Multi-million dollar upgrade for Hunter School of Performing Arts

BY MICHAEL COOK

A $9-million upgrade for The Hunter School of Performing Arts has been announced today by the State Government.

Hunter School of Performing Arts Principal, Jo Gray

The multi-million dollar funding will go towards overhauling the Broadmeadow school's Performing Arts Centre, providing a more collaborative learning area in line with the School's vision for the future, according to Principal Jo Gray.

"We'll be looking in the design principles for that flexible open learning space where you can have many classes at once working together," she said.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast Scot MacDonald said $3.2 million has been provided by the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund, with the Department of Education providing the rest.

"This funding will enable a major rebuild of the Performing Arts Centre to a very high standard," MacDonald said.

"The existing Hunter Theatre, which is used by the community sets the bar for excellence.

"Staff and students can look forward to having the Performing Arts Centre enhanced to a similar level."

New features of the Centre will include a modern movement studio, two modern performance workshops, two practice spaces, general learning spaces and supporting amenities along with a number of other 21st century improvements.

It is expected a development application for the project will be lodged next year, with the upgrade forecast to be completed in the first half of 2019.

Hunter Jobs To Go At Pacific National

BY IAN CROUCH AND GARY-JON LYSAGHT

 The Rail Tram and Bus Union is accusing Pacific National of casualising it's Hunter workforce by stealth.

Pacific National Jobs On The Line

The rail company has confirmed dozens of full time coal train drivers are being made redundant, with 40 jobs to go in the Hunter at the company's Port Waratah and Greta depots, with more than 120 job cuts statewide.

The union has slammed the move saying the company is advertising for casual staff while cutting full time workers.

The company says the job cuts are necessary to cope with the peaks and troughs in demand for staff.

But RTBU Organiser Steve Wright says casual workers aren't experienced enough.

"Casuals are on ad hoc; they won't be driving trains every day," he said.

"Pacific National have also indicated that anyone that gets tapped on the shoulder, they'll be requested to come back as casuals.

"It's about casualisation of the workforce, I think, and it's really disappointing."

Steve Wright says it's too late for some workers to re-skill.

"There are people who are 30 to 40 years on the job that'll possibly lose their job," he said.

"They're the sort of people that are at the age where they can'y pick up another job.

"It'll be very distressing, especially around Christmas."

But for Wright, the layoffs don't come as much of a surprise.

"It's the third time in five years that we've been under the pump with redundancies from Pacific National around Christmas time," he said

Another Life Lost On Hunter Roads

BY IAN CROUCH

 There's been two fatal crashes within 12 hours this week on Hunter roads.

A 59-year-old man from Mayfield died yesterday morning when his Toyota Camry crossed to the wrong side of Lake Road, Glendale, hitting a fence and sign post.

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital but couldn't be revived.

Investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile, the teenage learner rider killed in a motorcycle accident at Medowie on Wednesday night has now been named as 17-year-old Corey Pethebridge.

The budding sportsman represented Irrawang High School in lawn bowls and recently trialed with the Sydney Roosters junior rugby league side.

The latest fatalities have taken the Hunter's road toll for 2016 to 50.

Corey Pethebridge Photo courtesy Port Stephens Examiner

Newcastle Doctor on Probation after Injecting Consenting Patients with Cannabis OIl

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Newcastle doctor Andrew Katelaris has had another stoush with the Health Care Complaints Commission, after he injected two ovarian cancer patients with black market cannabis oil.

The patients had consented to the experimental treatment.

Andrew Katelaris [Image: Getty Images]

The HCCC have prohibited Dr Katelaris from injecting, supplying and administering cannabis for medicinal use.

The decision was made after the HCCC found the injections “resulted in serious adverse reactions and their [the patients] prolonged hospitalisation”.

“[Dr Katelaris] devised a hasty, ill-conceived and unsafe clinical trial of injected cannabis oil as a treatment for malignant ascites,” the HCCC said in a statement.

Dr Katelaris has been a long-time advocate for the use of medicinal cannabis, and was deregistered more than a decade ago for supplying cannabis to patients.

He was also charged with growing more than 50-thousand cannabis plants near Dungog.

He said the use of cannabis oil was the best treatment for the patients.

“They [the two patients] were both suffering severe peritoneal carcinomatosis, with bowel obstructions – so it can’t really get much worse than that,” he said.

“It was a desperate situation, which called for desperate action.”

He also said the treatment was a partial success.

“One of the ladies – the one that we documented – actually had a 50 percent reduction in her cancer markers,” he said.

“They [the HCCC] … ignored that in their, sort of, rushed approach to prosecute the nasty, maverick Dr Katelaris, rather than actually looking at what may have been achieved during these brief trials.”

The Turnbull Government have begun plans to introduce medicinal cannabis for patients who need it, but Dr Katelaris said it’s all talk.

“There’s been a lot of rhetoric both from Turnbull and Baird, and others about how much they’re doing to facilitate medical cannabis,” he said.

“But at this stage, not single child or adult in this state, or country, has received legal medical cannabis so it’s simply up to the activists to fill that yawning hole.”

Despite the new restrictions put him, Dr Katelaris is going to keep promoting medical cannabis’ benefits.

“The HCCC does what the HCCC does, and that’s retard progress,” he said.

“We see this as another small step in a very, very long march to have rational health therapy available for the population.

“The move to have medical cannabis widely accepted and applied across a range of serious and currently intractable diseases is unstoppable overseas.

“All that the establishment can do in this country is slow it down.”

Teen Dies In Motorcycle Crash At Medowie

BY IAN CROUCH

A report will be prepared for the Coroner after a teenager died in a motor bike crash at Medowie last night.

Police say the 17-year-old from Raymond Terrace was riding his Yamaha motorcycle along Abundance Road just after 10pm when he slammed into the back of a parked utility.

He died at the scene.

Breaking the Ice forum hits Maitland

BY JARROD MELMETH

Crystalline methamphetamine or 'ice' will be the topic of tonights' 'Breaking the Ice' forum in Maitland.

Local community members, health experts and government will be on hand to help attendees understand the issues and misconceptions surrounding 'ice' and give some practical tools to deal with the issue.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare the number of Australians who have used methamphetamine has increased to 1.3 million people. In the regional areas of the Hunter, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reveal a 60 per cent increase in reports of amphetamine use and possession. Much larger than the 18 per cent increase in population centres of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation NSW Programs Manager Annie Bleeker says, the forum will aim to inform the community about the drug, break the stigma attached to its use and promote social inclusion.

"We need to start seeing the person rather than just the drug and to encourage people to seek help early, rather than hide the problem."

According to Ms Bleeker this is a community problem with a community solution.

"The solution is very much in the community's hands around this issue and that means working effectively with police as well as education and community groups."

The forum will be held tonight at East Maitland Bowling Club at 6:30pm.

Pictured: the drug 'ice'. Photo Courtesy of the ABC.

SES flood workshops on the way for Maitland

BY JACINTA LEE

Businesses in Maitland have been invited to get involved in a new workshop on flood management.

The workshop is the latest in a series of local responses to last year's April superstorm, when the State Emergency Service received upwards of 2800 requests for help in the Maitland region alone.

SES Community Engagement Officer, Alexandra Varley, said businesses simply weren't prepared for the level of damage and this workshop will get them back on track.

"Businesses will actually receive their own business continuity plan," she said. "It's a step-by-step guide so that when a disaster does strike, they know the steps to take before, during and after the event."

The workshop kicks off on Friday, 11th November at Town Hall.

To register their interest, business owners can call the Maitland City Unit on 0417 549 292.

Public Appeal After Girl Approached At Morpeth

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are appealing for help from the public after a young girl was approached at Morpeth earlier this week.

Two men spoke to the 13-year-old at the Morpeth Boat Ramp at about 5.30 on Monday afternoon, asking her to come over to their silver utility.

The girl ignored them and walked away towards Swan Street but the pair got into the car and drove ahead of her before approaching her again, however she asked a passer-by for help and the pair drove off.

Police have released descriptions of the two men.

The passenger is Caucasian, about 20 with short brown hair and had his left ear pierced with a spacer. he was last seen wearing a black T-shirt.

The driver is also Caucasian. about 20 with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown shirt.

Anyone who can assist police with their inquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Health Minister Disputes Claims Over Bed Numbers At New Maitland Hospital

BY IAN CROUCH

 Health Minister, Jillian Skinner has dismissed speculation the proposed Lower Hunter Hospital at Metford will be much smaller than first thought.

A leaked Health Infrastructure briefing note claims the hospital will only have 282 beds based on projected demand by 2022, while the state opposition claims it will only have 220 beds.

But Jillian Skinner says this is not the case.

"I said it will be at least as big as what we proposed and I think we proposed 350 to 400 and it will be at least that, I would expect, but possibly more. So, the nonsense that the local member is talking about 220 beds is just that," she said.

Health Minister Jillian Skinner

Baird Government Kick-Starts Newcastle's "Digital Precinct"

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

The Baird Government will grant the clean-tech start up firm Eighteen04 $300, 000 to kick-start Newcastle's "digital precinct".

The funding will allow the business "incubator" to move from Mayfield to a new home on Parry Street, which will create 218 jobs.

The "digital precinct" in Newcastle's City Centre will include free public Wi-Fi, high-speed broadband and an innovation hub aimed at attracting new industries and jobs to the Hunter.

Eighteen04 co-founder and director Andrew Mears says the company provides work space for "liked-minded" start-ups that could "create a community".

"Now that we have this new space, we are opening our doors, and if there's any entrepreneurs who are looking to develop a new technology start-up business in the clean-tech and smart-city space, then we'd love to hear from you," he says.

The "digital precinct" innovation offers free public Wi-Fi in Newcastle (Source: Around You)

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit At John Hunter Children's Hospital Officially Opened

BY IAN CROUCH

 Health Minister, Jillian Skinner today officially opened the upgraded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the John Hunter Children's Hospital.

Work on the $7 million Stage 1 project began in May last year and now provides 32 special care spaces, a palliative care room, showering facilities, a breast feeding and expressing room, new waiting area, three counselling rooms and a family room with overnight accommodation.

The unit is now double its previous size and can cater for 1100 newborns each year in state-of-the-art facilities.

"When I first visited the old Neonatal Unit Intensive Care Unit I was shocked at how cramped it was...the space for one baby was the space for four," Mrs Skinner said.

Stages 2 and 3 of the project will include a redeveloped intensive care unit, isolation rooms, a procedure room, staff training areas and office spaces at a cost of $18 million.

Work on Stage 2 began last month.

Mrs Skinner also visited Tomaree Hospital today to inspect the soon-to-be-completed upgrade to the emergency department which was funded through a bequest from local couple, Tom and Rose Pearce and a contribution from Hunter New England Health.

Health  Minster Jillian Skinner At Today's Official Opening

Air Quality In Newcastle Best In Four Years

BY IAN CROUCH

 Newcastle has recorded its best air quality for winter in four years according to the latest air quality results.

The Winter Air Quality report captured data between June 1 and August 31 this year, shows there were no days recorded where pollution levels didn't spike over the national limits.

Wet weather over winter has helped to damp down dust particles.

However, Environment Protection Authority Acting Director for the Hunter, Karen Marler says the air quality is expected to get worse as we head into summer.

"Air quality in Newcastle is generally very very good, but as we move into Summer of course we get warmer and dryer conditions, so we can see increases in particle levels in the air," she said.

EPA Acting Hunter Director Karen Marler

Woman To Front Court Over $10,000 Spending Spree

BY IAN CROUCH

 A woman's been charged with stealing a wallet from a Lake Macquarie sporting complex and going on a spending spree.

A 63-year-old volunteer last week noticed her wallet was missing but didn't cancel her credit card for two days - by then, more than $10,000 worth of purchases had been racked up around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Officers from the Lake Macquarie Target Action Group caught up with the 25-year-old alleged culprit at her home on Nooroo Close, Windale yesterday.

She was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with 30 counts of fraud, receiving stolen goods, posessing a prohibited drug and breach of bail.

She's been refused bail and is due to appear in Toronto Local Court today.

BREAKING! Waterfront Home At Belmont Destroyed By Fire

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has guttered a waterfront home at Belmont this morning.

7 fire trucks were called to the 2 storey weatherboard home in Walter Street just after 4.00am to find the house engulfed in flames.

It's taken about half an hour to knock down the flames

It's understood the house has been unoccupied for some time.

4 crews are still at the scene mopping up.

Forensic investigators will comb through the rubble once the scene been declared safe.

Also this morning, fire has destroyed a double garage at the front of a home on Ocean Street Dudley.

No-one was injured in either blaze.

Rally to Save Maitland Hospital

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Hundreds of health workers, unionists and community members are expected to join together at Maitland Park this Sunday to protest the privatisation of Maitland Hospital.

The "Keep Our Hospitals Public" rally will be held from 12 noon to 2pm with the hopes of bringing the community together on this issue.

NSW Health Services Union Secretary, Gerard Hayes. [Image:Image: http://www.2gb.com/article/gerard-hayes-%E2%80%93
-secretary-health-services-union]

NSW Health Services Union Secretary, Gerard Hayes says it is important for people to band together. 

"No individual can win this, this is a community issue," he said. "They own that hospital. It's not for the government to give away but the only way we can fight this is by coming together as a community.

"We need to ensure that services at Maitland hospital are maintained and extended, not moved to John Hunter hospital and that profits don't come before services that the community need."

According to Mr. Hayes, this decision has not been made in the interest of the wider community.

"This is an attack on regional NSW," he said. "The private sector is about making money.

"We cannot get to a point that if you're wealthy, you can access services and if you don't then you either have to go on a waiting list or maybe go to Newcastle."

He says a hospital is not for the government to profit from and asks for a change in direction.

"The fact of the matter is what goes on in the hospital is the responsibility of Health," he said.

"It is not the responsibility or to be abdicated to the private sector."

The rally will continue to be advertised over the next couple of days and Gerard Hayes encourages people to come along.

Next Step in Maitland Hospital Construction

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

The State Government have moved to the next step in the construction of the new Maitland hospital, announcing a health partnership proposal for prospective developers.

Jillian Skinner

Developers will now bid on the construction, arguing why they’re the best one for the job.

The one who meets the Government’s brief the best will be awarded the contract.

Health Minister Gillian Skinner says it can only do good for regional communities.

“These partnerships are about building bigger and better hospitals for our local communities,” she said.

It comes after the Government ended its expression of interest period on the hospital last week, which they had running since mid-September.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says nothing will change for public health users.

Scot MacDonald

“Public access is exactly the same.  If you’re used to going to the emergency department, you’ll be treated exactly the same,” he said.

Ensure the hospital remains viable for the future of Maitland – a town which grows every day – has been on the Government’s agenda, and it will need to be the same for private developers.

“This has to be future proof.  This hospital will have to meet the future needs for decades ahead,” Scot MacDonald said.

“That is our brief to the planners and the designers and the non-Government operators.

“It’s not about bed numbers today or tomorrow, it’s about what the services and the facilities that we need in the years and decades ahead.

“If they [private developers] can’t do that that won’t be accepted by the State Government.”

Disqualified Driver Allegedly Caught Drunk Behind The Wheel With Young Son In Car

BY IAN CROUCH

 A man's been caught drink driving on a disqualified licence with his young son in the car at Raymond Terrace.

Officers pulled over a Holden Commodore utility being driven by a 42-year-old man on Wahroonga Street just before 5.00pm yesterday - his 7-year-old son was sitting beside him in the front passenger seat.

The man was arrested after failing a roadside breath test - police also determined he was disqualified from driving until October 2018.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where it's alleged he returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.087.

He's been charged with mid-range drink driving and disqualified driving and has been granted bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on 14 November 2016.

Suspicious Substance Seized At Rutherford

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police have uncovered what's believed to be methamphetamine in a car at Rutherford.

Officers allegedly found a bag on the back seat of the vehicle with 53 grams of a substance, which is now being tested, after spotting a driver acting suspiciously near the New England Highway yesterday afternoon.

Police say if the tests confirm that the substance is methamphetamine, it could have a street value of between $15,000 and $20,000.

A 38-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man inside the car have been questioned, but no charges have been laid at this stage.
 

Caravan Destroyed In Hay Bale Fire At Louth Park

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police and firefighters believe a large hay bale fire at Louth Park last night was the result of spontaneous combustion.

At least 20 NSW firefighters and several RFS crews took around 3 hours to extinguish and black out the massive blaze in Ross Lane.

A caravan parked next to the hay stack caught alight and was destroyed in the fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one was injured.

Hay Bale Fire - file photo

State Government Not Prioritising Bypass

By: ARIANA GATTI

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery is calling on the State Government to speed up the planning and construction process for the Newcastle Inner-City Bypass.

The Bypass now in its fifth and final stage of planning, has still not had its final plan out on public exhibition.

The Government revealed the concept design and environmental impact assessment in 2014, and is now lacking the gusto to finish for this year.

The Bypass project set to run over a 3.4km section of road near Jesmond and Wallsend, will cost around $280 million.

The Government had promised that construction would begin in early 2017, however there are fears in the Wallsend electorate that the State Government are not prioritising key infrastructure projects that need attention.

“There has been delay after delay on this project with the Government showing more interest in the CBD of Newcastle than the Western suburbs”, says Sonia.

She also says, “The Government needs to prioritise this important missing link in the Hunter’s road network”.

                              [Image sourced: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/hunter/newcastle-inner-city-bypass/]

Hunter MP Thrown Out Of Parliament

BY IAN CROUCH

Federal Paterson MP, Meryl Swanson says she'll gladly risk being thrown out of parliament again if it means standing up for her constituents.

The former radio host was given her marching orders after yelling out across the chamber during question time at Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne, demanding to know who's responsible for the Williamtown contamination scandal.

Meryl Swanson says the government is ducking and weaving on the issue.

"We just want a straight-forward answer and we want someone to give the people of Williamtown the answers that they're so desperately seeking, and I do not walk away from defending those people and I will continue to do it even if it means I am ejected form the chamber, I will continue to stick up for them and ask those questions and seek to have them answered," she said.

Paterson Mp Meryl Swanson

Witness Helps Police Track Down Accused Armed Robbers At Kurri Kurri

BY IAN CROUCH

 A member of the public has provided the vital clue which led to the arrest of two people over an armed robbery on a Chinese restaurant at Kurri Kurri last night.

Police say a man entered the Gold Sing restaurant on Lang Street just before 8.00pm armed with a rifle.

Fearing for her safety, a waitress removed cash from behind the counter.

The man took the money and fled, making his getaway in a white Nissan Pulsar driven by a female accomplice.

However, a witness managed to take down the registration number and gave it to police who stopped the car and arrested a 21-year-old man and 28-year-old woman from Weston.

They've been refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today charged with armed robbery.

Hazard Reduction Burn For Mount Sugarloaf

BY IAN CROUCH

 The Rural Fire Service is conducting a hazard reduction burn at Mount Sugarloaf west of Newcastle today.

Around 18 hectares of bush is being burnt near the transmisson towers.

Motorists on the M1 Pacific Motorway and nearby residents are being advised to expect to see and smell smoke in the area.

Lake Macquarie Council says the car park, lookout and walking trails at mount Sugarloaf will be closed today, with the burn expected to wrap up at about 7.00pm.

The Transmission Towers On Mount Sugarloaf

Scone Community Mourns Loss Of Local Businessman

BY IAN CROUCH

The community of Scone is still coming to terms with Monday's triple-fatal car crash which claimed the life of local real estate agent, Adam O'Regan and left a 5-year-old boy in the John Hunter Hospital.

It's been revealed their four-wheel drive plummeted around 200 metres down an embankment on a property at Gundy, killing Mr O'Regan as well as the 42-year-old father of the boy and his 75-year-old grandfather.

Police believe the older man may have briefly survived the crash and tried to help his son.

Locals have told the Seven Network, the loss of the popular businessman has hit hard, with one describing him as one of nature's gentlemen.

The young boy remains in a stable condition in hospital.

Adam O'Regan Picture:theherald.com

Work begins to improve Richardson Road at Campvale

BY JESSICA ROUSE

One of the busiest roads in Port Stephens, Richardson Road at Campvale, will soon see major improvements with a $1.1 million upgrade.

The NSW Government has provided the funding which will see the shoulders of the road widened, the installation of roadside safety barriers to prevent motorists veering from the road, as well as minor drainage improvements.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says the improvements are aimed at improving safety along the 1.5 kilometre stretch of road.

"This one is more aimed at safety rather than congestion, but there will be improvements there and it is a very busy stretch of road. Port Stephens Council are undertaking the work on behalf of RMS [Road Maritime Services]."

Work on the road has begun and is expected to completed within 12 weeks, weather permitting.

The majority of the work is being carried out at night between 6pm and 6am to reduce the impact on motorists, with other work such as safety barrier installation being carried out during the day between 7am and 5pm.

A temporary 40km/h speed limit is in place.

Uncertain Future for Old Newcastle Post Office

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

The future of the old Newcastle Post Office is again in question after its owner, the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council, was placed into administration by the Baird government yesterday.

The board was sacked and an administrator appointed amid claims the council had committed 'substantial breaches' of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.

Andrew Fletcher from the Property Council says this will most likely delay the process of refurbishing the post office building, and it is currently unknown what will happen to it.

"I think it's important to recognise the Local Aboriginal had signalled their intention to seek a joint venture partner," he said.

"I don't think there would be anything to prevent an administrator going down that path."

Newcastle's historic Post Office (Source: The Herald)

Williamtown 'Elected Representative Group' Slammed

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

The NSW Government has come under fire for scheduling a Williamtown Elected Representative Group meeting at a time when both State and Federal Parliaments are sitting.

The meetings are designed to brief local elected members on actions being taken in response to the Williamtown RAAF contamination.

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson and State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington have openly voiced their dissatisfaction with the running of the group.

"The residents of Salt Ash and Williamtown have elected Kate and me to ask questions on their behalf, so now the Government is scheduling these meetings at a time when we can't attend. It is outrageous," says Ms Swanson.

The Group is chaired and convened by Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot Macdonald, a member of the NSW Upper House.

"He would be aware of my commitments as a member of Shadow Cabinet, to attend a Shadow cabinet meeting in Sydney on Monday," says Ms Washington.

"The timing of today's meeting confirms that it's been a charade from the beginning."

Meryl Swanson and Kate Washington have slammed the Williamtown Elected Representative Group (The Herald)

Windale Break In

BY MONIQUE SMITH

 Police are investigating a break-in at Windale over night, where two occupants of a James Street home were confronted by a man wearing a mask and carrying a baseball bat.

A 49-year-old male occupant was assaulted by the intruder during a struggle and was left with a broken arm.

The man has been described to police as being Caucasian in appearance with olive skin and dark brown short hair. He was clean shaven, aged in his late 30's or early 40's, and of average height and build.

The intruder left the premises without any property and was last seen getting into a white 1990's Mitsubishi sedan with a red P plate.

Detectives from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended the home and established a crime scene. A full investigation is now under way and anyone with information are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

3 Men Killed As 5-Year-Old Boy Survives Horrific Crash In Upper Hunter

BY IAN  CROUCH

 A 5-year-old boy is recovering in the John Hunter Hospital following a horrific crash east of Scone which claimed the lives of three men including his father and grandfather.

Their four-wheel drive was discovered yesterday afternoon at a property off Waverley Road Timor near Gundy.

A neighbouring landowner found the vehicle at about 5.00pm -it appeared to have rolled down an embankment earlier in the day.


All occupants were ejected from the four-wheel drive - the three men were found dead at the scene and the 5-year-old boy was found nearby suffering a broken arm and other injuries.

He was flown to the John Hunter Hospital by the region's Westpac Rescue Helicopter in a stable condition.

Investigations are continuing and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Hunter MP's Involved in State Government Allowance Scandal

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald have been named as several State Government politicians claiming a living away from home allowance despite staying in their own investment properties.

The two-hundred-and-ninety-two dollar a night allowance granted to members in order to cover accommodation expenses for official parliament business in Sydney.

Jodie Harrison. Photo Courtesy:
http://gregwarren.nationbuilder.com/jodie_harrison

The Daily Telegraph reports at least four other State MP's have also claimed the allowance, despite staying in their Sydney based investment properties free of charge.

The Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal has determined members who travel a minimum of 70 kilometres from their principal place of residence to Parliament are eligible for the allowance.

Scot MacDonald. Photo Courtesy:
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/
members/Pages/member-details.aspx?pk=87

In a statement, Jodie Harrison says she meets requirements to claim the allowance. She stays at her own unit in Surry Hills while parliament is sitting.

Scot MacDonald was contacted for response but declined to comment.

The allowance costs taxpayers $1.6 million per year.

Williamtown Residents Serve Letter Of Demand On Defence

BY IAN CROUCH

 Williamtown residents affected by the RAAF base chemical spill are preparing to take on the department of defence in court, if their demands for compensation are not met by the end of the month.

Law firm Gadens is supporting resident's claims they have been ignored and treated unfairly over the chemical spill which decimated land values and impacted livelihoods

President of the Fullerton Cove Residents Action Group, Lindsay Clout says they have no choice but to pursue legal action.


"It's been a long road for us to get to this point with Defence. I mean, we've been at the table for over 12 months now, but unfortunately it's the path we've driven down because the contamination is still there, it's still leaking off the base. We want some action and people are hurting," he said.

Lindsay Clout Picture: Port Stephens Examiner

Man Dies After Falling From Ute At Port Stephens

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police have charged the driver of a ute after his passenger was killed when he fell from the vehicle at Port Stephens.

The 20-year-old victim allegedly climbed into the tray as the vehicle drove along Mungo Brush Road late on Saturday night to secure a load of timber before falling.

He was found by a passer-by with a severe head injury however he was unable to be revived.

The 29-year-old driver has been charged with a range of driving and drink driving offences.

He's been granted conditional bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on November 7.

Update: Fire at Murray's Brewery

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

This morning's fire at Murray's Brewery along Nelson's Bay Road has reportedly caused some damage to the business's cellar door and kitchen area.

The brewery itself, however, is in a different building and has been completely unaffected.

General Manager Jane Clack says it is still too early to say too much.

"The most important thing is that nobody was injured and the fire is under control.

"The brewing of our beer and the wholesale side of our business continues to operate as normal."

She says more information will arrive later on today.

"When our wonderful local police and and fire service have finished the work they need to do, we will have access to our property and update everybody later on today.

"Our focus is to reopen for trade as soon as possible."

Government Moves to Secure the Hunter's Future

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

The State Government have announced a blueprint for the Hunter as it looks to ensure the region will be able to grow by 30 percent over the next two decades.

Rob Stokes

Dubbed the Hunter Regional Plan, the project will help guide private development over the next 20 years, with hopes it’ll turn Newcastle into a metropolitan centre.

“We know that this region will continue to grow in terms of population,” Planning Minister Rob Stokes said while also calling Newcastle the “capital of the largest regional economy in NSW”.

The Government also announced the Hunter Region Special Contributions Plan to help spur development across the region.

“It can help developers and land owners to price in from the very beginning of their development proposals,” Rob Stokes said.

“This will provide certainty, clarity, it’ll help speed up the planning process.”

The plan is a levy, which was similar to the one used by the Government while it was revitalising Western Sydney.

“It’ll also put downward pressure on house prices by making it clear to developers the sorts of contribution they’ll be expected to contribute,” Stokes said.

The blueprint has been praised by local think tank Urban Task Force, with its CEO, Chris Johnson saying the plan was inevitable.

“Sydney can’t just always go up and get bigger, so we’re going to rely on Newcastle as a major centre into future decades,” he said.

“We’re very positive about strong growth, we believe this plan does deliver on that.”

“A lot is going to be in the detail of course and some of that will come out in the district plans.”

BREAKING! Major Fire At Murray's Brewery

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews are battling a major blaze at Murray's Brewery at Bobs Farm.

Around 30 RFS and NSW Fire and Rescue crews were called to the well-known business on Nelson Bay Road just before 6.00am to find a fire in kitchen area of a detached residence.

Newcastle Fire and rescue says the roof of the building has collapsed 

The RFS says the fire has caused major damage but the brewery operations have not been affected by the fire.

Lake Macquarie Police Issue Warning After Teen Girl Confronted By Flasher

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are looking for a man who exposed himself to a teenage girl at Cardiff South.

The 14-year-old was walking along a track at Winding Creek near Fifth Street just after 9 yesterday morning when the man approached her from behind a bush and exposed himself.

The girl ran from the scene and informed a teacher who called police.


The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his mid 50's, about 175-180cm tall and 70-80kg with short grey/black hair. At the time he was wearing a T-shirt and blue jeans. He was also wearing tinted reading glasses.

The incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the 'Safe People, Safe Places' messages with their children.

In particular, young people should make sure their parents or another adult knows where they are at all times and always walk straight home or to the place they are walking to using busier roads and streets or paths where there are lots of people. Know where safe places are like a shop, service station, police station, library or school and don't talk to strangers or get into a car driven by a person they don't know.

Lake Macquarie Senator Slams Defence Over Williamtown Contamination

BY IAN CROUCH

 Lake Macquarie One Nation Senator Brian Burston has accused Defence of ignoring communities living on land contaminated by chemicals used on military bases.

He's spoken with Defence and government ministers about dozens of sites across Australia including Williamtown and Oakey in Queensland.

Senator Burston says he's been told nothing more can be done for residents until a report is released.

"Residents are desperate - we are going to have some major mental health issues very very soon if they don't do something about it and they're just sitting on their hands. They've known about this since 2003 - I read a report from the Defence department and they're just worried about bad publicity," he said.

Senator Brian Burston Photo courtesy Cessnock Advertiser

Teens Arrested After Police Pursuit Through Newcastle's Western Suburbs

BY IAN CROUCH

 Two Newcastle teenagers wanted over a string of robberies have been arrested following a police pursuit.

Officers started chasing a black Suzuki on Minmi Road late yesterday afternoon after it was spotted leaving the scene of an alleged break-in at Maryland.

The car crashed into another vehicle a short time later on Newcastle Road at Jesmond, with the 18 and 17-year-olds arrested.

It's alleged they're also responsible for two other attempted robberies at Kotara and Jesmond yesterday, along with a stealing at Maryland and a hold-up at Gosford in August.

The 18-year-old is due to front Newcastle Local Court today charged with several offenses including steal form dwelling and driving a conveyance without consent.

The 17-year-old has also been refused bail and is due to face a children's court today.

Clowns Caught In Crossfire

Ruby The Clown. Photo Courtesy Maitland Mercury. 

BY MICHAEL LANGHAM

A hunter children's entertainer has been forced to change her business practices, following the 'Creepy Clown" trend sweeping across the nation.

Ruby The Clown experienced a case of mistaken identity whilst driving home from one of her shifts, being verbally abused whilst stopped at a set of traffic lights.

Entertainers and business owners are taking measures to protect staff and reassure parents that their outfits are child friendly.

Ruby says she has advised her staff to remove makeup after shows and insists "the phone is still ringing, people are still booking clowns... I personally think this is a passing fad."

There have been 19 sightings of people in clown suits between Friday to Tuesday, with police saying they will take a tough stance against this behavior.

RID Squad calls for help over asbestos waste dump

BY JACINTA LEE

The Regional Illegal Dumping Squad has put out a call for assistance after 15 tonnes of asbestos-contaminated waste was discovered near Kurri Kurri.

Investigators suspect a tipper truck dumped the material on Hart Road, Loxford some time around Sunday, October 2.

Squad coordinator Rob Robertson said the culprit or culprits left clues at the site.

"One of the items that we found was an old birthday card to a young boy named Earl from Uncle Wayne, Aunty Liz, and Mandy," he stated.

"What we're hoping is, people might recognise the combination of those names and get in touch with us."

The quantity of waste found on the road has investigators looking at the possibility of a commercial dump, which carries penalties of up to $1 million for businesses found guilty.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the RID Squad on (02) 4921 0171.

The Hunter reacts as greyhound ban lifted

BY JACINTA LEE

There have been mixed reactions in the Hunter to news the greyhound racing ban has been lifted statewide.

It follows from Premier Mike Baird's announcement yesterday he "got it wrong," after signing off on a plan to reverse the decision.

Local trainer Bob Whitelaw said he welcomes the backflip, but he claims the government's image has been tarnished.

"I think he's done himself a lot of damage and done the government a lot of damage. I've got no doubt about that," he said.

"It's good to see that the Premier has admitted he was wrong."

Meanwhile, Scot Macdonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, says the NSW government intends to take a hard line with the industry from here on out.

"This is not a free hand for the industry," he said. "There are very, very high expectations about the greyhound industry and how it conducts itself going forward."

Man Seriously Injured Following Assault at Bonnells Bay

BY IAN CROUCH
 

 A man has been taken to hospital following an assault at Bonnells Bay last night.

Around 10.30pm, a 49-year-old man was at a home on Egret Close,  when he went outside and was confronted by three men.

Police have been told one of the men armed with an extendable baton, assaulted him, causing him to fall to the ground.

He was then bashed by the other men while on the ground  before they left in a white sedan.

The victim was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital with arm, neck and facial injuries.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene.

As part of their inquiries, police would like to speak to three men, described only as being of a large build, who may be able to assist them.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.