save Link Road Campaign Ian McKenzie said it's time politicians take notice.

"It is vital that our elected representatives listen to what the community is saying about Link Forest Road," he said. 

Last year, the State Government announced the rezoning of the 574-hectare bushland to be fast-tracked for the Eden Estate Housing project, where an estimated 4200 dwellings would be developed.

Buildings would include a mix of housing types with a focus on affordable housing, employment and supporting community facilities. 

The project, which is one of the largest Hunter land rezonings in decades, straddles the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie council areas and is bound by Wallsend, Cameron Park, Elermore Vale and Glendale.

Mr McKenzie said the loss of the bushland, if rezoned, would have a negative impact on the area.

"It's real value for wildlife and community will be lost forever," he said.

"Sue Higginson's interest in and support for Link Road Forest is commendable. 

"It is time for other NSW politicians to step up and get involved with this issue." 

Information about the campaign can be found on the group's website, with the e-petition requiring 20,000 signatures to be considered in parliament. 

Picture: Save Link Road Forest Campaign

UPDATE! Appeal Launched To Find Missing Carrington Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Good News!

Police have advised 57-year-old Adam Hinks has been located.

EARLIER:  

A search is underway for a man who's gone missing from the Newcastle suburb of Carrington.

57-year-old Adam Hinks was last seen on Thornton Street on Friday May 29.

There are concerns for his welfare as he requires regular medication.

Adam's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a thin build, grey hair and green/hazel eyes.

He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and brown pants and it's understood his right arm is in a sling.

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

 

 

Missing man Adam Hinks

 

Graves Desecrated At Hunter Valley Cemetery

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police are searching for those responsible for the desecration of several graves at the Sedgefield Cemetery near Singleton.

It's believed sometime between 11.00am last Tuesday May 26 and the following day seven headstones were smashed, some beyond repair.

The crime has caused distress to the families of the deceased and the local community.

Police are asking anyone who may have information which could assist their investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

Woman Killed In Pedestrian Crash At Wyee

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash at Wyee overnight.

Just after 7.00pm on Sunday 31 May, emergency services were called to Wyee Road near Bethshan Street to reports a pedestrian had been struck by a black sedan.

Paramedics treated a 45-year-old woman but she couldn't be revived - she is yet to be formally identified.

The driver of the car, a woman in her 40's, was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.