Indecent asault of school girl

A man has been charged with the indecent assault of a school girl on a train in East Maitland in April. 

It's alleged the 15-year-old girl was indecently assaulted on the rear carriage of a train between East Maitland and Thornton Railway Stations on Thursday April 19 around 5.09pm.

Police from the Child Abuse Squad at Newcastle have been investigating the matter after CCTV images were released and an appeal for information from the public was launched. 

The 32-year-old presented at Newcastle Police Station yesterday afternoon where he was arrested and charged with two counts of indecent assault on a child under 16.

The man will face Newcastle Local Court next month.

Stolen reptiles located

Central Hunter police have recovered two alligators that were stolen from the Hunter Valley Zoo earlier this week.

A search of a Cessnock home just before 3pm yesterday, recovered the two American alligators, as well as two goannas, one Inland Taipan and one Death Adder.

The find comes just a day after a 17-year-old Kurri Kurri boy was bitten on the left index finger by one of the identified deadly snakes.

"The 27-year-old man has been charged with posession of these animals and inquiries are continuing.

"All incidents are tied in together", says Mr Tamplin.

There are still six snakes which were stolen from the zoo and are yet to be recovered.

The man has been given conditional bail and is due to appear at Cessnock Local Court late October.

Domestic Dispute Leaves Man Dead

A critical incident investigation is underway after a man died and his former de facto was seriously injured at Blackalls Park.

Police were called to the Railway Parade home around 10pm last night after a domestic dispute between the two escalated.

The 29-year-old man was pursued briefly by police before he pulled the Ford Falcon over and did a u-turn.

He then accelerated toward the house and crashed through the front fence, knocking down the 32-year-old woman before slamming into a tree at up to 100km/h.

The man died at the scene while the woman remains in the John Hunter Hospital after undergoing surgery for a broken leg.

Neighbour Katie Wright says three young children witnessed the horrifying incident.

"There was two coppers out the front, there was some kids out the front and his ex I think and her sister, and they've all jumped out of the way, except he got the ex and the oldest boy pushed two of the kids out of the way."

The children are currently being cared for by relatives.

830am News Fri 28.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Fri 28.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630 am News Fri 28.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Midday News Thur 27.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830 am News Thur 27.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730 am News Thurs 27.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630 am News Thur 27.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Wed 26.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Wed 26.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Wed 26.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Souris Ignores 11 000 Resident's Concerns

Thousands of Upper Hunter residents are furious after a petition containing 11 000 signatures on coal seam gas exploration and extraction in the area failed to be lodged in Cabinet.

The signatures sat in the office of Upper Hunter MP George Souris for more than 10 months and as a result were not taken into account for the Strategic Regional Land Use Policy.

Graeme Gibson from the Hunter Valley Protection Alliance says all the time, effort and money spent on putting the petition together has now been wasted.

"Even if it was a mistake in the office of George Souris, it is an absolute disgrace...Those who signed the petition should be dismayed and disgusted that their representation sat on a desk in the Minister's office for so long."

The office of Mr Souris is blaming a communication error on the validity of the signatures as the reason the petition was not lodged with the Legislative Assembly until last Wednesday.

Frustration Growing Over John Hunter Hospital Parking

Parking shortages at John Hunter Hospital are causing outrage in the community after Hunter New England Health revealed it issued 540 parking notices and collected around $53 000 in fines so far this year.

Vehicles displaying a disability parking permit are able to park in any public car space, however visitors of the hospital say that there is not enough regular parking.

Despite the shortage, the Capital Works Manager says 15-minute car spaces are available to those with disabled parking permits, but only for 30 minutes.

The Manager also says there are circumstances where a $99 fine for a patient or visitor will be wavered, but only in the case of a medical emergency.

Parking fees have gone towards the cost of a free shuttle service and parking area maintenance.

830am News Tue 25.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Tue 25.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Tue 25.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Newcastle City Council Election Results Finally Declared

The results of the Newcastle City Council Election have been declared, with plenty of fresh faces in the Council Chamber.

The final results show 4 Liberal, 4 Labor, 2 Green and 2 Independent councillors, as weel as Independent Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy.

The last two remaining seats went down to the wire, and were awarded to Independent Andrea Rufo and Therese Doyle of the Greens.

Councillor Rufo says he will pursue the bests interest of the commuity and wont be caught playing party politics.

"The councils main priority should be to work together for the good of the community." He said.

The council will have its first meeting on October 9.   

City Wide Clean Up

Organisers of a city wide working bee over the weekend are hoping to make similar public clean-ups a regular occurrence.

300 hundred volunteers donated their time and resources to cleaning up graffiti and repairing vandalism across the city, in what is planned to be a quarterly event.

Newcastle MP Tim Owen took part in the clean-up, and says almost 300 people participated, contributing to well over $15 000 worth of repairs.

Teams helped paint over graffiti on Hunter Street, restore a vandalised chicken coop at the Mayfield East Public School and brighten up the canteen at Newcastle High.

Midday News Mon 24.9.12 Read By Patrick Fisher

Robbery at Bowling Club

Windale Bowling Club was the subject of an armed robbery last night at 10:30pm just before closing.

Four men armed with a knife, baton and crow bar entered a window of the Lake Street Club and tied up five people inside.

The group raided the safe and cash registers before escaping in a red Commodore Sedan with a large amount of cash.

The men wore dark clothing, with one covering his face with a mask and another with a red patterned cloth.

Mount Hutton Bottle Shop Fight Continues

There are renewed concerns for the well-being of students at Mount Hutton Public School, after the state government refused to reject ALDI's application for a liquor licence.

The German supermarket giant is seeking approval to sell packaged alcohol from a corner of it's Dunkley Parade store, less than 100 metres from the school.

It comes just four months the local community successfully campaigned to have plans for a BWS outlet in the area refused.

Greens Upper House MP John Kaye says despite the ALDI plan being smaller than the BWS one, students will be exposed to the same risks.

"It's still too close to the school, it's still yet another way for people to buy packaged liquor, it's still yet another impact on the violence in the region of Mount Hutton."

830am News Fri 21.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Fri 21.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Fri 21.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Midday News Thur 20.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Thur 20.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Thur 20.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Thur 20.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Midday News Wed 19.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Wed 19.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Wed 19.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Wed 19.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Newcastle Beaches Shark Net Concerns

It's believed further research and new technologies are the key to solving the shark net dangers around Newcastle's beaches.

Concerns for the safety of animals have again surfaced following an incident where a whale was tangled in a net at Merewether beach over the weekend.

Chris Tola from the Surf-riders Foundation of Australia says while the nets are a concern for whales and other sea creatures, its difficult to find a solution that keeps both, animals and humans safe.

Mr Tola says a solution to the problem could be found if more research is conducted on the safety and effectiveness of shark nets.

It's feared the problem is only going to get worse with more than 2000 whales, dolphins, turtles and stingrays caught in nets around NSW in recent years.

Bolton Point Siege

A Bolton Point man, who used a weapon to resist arrest, will face Newcastle Local Court today.

The man was arrested in the early hours of this morning, following a six-hour siege at his home.

Police were called to the house around 7.20 last night, after the man allegedly armed himself with a knife and barricaded himself inside

After lengthy negotiations, police entered the house about 1.15am and arrested the man, charging him with domestic violence-related matters and using a weapon to resist arrest. 

Police say the man's family members were inside the house when the siege began, but left of their own accord.
 

Home Invasion at Mayfield West

Police believe a shot was fired during a home invasion at Mayfield West this morning. 

Three men wearing balaclavas stormed a unit on Terry Street just after 3am and confronted the male and female occupants.

The trio robbed the home and assaulted the 23-year-old male occupant, leaving him with head, stomach and leg injuries. 

Inspector Michael Gorman says a firearm was discharged during the incident, leaving the victim in hospital with serious injuries. 

"In terms of the type of firearm, that's still under investigation to be able to confirm what type of firearm it was." 

Anyone with information about the crime are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Newcastle University Amenities Fee

The University of Newcastle's student services will get a major overhaul thanks to the new student amenities fee.

The university plans to spend $1.6 million generated by the federal government's new Student Services and Amenities Fee on improving existing services and $900 000 on extra services.

The $132-a-semester fee will be used to improve campus toilets, upgrade the union building and prayer rooms, develop online student services, and help fund clubs and societies, as well as off-campus accommodation advice and legal services.

Newcastle University Students Association president Heather Richards says online forums were used to collect information on what students wanted out over the new spending, however some of the money that will be used from the fee will go to services that should already be maintained.

"Students have mentioned improving car parking and amenities like toilets, although they actually fall outside the jurisdiction of the student services and amenities fee.

"They're things that the university should be maintaining anyway."

Cameras Installed at Adamstown Railway Crossing

The Roads and Maritime Service will install traffic survey cameras today around the Adamstown railway crossing.

The survey equipment will examine traffic flow until Thursday and will assess the potential for motorists to take alternate routes during gate closures.

Electronic message signs could be installed around the Adamstown railway crossing to warn motorists of lengthy delays and advise them to take alternate routes.

Newcastle MP Tim Owen says the information collected will be used to help find a long-term solution to the congestion.

"We'll get a sense I think that four to five hours or whatever it might be or at these particular times, this is where it is quite chaotic."

830am News Tue 18.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Tue 18.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Tue 18.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Man Robbed at Knife Point in Kotara Storm Drain

A 65 year old Adamstown Heights man has been held at knife point in a storm water drain at the Kotara Homemaker Centre.

The man was walking home yesterday at about 5pm when 2 men approached him from behind and demanded he hand over his wallet.

One attacker brandished a knife and took the man's back pack and mobile phone, before the pair fled on foot down the drain toward Newcastle.

They have been described as in their early 20s, of medium build and height, wearing blue jeans and open face balaclavas.

Any witnesses are being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Midday News 17.9.12 Read By Patrick Fisher

830am News Mon 17.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Mon 17.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Health Alert

Another health alert has been issued as a result of dangerously high levels of dust around Singleton.

Dust levels of 300 micrograms per cubic metre have been found around Singleton over the past two weeks which is three times what is considered hazardous to human health.

The Hunter Valley Protection Alliance's Graeme Gibson raised concerns after mining activity continued to occur while the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network issued regular alerts of poor air quality.

The Alliance criticised Envrionment Minister Robyn Parker and Upper Hunter MP George Souris for failing to take action.

Mr Gibson says the government should be taking action against company's who fail to adhere to their conditions of approval for open cut mines.

"They should be supervising far more accurately the dust output from the mines.

"They should be ensuring that the mines have dust monitors around them that are only applicable to that mine... so that the mines can be either shut down temporarily or punished for losing the atmosphere."

Linked robberies in Hunter

Two armed robberies in Cardiff and Birmingham Gardens overnight are believed to have been carried out by the same man.

Chinese takeaway restaurant Amazing Noodle on Harrison Street, Cardiff was the first to be targeted with two female staff being held at knife point around 9.30pm.

The women fled before the man was seen heading towards Thomas Street empty handed.

Birmingham Gardens’ Bogas Service Station was then held-up around half an hour later.

The man managed to flee with a small amount of cash.

Police have received the same description of the man from both businesses, who was explained as being of slim build, dressed in a black hoodie and with a hanky covering his face.

830am News Thur 13.9.12 Read By Belinda Delasheras

730am News Thur 13.9.12 Read By Belinda Delasheras

630am News Thur 13.9.12 Read By Belinda Delasheras

830am News Wed 12.9.12 Read By Clare Harris

630am News Wed 12.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Disadvantaged school's funds cut

The Hunter region's most disadvantaged public schools will lose specialist funding due to the State Government's decision to axe the three-year priority schools program.

Funding for 69 public schools in the region will now be less focused on disadvantaged schools and more focused on disadvantaged students under the governement's new model.

Schools with funding cuts will now receive one year of transitional funding to help boost student performance.

Special loading will be given to schools based on their headcounts of disabled, Indigenous, remote, non-English speaking or low socioeconomic status students.

Grief after school bus tragedy

A school bus collision has left the Singleton community grieving the loss of nine-year-old Harry Dunn.

He died at the scene after being thrown 10 meters through a side window of the bus.

Among the other seven children injured, was younger brother, Luke Dunn, 7, who was air-lifted to John Hunter Hospital with serious head injuries.

The 54-year-old male bus driver suffered serious head injuries in the crash and was transported by ambulance to Singleton Base Hospital.

The children involved in the crash, including the Dunn brothers, were students at St Catherine's Catholic College.

Principal Brian Lacey, has assured the public six psychologists have been at the school since 8am this morning, working with both students and staff.

"We want the children to be very open and to know that they're able to grieve and that we will be here to support them through that process."

He says they are very fortunate to have the support of a counseling team on hand.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collision.  

Xstrata's job cuts

Unions are outraged over mining giant Xstrata's decision to axe 600 jobs from its coal mines, including four across the Hunter region.

Falling coal prices, high production costs and the strong Australian dollar are being blamed for the decision, which will see 35 permanent jobs slashed from the Upper Hunter's Ravensworth North mine.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) officials will visit the mine today for discussions on what it has labelled "the sobering up of the coal industry".

CFMEU Northern District President Peter Jordon says he is doubtful of Xstrata's claims mining projects will proceed as normal.

"We've been told that 35 permanent employees have been tagged to be reduced as well as a large number of contracting employees. Take them out of the workforce, I just can't consider ho that mine will remain normal."

Midday News Tue 11.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Tue 11.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Tue 11.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Tue 11.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Boy Arrested Over Central Coast Bushfire

Police have arrested and charged a 12-year-old boy over a bushfire which caused traffic chaos on the F3 Freeway.

The fire broke out at Watannobi near Wyong around 11.30 yesterday and forced the close of the Newcastle to Sydney freeway for several hours.

The fire had multiple ignition points and witnesses reported seeing three boys running from the area.

Around 80 firefighters battled the flames which burnt through 80 hectares of bush.

Police say a home was broken into on Sommers Road and several items were stolen which were used as an accelerant to start the fire near Alison Road.

Investigators arrested a 12-year-old boy this morning and took him to Wyong Police Station with his mother.

He's been charged with stealing as well as damage to property by fire and granted conditional bail to appear at Wyong Children's Court on 2 October.

Investigations are continuing.

Teen Fatality To Be Investigated

A report is being prepared for the Coroner into the death of a teenager in a motor bike accident in the Upper Hunter.

Emergency services were called to Graeme Street, Aberdeen around 1.30 yesterday afternoon where two motor bikes had collided.

A 17-year-old rider died at the scene, while the teenage rider of the other bike and his passenger suffered multiple injuries and are now in a stable condition in Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital.

Witnesses have described the crash as a high speed collision.

McCloy Set To Take Reins At City Hall

Prominent developer, Jeff McCloy is the Lord Mayor-elect of Newcastle, easily winning the weekend election.

He polled more than 43 per cent of the first preference vote.

In Lake Macquarie, Labor's Jodie Harrison is poised to become the city's first female mayor, however pre-poll and postal votes still need to be counted.

Country Labor's Bob Pynsent looks to have taken the top job at Cessnock.

However, a clear winner is yet to be determined at Port Stephens, with Bruce MacKenzie only 500 votes ahead of Jeff Dingle.

No such problems though for Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore. He's polled more than 50 per cent of the first preference vote to win in a landslide.

Midday News Mon 10.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Mon 10.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Mon 10.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Mon 10.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Win For Fullerton Cove Residents

DART Energy has been ordered not to drill for coal seam gas at Fullerton Cove for the time being until a decision is made on the need for an Environmental Impact Study.

Residents applied to the Land and Environment Court for an injunction as they continue legal moves to have the project shelved for good.

DART will be restrained from any work apart from basic site preparation.

The company has taken out a half page ad in today's Newcastle Herald saying coal seam gas is needed to prevent a major energy supply problem in NSW, which in turn would lead to higher gas prices.

Blackout Threat

NSW could be hit by blackouts as workers at two Upper Hunter power stations prepare to take industrial action over stalled pay talks.

600 workers at the Bayswater and Liddell power stations, which supply 40 per cent of the state's power needs, are considering overtime bans and stoppages of up to 48 hours.

Fair Work Australia has directed unions to give Macquarie Generation 7 days notice of any industrial action, instead of the normal 3 days so the company can make alternative arrangements if workers walk off the job.

Trio Plead Not Guilty To Attempted Murder And Armed Hold-Ups

Two men accused of a string of armed robberies around Newcastle and the attempted murder of a club patron at North Lambton have pleaded not guilty today in Newcastle District Court.

27-year-old Ryker Jennar and 25-year-old Joel Barton are accused of shooting Dick McGuigan in the stomach and stealing $5,000 from the Water Board Bowling Club in June last year.

They've also pleaded not guilty to another 3 counts of armed robbery, including alleged hold-ups on the Newcastle Permanent Building Society at New Lambton in July last year, the Criterion Hotel at Carrington in May 2010 and the Carrington Post Office in June of that year

.

A third man, Joshua Rae has also pleaded not guilty to taking part in the Carrington Post Office robbery.

All 3 remain in custody with the case adjourned to Sydney next week.

830am News Thur 6.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Thur 6.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Thur 6.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Rutherford Coal Rail Protest

Construction on a coal rail project in Rutherford has come to a halt today with protesters blocking work to the site.

The Hunter 8 Alliance site is building a third rail track from Maitland to Whittingham in hopes to increase coal transport capacity.

But this morning about a dozen protestors turned up at the site and obstructed workers.

Behind the protest is Newcastle activist group Rising Tide who have set up a 10 metre high wooden structure that looks somewhat like a tripod. Perched atop the wooden structure is a Rising Tide protester who refused to come down.

Hunter Crime Rates

The Hunter has received an unwanted milestone by reaching 100 armed robberies in 2012.

A recent armed hold-up which took place on Monday night at the Ridge Street Takeaway at Merewether marked the 100th such robbery in the Hunter this year.

Since January 1st this year there have been 34 incidents in Central Hunter, 17 in Lake Macquarie, 4 in the Hunter Valley, and 3 in Port Stephens. That translates to an average of 1 robbery every 2 and a half days across Newcastle City, Central Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.

There are concerns that television shows which glamorize the culture surrounding crime are to blame for the growth.

Midday News Wed 5.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Wed 5.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Wed 5.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Wed 5.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Delay on Fullerton Cove Decision

Fullerton Cove residents must wait another day to find out if their court action against the coal seam gas project by Dart Energy is successful. The Land and Environment Court will rule on whether Dart Energy's project should be halted pending a full legal challenge.

However, the matter is last on the Land and Environment Court's daily list and is expected to run over into tomorrow.

The matter is following concerns that have been raised over the lack of research to support the company's claims that groundwater won't be affected by the pilot wells involved in the project.

The Fullerton Cove Residents Action group is challenging the legality of Dart Energy's coal seam gas project under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. Residents are seeking an injunction order from the court to prevent further work on the project until the case has been heard.

Teen shot with air rifle

Police are appealing for public assistance after an unidentified person used an air rifle as a weapon against an 18-year-old man in Wallsend.

The man was walking at about 4pm on Sunday along the Wallsend to Glendale Cycle-way when he heard a loud noise behind him.When he turned around he was struck by a pellet in his left eyebrow from an unknown location.

The man was taken to the John Hunter Hospital and will now need surgery to remove the pellet which remains lodged just above his eye.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Midday News Tue 4.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Hunter Teen Wins Paralympic Gold

Gillieston Heights teenager Maddi Elliott has become the youngest Australian to win a Paralympic gold medal.

The 13-year-old swimmer claimed first place in the 4 X 100 metre freestyle in London this morning along with her team mates Jacqui Freney, Ellie Cole and Katharine Downie in a new world record time.

The teen, who attends Bishop Tyrrell College, has now won a medal of every colour at the games, picking up bronze in the S8 400m freestyle last Friday and a silver in the S8 50 metres freestyle on Monday.

Maddi, who has been swimming competitively since she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 4, will compete later this week in the S8 100m backstroke, SM8 200m individual medley and the S8 100m freestyle.

Golden Girl Maddi Elliott. Photo Courtesy Newcastle Herald

830am News Tue 4.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Tue 4.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Tue 4.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Hunter Athletes Shine at Paralympics

The Hunter region have seen some great results from athletes in this weekends Paralympics. 

Wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley won silver in this morning’s 5000m race, just missing out on gold which was won by Englands David Weir. 

Gilleston Heights teenager, Maddy Elliot competed in the S-8 50m freestyle and won her second medal at the games to go with her bronze in the 400m freestyle.

Improved Prostate Screening

The University of Newcastle is joining the international effort to improve screening tests for Prostate Cancer.

Specialist researchers partnered with the Mater Hospital are working on identifying the bio markers of the disease, which claims the lives of 175 men across the Hunter every year, which is some of the highest rates of Prostate Cancer in the state.

The new screening procedure would involve improved blood and urine testing, instead of the uncomfortable PSA needle-prick test, which sees false results delivered to some patients. 

It’s hoped more Hunter men will be screened for Prostate cancer, with the Hunter Medical Research Institute looking for less invasive and more accurate ways of testing for the disease.

Labor Flyer creates controversy

Newcastle Independent Lord Mayoral Candidate Jeff McCloy is considering taking legal action over a recent flyer circulated by the Labor party.

The monopoly-themed flyer suggested the Lake Macquarie developer had a financial stake in nine properties in the CBD, which could compromise his future leadership of the city.

Jeff McCloy said the assertions are not true and unethical play is not in his DNA.

Labor candidate for Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes spoke about the flyer and said it was not a personal attack but rather a way to address complaints by community members.

“It really just raises issues about land banking in Hunter Street and conflicts of interest that Jeff would have if elected to council.

“They’re questions to Jeff because he has a number of interests in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle; but it really has nothing to do with the local campaign.”

Midday News Mon 3.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Mon 3.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Mon 3.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Mon 3.9.12 Read By Ian Crouch