Coaltion Promise to Improve Mobile Coverage

BY GARY LYSAGHT

The federal government have committed to building a new mobile base station at Fullerton Cove if they are re-elected on July 2.

It’s part of a $60 million boost in funding for mobile black spots, which will now see up to $220 million spent across Australia to boost services.

Fullerton Cove was chosen specifically by the Turnbull Government [Image: ABC].

The new station is expected to provide coverage for residents of Fern Bay and also Williamtown Airport.

“This is a notorious mobile phone black spot and particularly important to have good mobile phone coverage in times of emergency,” said Liberal candidate for Paterson, Karen Howard.

“I know this is going to provide benefits to our emergency services,” she said.

Howard said the location on Nelson Bay Road was selected because it had been “overlooked by mobile network operators due to commercial factors”.

“The Coalition is committed to improving mobile coverage along major transport routes,” she said.

Howard also committed herself to working with the Baird Government to increase phone coverage in the future.

“If elected, I will be working hard with not only my federal colleagues, but [also] my state colleagues to ensure that we fix some of the other mobile phone black spots that I’ve noticed,” she said.

Shining the spoitlight on early childhood years

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Children's early years could be the key to long lasting mental health and wellbeing according to the Hunter Institute of Mental Health's latest paper.

The paper titled The Importance of the Early Childhood Years written in collaboration with the Australian Psychological Society and Early Childhood Australia, discusses the mental health difficulties in children and the impact these difficulties can have on health, behavioural, educational and financial outcomes in their future.

HIMH Program Manager of Child, Youth and Wellbeing Gavin Hazel says the paper speaks on multiple levels.

"And it also speaks to the ways in which that information can then be applied to thinking about how the practice of people in early education and care settings, and school settings, can be used to help support students who have additional needs but also to promote generally mental health and wellbeing of all children."

The paper shines a spotlight on the importance of continued and expanded high quality early childhood services and schools.

It can be read and accessed by a range of people via the HIMH website and Hazel says there is a role for everyone to play in the wellbeing of all children at a young age.

"I think what the report's trying to suggest, or the paper is putting forward, is we should all ask ourselves what can we do to help children have a fulfilling and contributing life and in particular looking at the ways their mental health and wellbeing is part of that."

Defence Department and Minister Marise Payne called on for Independent inquiry into Williamtown

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Australian Manufacturing Worker's Union are calling for an independent public inquiry into revelations yesterday the Defence Department knew about the contamination risk at Williamtown RAAF Base.

The scandal saw workers exposed on site to harmful chemicals as well as residents, with contaminated groundwater being pumped off the base into residential areas.

AMWU Secretary Tim Ayres says it is time the Defence Minister Marise Payne accounted for what her department knew and why action wasn't taken to protect workers and the community.

"Yesterday's Newcastle Herald revelations are an absolute scandal. It's clear now that the department of defence and inevitably the minister's office must have known that these products were doing enormous harm to workers, the community and the environment."

Ayres says it is unacceptable that the department knew about the risk and the damage it would cause, but decided to proceed anyway thwarting a cover up.

"There needs to be a proper investigation, and the Commonwealth government needs to come back to the community in the Hunter with a serious remediation and compensation package."

Hunter Rugs Up For Coldest Day Of The Year

BY IAN CROUCH

 Parts of the Hunter have shivered through their coldest morning so far this year.

The mercury plunged to minus 3.5 degrees at Cessnock just after 6.30, while the temperature dipped to minus 3.1 at Scone Airport just after 7 o'clock.

Elsewhere, it was zero degrees at Tocal just after 7am, 1.7 at Williamtown at 5.37am and minus 1.3 at Coooranbong at 7.15am. 

Merriwa recorded the region's lowest temperature this morning, with minus 4.6 degrees at 7.08am.

Hunter Pharmacist Accused Of Dealing Illicit Drugs

BY IAN CROUCH

Police investigating drug supply across the Hunter have arrested a well-known local pharmacist.

The Newcastle Herald reports Phillip Slater, who has a financial interest in at least five pharmacies, is accused of supplying illicit drugs.

He was arrested yesterday following a raid on his home at Lorn.

More than 100 boxes of prescription medication, steroid injections and pseudoephedrine pills were allegedly found.

The 36-year-old is due to front Maitland Local Court today.

Strike force detectives also searched a property on Valley Drive at Tenambit and arrested a 30-year-old man.

He's also due to appear at Maitland Local Court today charged with supplying a prohibited drug, deal with the proceeds of crime and goods in custody.

Police also searched a home on Murray Street, East Maitland and seized a number of scripts for prescribed substances as well as a number of licensed firearms and prohibited knives.

A 53-year-old male resident's firearms license has been suspended as investigations continue.

Prestige Wine Collections Worth Millions Feared Stolen

BY IAN CROUCH

 Detectives are investigating the suspected theft of $5-million worth of prestige wine in the Hunter.

Dozens of wine collections were being held by a company called Wine Investment Services which went into receivership in 2013.

At the time, assets were seized, however the wine disappeared without a trace.

Police want to hear from anyone who may have bought or been approached to buy collectable or vintage wines including, Penfolds Grange, Henschke, Torbreck and Chris Ringland/Three Rivers.



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

Newcastle City Council Rating Well

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Newcastle City Council is on track to have a surplus of $5.4 million in the 2016 and 2017 financial year.

This will mean the Council should clear its backlog of infrastructure by 2020.

This surplus is a result of councils decision in 2014 to increase rates by almost fifty percent, which has seen rates increase by more than $500.

Two men charged following assault with machete

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Two men have been charged following an alleged assault with a machete at Windale in April this year.

It is alleged a 26-year-old man stabbed a 37-year-old man three times during an altercation. The men then went to a home in Windale where a 22-year-old man was already inside armed with a machete.

Police will allege the 22-year-old man struck the 26-year-old man three times with the machete who was then treated at the scene with serious injury before being conveyed to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

The 22-year-old man attended Belmont Police Station for an unrelated matter on 27th June where he was arrested and charged with cause to grievous bodily harm with intent. He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 7 July 2016.

Today, the 37-year-old man was arrested and charged with cause grievous bodily harm with intent. He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today, Wednesday 29 June 2016.

New Medowie Community Centre Sparks Concerns

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Concerns within the Fern Bay community haven't stopped Port Stephens councils approval of a new community facility in Medowie.

Council is planning to borrow from Fern Bays section 94 funds, which has prompted Fern Bay Fullerton Cove Progress Association to launch a petition to stop the construction.

Councillor Steve Tucker says the clubhouse will be a positive addition for the people of Medowie, as the funds would not have been readily available for the Fern Bay area anyway.

"Section 94 is a legal, complicated mechanism the government has set up. It has to be done within the framework and it is really difficult to spend that money," says Councillor Tucker.

"We have managed to at least help the people from Medowie."

Councillor Steve Tucker at Lemon Tree Passage
Source: Port Stephens Examiner

Christmas has come early for Port Stephens community groups

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Community groups in Port Stephens have had all their Christmases come at once, with local council formalising more than $850, 000 in funding for community projects.

Service clubs, environmental groups, sports clubs and church groups were among the successful applicants with the funding enabling them to continue to run events and programs important to the community.

Mayor of Port Stephens Bruce Mackenzie says the local government is rewarding the efforts of the community he couldn't be happier.

"For me Port Stephens is an example of local government working with the people, rewarding the people for their efforts right throughout the length and breadth of the local government area and I'm just so happy that we're in a financial position to be able to do that."

The mayor has raised concerns however, that if the proposed amalgamation with Newcastle goes ahead, the important community groups could be left behind.

"It's probably the last time Port Stephens will be making those allocations to the people and I would imagine that especially if we amalgamate with Newcastle, those organisations will see peanuts in the future where we last night gave them gold because we appreciate the volunteers and the people that put in efforts beyond the call of duty."

It was also announced that the proceeds of the sale of a new housing block at Tarrant Road in Salamander Bay, will also be endorsed to go towards unfunded projects totalling  $660, 000.

Additional Charges Laid Against Murderer of Michelle Leng

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Additional charges have been laid as part of the investigation into the murder of Michelle Leng on the Central Coast in April.

The body of Ms Leng, who was an international student from China, was found in the water inside the blow hole in Snapper Point on 24th April this year.

Following further inquiries, detectives have laid an additional 27 charges against the man accused of her murder in the local court today. These charges include detain for advantage, five counts of committing acts of indecency, seventeen counts of filming private parts without consent, two counts of filming person in private acts without consent and two counts of installing devices to film.

Michelle Leng
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

Redhead Surf Club toilet block explosion overnight

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Redhead Surf Club escaped damage overnight when an adjoining toilet block was rocked by an explosion.

Police have established a crime scene after the explosion destroyed most of the roof and ceiling, and also blew out a window.

President of Redhead Surf Club Mike Mckey says this isn't the first time the club has been subjected to vandalism with the club previously dealing with graffiti vandalism.

"It's disappointing that these things happen, even though the surf club wasn't damaged, it's a public building, ultimately the cost has to be borne by the public and the rate payers and that's pretty disappointing."

The club are working with police to review CCTV footage to help identify possible suspects.

Mother To Face Court Over Train Smash

BY IAN CROUCH

 A pregnant mother of three is due to front Newcastle Local Court in August over a collision with a train near Taree.

A Commodore station wagon was hit by a freight train on a  rural crossing at Moorland on Thursday April 21, leaving two girls aged 7 and 2 with critical head injuries.


The driver and a 5-year-old girl in the back seat escaped serious injury.

Police have now charged a 30-year-old woman with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and one count of negligent driving - her licence has also been suspended.

Emergency Services At The Crash Scene Photo courtesy theherald.com

Newcastle Merger Legal Action Could Cost $700,000

BY IAN CROUCH

 Newcastle councillors have voted to press ahead with legal action to try to stop a proposed merger with Port Stephens despite warnings it could cost thousands of dollars and be a complete waste of time.

A report to council from interim CEO Frank Cordingley said legal action could cost more than $700,000 and, even if successful, would be unlikely to stop the merger from going ahead.

Photo Courtesy Newcastle Herald

Police Investigate Explosion at Redhead Surf Club

By IAN CROUCH

 Hoodlums are being blamed for an explosion which ripped the roof off a toilet block at Redhead Surf Club last night.

Fire crews were called to the club just before 10 to find an improvised device involving aerosol cans had been deliberately left in the roof of the adjacent toilet block and exploded.

The blast caused significant damage to the roof and ceiling and also blew out a window.

Police have set up a crime scene and want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area.

Labor's NBN promise to Thornton

BY JARROD MELMETH

Shadow Minister for Communication, Jason Clare today visited Thornton alongside Labor Candidate for Paterson Meryl Swanson to deliver his promise of providing 19-thousand homes and businesses in Thornton with fibre to the-premises NBN if a Labor government wins this Saturday's federal election.

Across the Hunter Labor have promised to deliver fiber-to-the-premises to over 50,000 homes and businesses.

Jason Clare says Thornton deserves a better rate version of the NBN and not the 'fraudband' the coalition are rolling out.

"When I was here last year I met a nurse who has to climb on her roof to download her roster. She has to get on her roof with a laptop and a dongle. That is how bad it is her in Thornton."

Meryl Swanson says Labor's proper NBN is going to make a difference to not only peoples lives but also their livelihoods.

"Let me tell you it [the coalitions NBN] is not teething problems, it is a design problem. One we will fix with fibre to the premise NBN."

Labor says it's network costs less than the coalitions to operate due to not having the cost of putting in new copper, not having the cost of fixing the old copper and not having the cost of the electricity that comes with running the 30,000 nodes that come with Malcolm Turnbull's copper version of the NBN.

"Australia has dropped from 30th in the world to 60th in the world over the past 3 years due to Malcolm Turnbull rolling out second rate copper." Mr. Clare Said.

Labor have capped their NBN spend at $57 billion.

Shadow Minister for Communication Jason Clare in Thornton today.

Hunter City Deal

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Lake Macquarie City Council is proposing a partnership with the Federal and State governments to pilot a Hunter City Deal as a part of  Malcom Turnbull's  Smart Cities Policy.

The proposal was backed unanimously by the elected council and is expected to generate nearly 10, 700 new jobs with an economic output of $4.2 billion per year.

General Manager Brian Bell says it will benefit the community in more ways than one, and is about more than just the Glendale Interchange.

"It's a deal delivering more than just the Lake Macquarie transport interchange which is a really big issue for us. It could deliver a number of community and recreational facilities and other road infrastructure projects which are very important in that particular region."

The area is already a large employer in the Hunter and the deal is expected to generate a further 10, 700 new jobs as well as 7, 650 new dwellings which will be a significant boost for the region.

The required investment from both public and private sectors to deliver the Hunter City Deal is $1.2 billion over a decade.

Erosion solution for Stockton Beach

BY JARROD MELMETH

Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes says she believes an underground breakwall could be the solution to the erosion problem on Stockton Beach and will also provide the foundation for the future extension of Bathers Way, which she hopes will continue onto Stockton.

Cr Nelmes will bring forward a mayoral minute at tonights meeting where she will seek the support of engineers to investigate the viability of constructing a rock wall to protect the beachfront. The rock wall if built, will consist of 500 meters of boulders, from the southern end of the beach to meet the existing wall at the northern end.

The beachfront was severely damaged earlier this month during an east coast low which resulted in the worst erosion at Stockton Beach in living memory.

Cr Nelmes said the construction of a rock wall with the right underpinnings will also allow future extension of the Bathers Way walk.

"By ensuring our assets are properly protected we will have the opportunity to extend the bathers walk that now goes from Mereweather through to Nobbys. I would like to see it cross over at the ferry and come all the way around the Stockton foreshore."

Council in the past have commissioned several reports on preventing erosion around the Stockton Beach area. A lot of the outcomes were over $30 million and were not implemented.

Cr Nelmes is looking for a more cost effective solution that can actually be implemented.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at Stockton Beach. Photo courtesy of The Newcastle Herald

$15 million for Testers Hollow

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A re-elected Turnbull government will commit $15 million to elevating Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow.

Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher alongside Liberal Candidate for Paterson Karen Howard, announced this morning that the funding is available and will cover 80 per-cent of the full cost of the project.

The minister says he is confident the funding will successfully mitigate flood risk in the area.

"The flood events of the kind that we saw last year will be very much mitigated. This is a plan so that residents, for example here in Gillieston Heights, won't face the same risk of being cut off for several days as occurred last year."

The growing suburb of Gillieston Heights was cut off for six days after devastating floods left them isolated in April last year.

"I want to emphasise, every commitment we make falls within our overall plan and our budgetary commitments. This commitment that we're making today, this commitment to spend $15 million in elevating Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow meets and fits within our overall plan."

Heartless Thieves Steal Latop With Priceless Photos Ahead Of Funeral

BY IAN CROUCH

 The search is on for the stolen laptop full of irreplaceable photos of Carrington man, Jackson Baker as his family prepares for the 20-year-old's funeral today at Newcastle's Christ Church Cathedral.

Thieves broke into his parents home at The Hill on Sunday night and stole the Apple MacBook which also contained the Eulogy - they also made off with a camera.

Jackson disappeared while walking home after a night out on June 16.

His body was discovered six days later at Stockton.

Jackson Baker

Newcastle Council Considers Suing State Government Over Forced Merger

BY IAN CROUCH

 Newcastle Council is considering heading to court in a bid to stop a merger with Port Stephens.

Greens councillors will ask their colleagues to support a motion at tonight's meeting to take legal action if the state government ends up pushing ahead with amalgamation.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes reportedly likes the idea but critics have labelled it a waste of ratepayers money.

Safety Concerns for Newcastle's Future Light Rail

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has accused the NSW Government of failing to add important safety features on the proposed new light rail cars in Newcastle.

This has raised concerns that the Government is trying to cut costs at the expense of passenger safety.

The trams allegedly lack Automatic Train Protection devices, which monitor track conditions and maintain the safe operation of the trams.

Divisional Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union Chris Preston says the cost of these anti-collision safety devices is worth any expense to ensure the safety of passengers.

"Trams around the world and Australia have this device," says Mr Preston.

"Now we have got time to get involved and make sure that the Newcastle trams, they need to have them on."

A proposed image of a Light Rail tram turning into Newcastle's Hunter Street
Source: The Newcastle Herald

Tomaree Community Hospital promised X-Ray Machine

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Labor Candidate for Paterson Meryl Swanson and State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington have promised that Tomaree Community Hospital will receive $1 million for an X-Ray machine under a Shorten Labor Government.

This new X-Ray machine is expected to relieve stress on a range of emergency services including patient transport, ambulances and the John Hunter Hospital.

Meryl Swanson says the machine will be a vital addition to the Tomaree Peninsula, as the lack of access to basic health services is becoming increasingly dire.

"To think that an area like that, that has an ageing and growing population, we've got young people playing sport and they don't even have the capacity to get an X-Ray in their emergency department," says Ms Swanson.

"It's not good enough."

X-Ray Machine
Source: Middletown Medical Imaging

Changes on the Horizon for Newcastle's CBD

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The west end of Newcastle is driving a huge boom of construction, with $700 million going towards the new high-rise housing hub.

This project is part of $2 billion going towards construction in the Newcastle area.

These new projects in Newcastle are set to have a combined value of $1.6 billion, and comprise of more than 3,000 apartments including 1,200 in the west end.

Hunter Director of the Property Council of Australia Andrew Fletcher says the construction projects will drive Newcastle's future economic growth.

"The construction projects will mean new jobs for Newcastle, it is extremely positive for the city " says Fletcher.

"We know that we have to cater for something like 10,000 new jobs and 6,000 new residents over the next 15 to 20 years."

Mr Fletcher believes that the state government's willingness to press forward with the light rail proposal in Newcastle has been a strong driving force for the construction projects.

"The government's commitment to the light rail for Newcastle has been the thing that sparked the private sectors interest in the city."

Andrew Fletcher
Source: The Newcastle Herald

Man To Face Court Over Waratah Siege

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police negotiators have been called in after an armed man began making threats last night at Waratah.

Inspector Dave Ckeckley from Waratah Police says they received a telephone call from a 31-year-old man at a Station Street address just before 11pm allegedly threatening to "kill someone".

Officers arrived to find the man had barricaded himself inside the home and allegedly armed himself with a knife and taped a number of butane gas bottles together.

"He was also threatening to kill police", Inspector Checkley said.

General Duties police then called for assistance from the State Protection Support Unit and set up a perimeter around the propety.

The man eventually surrendered to police at about 2am without incident.

The 31-year-old underwent a psychiatric assessment before being charged with using a weapon to avoid apprehension, threatening to injure persons and intimidation.

He's been refused bail and is due to front Newcastle Local Court today.

Officers From the State Protection Support Unit Deployed During Waratah Siege

Government Promises Review of PFOS & PFOA Guidelines

BY IAN CROUCH

 The Turnbull government is promising to conduct an independent review into safe drinking water levels at Williamtown if re-elected.

It comes after a federal government committee called EnHealth established new safe drinking levels for areas affected by PFOS and PFOA 78 times higher than advisory levels set this year in the United States.


The advice is based on European guidelines set in 2008 but reviewed in 2012.

Liberal candidate for Paterson, Karen Howard says the disparity between the European and U.S guidelines means an independent review is needed and the Turnbull government would conduct this within 30 days of the July 2 election.

However, Labor candidate for Paterson, Meryl Swanson says the release of the EnHealth advisory guideline at the weekend shows the government is in pre-election panic and, while the review is welcome, there is a need for a nationally consistent approach which is why Labor has committed to establishing a intergovernmental taskforce which will report within 90 days and ensure the Federal Government's response is consistent, coordinated and transparent.

Labor candidate, Meryl Swanson and Liberal candidate Karen Howard

Greens Commit $5 Billion to Domestic Violence Services.

BY GARY LYSAGHT

 The Newcastle Greens have announced their policy on domestic violence reform, calling for $5 billion over the next 10 years to go towards the sector.

Greens Senate candidate Jane Oakley and Newcastle Greens candidate John Mackenzie made the announcement on Friday.

During the press conference they committed the Greens to a plan which will see up to $500 million delivered each year to frontline services including shelters and crisis phone services.

John Mackenzie also committed the Greens to delivering for perpetrator programs to deal with those who commit domestic violence.

“To really address the issue we have to be focussing on programs and policies that address violence against women and children into the long term,” he said.

“That means preventative programs.  It’s got to be more than advertising programs targeting young boys, it has to be focussed around perpetrator programs.”

Mackenzie also clarified that these programs would identify those “with a history of domestic violence” and would be prioritising them.

The Greens have also called on Labor and the Coalition to match their funding commitments.

“At the moment we’re seeing cuts to crisis accommodation as routine by Governments in this country,” said Mackenzie.

“We’re calling on all of the parties running at this election to match our commitment and really make this a priority issue across the party lines.”

Public asked to Decide Marina's Fate

BY GARY LYSAGHT

Lake Macquarie residents have been invited to attend a public meeting on the Pelican Foreshore Saturday afternoon to discuss the future of the former Pelican Marina site.

Pelican Marina before its demolition [Source: ABC].

The Marina fell into the lake earlier this year and was subsequently removed by the State Government.

Since then, the site has been in limbo as the Government remains tight lipped on their future plans.

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley will host the event, which will be attended by Shadow Lands & Water minister, Mick Veitch.

Catley says she’ll be keeping Lands & Water minister, Niall Blair abreast of tomorrow afternoon’s discussions.

“Certainly through Parliament I’ll be making sure [the] minister his the community’s views,” she said.

“He just needs to come on board now and make sure that he lets the community know that in good faith, he will listen to them.”

Minister Blair was invited to the event, but refused to attend.

Conversation has already begun over what will replace the marina and the Milanos restaurant with Catley suggesting they should simply be replaced.

“People really liked having a marina at that part of the lake,” she said.

“It was obviously well utilised because of its location.”

A free sausage sizzle will be on offer to those that attend, with attendees being asked to bring a camping chair along to avoid sitting on the grass.

Catley says the event will be easy going and community focussed.

“It’s the community coming together to give me their views on how they would like to see the building proceed,” she said.

The event will kick off at 3:30pm.

Newcastle Music Festival To Showcase Top Talent

BY IAN CROUCH

 Some of the Hunter's finest musicians and performers will be taking part in the inaugural Newcastle Music Festival from 11-21 August.

The festival will be a showcase of fine music from popular classical composers through to jazz, with venues like Newcastle's Christ Church Cathedral, the Conservatorium of Music and Newcastle Grammar school all hosting concerts and master classes.

President of the Festival Committee, Professor John Rostas today welcomed a $5000 dollar grant from the state government to help promote the event.

Newcastle Music Festival Committee Member Jennie Barrie, Parliamentary Secretary For The Hunter, Scot MacDonald and Festival President Prof John Rostas at today's cheque presentation

Hunter Basketball Product Makes The N.B.A Big Time

BY IAN CROUCH

 Former Hunters and Lake Macqaurie Lightening junior basketball star, Ben Simmons today realised his dream of playing in the lucrative N.B.A league in the United States.

After playing for Louisiana State University last season, the towering 2.08 metre tall (6' 10) forward has been named the first pick for the Philadelphia 76's in the 2016 draft.

The 19-year-old, who is being compared to the likes of Magic Johnson and LeBron James, has signed a 5-year endorsement deal with Nike worth a reported $20-million and is set to earn more than $25-million from his rookie contract with the Sixers.

Ben Simmons

Tyre Slashing Spree Around Newcastle's Inner Suburbs

BY IAN CROUCH

 The search is on for the culprit or culprits responsible for slashing dozens of tyres in Newcastle's inner suburbs over the past few weeks.

It's believed more than 120 tyres have been damaged in Mayfield, Islington and Tighes Hill, with some residents having their tyres repaired only to be hit again, costing them hundreds of dollars.

Some residents have restorted to having their cars garaged in other suburbs, well away from their home in a bid to avoid further attacks.

Police are urging the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.

  

Another Drug House Uncovered In The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police have raided yet another suspected drug house - this time at Mayfield.

Officers executed a search warrant on a home in Carrington Street yesterday afternoon, allegedly uncovering a sophisticated hydroponic growing operation with more than 60 Cannabis plants and 5 kilograms of the drug being dried in 3 bedrooms.

It's also alleged the fuse box at the house had been tampered with.

Police stopped a 66-year-old man as he was leaving the house and searched his car allegedly finding cash and cannabis inside.

He's been refused bail to front Newcastle Local Court today charged with cultivating and supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, goods in custody suspected of being the proceeds of crime and altering or add to an electricity installation.

It's the 3rd suspected drug house uncovered in the Hunter this week.

CEO's sleeping under the stars for the 2016 Vinnies CEO Sleepout

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Business and community leaders are set to brave the cold at Hunter Stadium in Broadmeadow tonight, sleeping under the stars for the 2016 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

The 55 CEO's from Newcastle, both individual and in business teams, will be spending the night at the stadium with only a sleeping bag, three sheets of cardboard and the clothes on their back to keep them warm.

Already, the event has raised $4.3 million nationally, but there is still some way to go to make the national target of $6.5 million.

Regional Operations Manager Ken Hill says Newcastle alone have raised $75, 000 so far and are getting quite competitive.

"We've just got a little bit of a competitive streak going on at the moment because we've found out that Woolongong has raised over $100, 000 and they've got the same number of CEO's so we're trying to get people to get behind it, contact their networks and help raise some funds for this worthwhile cause."

Last year money raised from the event helped provide over 820, 000 meals and almost 258, 000 bed nights for people experiencing disadvantage and homelessness, as well as helping run numerous programs.

Ken Hill says the Sleepout gives CEO's and senior managers a glimpse into what it's like to experience homelessness on the streets and, "utilise their networks and supplement networks to raise funds to help St Vincent de Paul carry out our work with homeless people and a number of different programs that we have".

Major leaders participating in the Newcastle event include Adam Boyle (Pegasus), Kirsten Molloy (Hunter Valley Coal), Clint Newton (Rugby League Player Association), Michael Crocker (Rugby League Player Association), Matty Kerr and Jimmy Wright (Nanna Kerr's Kitchen).

Daunt Bones to be Reconstructed Before Autopsy

BY GARY LYSAGHT

A forensic expert will arrive in Newcastle next week to reconstruct the skeleton of murdered carpenter Christopher Daunt.

An autopsy will follow the reconstruction in an effort to determine the cause of death.

Police have alleged Daunt was bashed to death by Christopher John Robertson in March 29 last year.

It is alleged the attack happened at Robertson’s New Lambton home.

Robertson was arrested last week before detectives discovered the remains of Daunt at Seahampton.

Strike Force Retractor was established to assist in uncovering the body of Daunt and piecing together the final hours before his death.

Police have continued the search for Daunt’s possessions, with the investigation leading them to bushland near Cameron Park.  However, they failed to find anything.

Daunt and Robertson had been close friends, with allegations that the two were also involved in the local drug trade.

Joel Anthony Costello out in December 2017

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Truck driver Joel Anthony Costello has been sentenced to serve one year and 10 months in jail after his aggressive driving and failure to heed the warning signs cost cyclist Andrew Ayre his life along Minmi Road in Wallsend in 2013.

Costello has prolonged the case, repeatedly changing legal representatives, clogging the court system since he was charged.

As his initial trial date approached, Costello failed to appear in court and ten days later he was arrested for driving an unregistered truck on a suspended license. He applied for bail twice and on both occasions was refused.

He then pleaded guilty and according to his solicitor Peter Harper, he finally accepted responsibility for causing Andrew Ayre's death.

Costello is eligible for release before Christmas next year.

McCloy: Donald Trump of the Hunter?

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Former Newcastle Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy has hit back at suggestions he is the 'Donald Trump of the Hunter'.

NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley likened the former Lord Mayor to the Republican nominee, when calling for limits on expenditure for local government elections.

Jeff McCloy says being compared to Donald Trump is simply ridiculous.

"On reflection I think Donald Trump's got a better head of hair than Foley; its just politicians having a shot thinking they can grow their own position or make up some sort of political point, but that's what they do and I don't take much notice."

Jeff McCloy says a cap on expenditure would make it harder for independents to run and unseat the two major parties in local council elections.

In his election campaign in 2012, Jeff McCloy spent $144, 000, including $60, 000 on newspaper and television advertising. He says however that he lost much more in his business with the time he dedicated to the council.

Labor also want to ban property developers from standing for council elections, something Jeff McCloy says is misguided.

"You are duty-bound to manage any conflict of interest. Now anybody can have potentially conflict of interest, you simply don't vote or be present on matters where any of your projects or whatever are discussed."

Union Hopes to Secure 80 Jobs for Ingham's Workers

BY GARY LYSAGHT

Workers at the soon to be closed Ingham’s processing site at Cardiff have been thrown a lifeline by rival Baiada Poultry.

Baiada has struck a deal with the Meat Workers Union to hold discussions over taking up to 80 of the workers who aren’t seeking redundancies.

Ingham’s is set to close the Cardiff site in August, citing the need to reduce expenditure as the main reason.

Baiada are set to employ 80 of its rivals staff [Source: Newcastle Herald]

Meat Workers Union Newcastle branch secretary Grant Courtney says the highly skilled workforce is being courted by many employers.

“We’ve also been contacted by JBS, which is the biggest meat processor in the world, based at Scone.  They’ve said if there’s any skilled workers that would like to apply out there, by all means,” he said.

Courtney says workers are also being asked to apply at another Baiada site at Tamworth, while other workers have asked for transfers to Ingham’s Sydney site.

“It’s one of our principle policies about employers having a moral obligation to employ locals first,” says Courtney who believes Baiada are doing just that.

“The company has always said we haven’t got enough skilled workers.  Well now we’ve got a fully skilled workforce that is available,” he said.

Around 360 full time and casual staff work at the Cardiff site and while Courtney admits he doesn’t know when they’ll move on to their new positions, he’s still overwhelmed with the outcome.

“I’m very, very happy and supportive of Baiada [for] taking the high moral ground on this issue and hopefully offering employment to the Cardiff/Novacastrian workforce,” he said.

Newcastle Fare Free Day

BY IAN CROUCH

 Newcastle bus and ferry commuters will ride for free today as part of industrial action by the Rail Tram and Bus Union.

Bus drivers and ferry workers won't be asking commuters to pay for tickets or tap their Opal Cards as they continue to protest against plans to privatise the city's public transport.

The Union's Chris Preston says state transit workers want the same transition deal offered to other public sector workers who've had their industries privatised.

"The government said they're not going to do the same arrangements that they have done in the past. When I've asked why, a government authority said 'because they don't deserve it' ", he said.

Man Arrested Over Roadside Bashing At Rutherford

BY IAN CROUCH

 Central Hunter police expect to lay charges over a savage roadside bashing at Rutherford.

Police say a number of female motorists noticed a man punching a woman in the head several times by the side of the New England Highway at about 2.30 this morning.

They tried to intervene but were unsuccessful, with the man allegedly dragging the woman up a nearby lane way.

A two-hour search involving the dog squad led officers to a Rutherford address where they found the man and the victim.

He was arrested, while the woman, although badly injured, refused treatment and was taken to a safe location.

Labor Commits To CSIRO Jobs

BY IAN CROUCH

 Scientists at the CSIRO Energy Centre at Mayfield West are welcoming Labor's funding commitment to support the sector.

A Shorten Labor government would inject a further $250-million over 4 years to reverse what the ALP describes as senseless cuts to jobs and research under the Abbott-Turnbull government.

The CSIRO Staff Association says scientists employed in the public sector need to know their jobs are secure.


Unions claim 18,000 public service jobs have been axed under the Coalition government.

Labor candidates Pat Conroy, Meryl Swanson and Sharon Claydon sign a pledge to support public sector jobs

Man Faces Court On Historical Child Sexual Assault Charges

BY IAN CROUCH

Child Abuse Squad detectives have charged a Hunter man over an alleged historical child sexual assault dating back more than a decade.

Following extensive inquiries since earlier this year, a 51-year-old man has been charged with two counts of aggravated indecent assault and three counts of sexual assault of a victim under the age of 16.

It's alleged the man committed the assaults on a 10-year-old girl in Newcastle in November 2004.

He's been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today.

Fears Held For Missing Carrington Man - Updated

BY IAN CROUCH

 A body found washed up at Stockton is believed to be that of missing Carrington man, Jackson Baker.

A passer-by made the grim discovery near Fullerton Street at about 11.45 yesterday morning.


Jackson's family and girlfriend, Mia Lowe have been told about the tragic discovery and are being comforted by family and friends.

EARLIER:

 The family of missing Carrington man, Jackson Baker fear the worst as the search continues for the 20-year-old.

He went missing after leaving the Argyle House Nightclub early last Thursday morning, while someone matching his description was seen swimming in Newcastle Harbour a short time later.

His mother Fran has told the Newcastle Herald she still holds out hope Jackson will turn up, saying he was very family orientated and loyal to his friends - and if he went away he wouldn't leave them hurting.

Jackson Baker

Massive Drug House Uncovered at Thornton

BY IAN CROUCH

 Central Hunter Police have found more than 300 Cannabis plants at a house in Thornton.

It's being described by officers as one of the biggest hydroponic set-ups they've ever seen, with every room in the Acer Terrace house being used.

Police will return to the house today to continue dismantling the operation which they believe could be linked to the drug house uncovered at Wallsend earlier this week.

Detectives are believed to be close to making arrests over the find.

Coal Seam Gas expiry comes as a relief for Fullerton Cove

BY JARROD MELMETH

A controversial coal seam gas exploration license in Fullerton Cove has expired with no expression of renewal by its owner.

In November 2015 AJ Lucas brought the licence from its previous holder, Dart Energy. Dart Energy abandoned its exploratory drilling program at Fullerton Cove in 2013 due to community opposition and the government's expansion of the residential exclusion zone to a two-kilometre buffer.

The coal seam gas license covered a 2000-square kilometre area of Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.

Although the license has expired there is still a chance the license could be once again passed on.

Wilderness Society Newcastle Campaign Manager Naomi Hodgson says there is no legislative protection for Newcastle's groundwater so there is not theoretical reason why the license could be resurrected.

"The overwhelming opposition of the New South Wales community to coal seam gas has proven to be a significant impediment to the industry getting off the ground."

Of the 14 remaining petroleum exploration licenses in NSW, 12 are in north-west NSW.

The Baird government is in the process of establishing a framework for coal and petroleum which will define what land can be used for exploration.

Fullerton Cove Protesters. Photo Courtesy of ABC.

Local winners of the NSW State Budget

BY JARROD MELMETH

In her second budget, NSW Treasurer Gladys Berekijlian has delivered a $3.5 billion surplus with Newcastle and the Hunter receiving over $255 million. $142 million of that will go towards the construction of Newcastle's Light Rail.

Key highlights from the 2016-17 budget for the Hunter include:

• $142 million for Newcastle Light Rail.
• $35 million for Cormorant Road, Industrial Drive to Stockton Bridge works.
• $29 million to deal with mining voids in Newcastle, developing a new Muswellbrook sewerage treatment plant, redevelopment of the Maitland Sports ground complex and the Newcastle cruise terminal.
• $18 million for the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund.
• $14 million for freight rail between Hexam and Fassifern. 
• $10.3 million to complete the final stages of the John Hunter Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• $7 million to continue planning for M1 extension to Raymond Terrace.
• $6.2 million for the NSW Government response to the Williamtown Royal Australian Air Fore Base Contamination
• $6.2 million for planning and site preparation for the new Maitland Hospital.
• $5 million to continue the Newcastle Inner City Bypass project.
• $3.8 million for upgrades of the TAFE Hunter Institute Newcastle Campus Block D.

The surplus is expected rise to 3.7 billion on the back of sales including the $1.7 billion lease of the Port of Newcastle and other assets from the Hunter.

Gladys Berekijlian. Photo Courtesy of The Newcastle Herald.