Singleton on Alert for Illegal Dumpers

BY TYLER FARDELL

As we enter the holiday season, Singleton Council say they will be on high alert for people illegally waste dumping.

Illegally dumping waste is a burden on the environment and the economy, with a small minority of Singleton residents choosing to dump waste in the bush rather than use the Summerhill waste management centre.

The fines for illegally waste dumping start at $2000 and go up to $250,000 for individuals while companies can be fined a maximum of one million dollars.

Singleton Councils Acting Director of Planning and Infrastructure Mary-Anne Crawford is hopeful the intimidating fines will scare away any potential waste dumpers.

"The Regional Illegal Dumping Squad (RID), will be very active over the holiday period to ensure that if you dispose of waste illegally, you will be caught", she said.

"People should use the waste disposal facility instead, which is open every day apart from Christmas day".

Many waste materials that people dispose of illegally often contain toxic materials like asbestos and poses a health risk to the community.

Illegal Dumper

Bring Back the Crackers

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp is putting the crackers back into Newcastle, calling for the city's midnight fireworks to return on New Year’s Eve in 2018.

Since Council made the decision to axe the midnight show in 2013 -- locals have only had a 9pm family-friendly display to look forward to.

Mr. Crackanthorp believes the state's second largest city really should host the ‘main event,’ saying it would be a huge boost for the local economy.

“Midnight fireworks could attract people from all around the Hunter if they put on a big show like they’re intending to do this year with I think $200 000 for the fireworks. It’s an enormous amount,” he said.

“If you had some of that at midnight, you’d have people staying overnight and all the economic boosts associated with that would benefit local businesses.

“We’re missing out on a lot of opportunity there to attract tourists back into the city.”

He says if Council wants Newcastle to make its mark on the world stage, a big event like midnight fireworks would surely help.

“We do want to become a global city in South East Asia and what global city does not celebrate the New Year with a big bang at midnight? It’s pretty well unheard off for such a large city.”

And he’s not the only one who wants to see a return of the midnight display. Locals are also eager to get the crackers back.

“Many residents have contacted me and said they want midnight fireworks brought back so I’m suggesting to Council that perhaps next year, they might want to do that.”

Image: Newcastle City Council

Wanted Man Heads to Court After Dramatic Police Chase

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The man at the centre of the dramatic police chase across the Hunter heads to court today on a dozen charges.

Just after 10am yesterday police allege they attempted to pull the 22-year-old over in Wallsend but he refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated.

Police chased the man to the Hunter Expressway where they terminated the chase for a short time for safety reasons. Officers spotted him not long after driving on the Expressway on the wrong side of the road and gave chase for a second time.

The man managed to avoid to deployments of road spikes by police and then drove to Newcastle Link Road and then onto the M1 Pacific Motorway. It's here police allege he forced a vehicle off the road by colliding with it and then attempted and failed to "car jack" it.

He then successfully stole a white Audi Sedan allegedly armed with an edged weapon and took off.

Police in the area initiated another chase, but had to terminate not long after when the 22-year-old crossed to the wrong side of the Motorway.

Once he reached the Dora Creek Bridge, he tried and failed to "car jack" another three vehicles.

This is where police caught up with the man and tried to arrest him. The 22-year-old rammed into an unmarked police vehicle which caused minor injuries to two officers. But thankfully with the help of other officers the man was finally arrested at the scene.

He was taken to Toronto Police Station and slapped with a dozen charges: take detain person with intent to obtain advantage, armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, aggravated take drive vehicle whilst armed with offensive weapon, resist officer in execution of duty, intentionally choke person with recklessness, common assault, display unauthorised registration plates, and a warrant for revocation of parole.

The 22-year-old was originally wanted for Domestic Violence matters.

He was refused bail and faces Toronto Local Court today.

Nulkaba Public School Upgrade

BY GRACE LANCASTER

Christmas has come early for the staff and students of Nulkaba Public School, with construction approved for an upgrade to classrooms and facilities.

The New South Wales government-funded project is designed to cater for the growing enrolment demand in the local area and will introduce a modern two-storey building containing fourteen brand new future-focused classrooms.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, welcomed the project believing it to be a good sign for the hunter.

"There are estates going up everywhere, there's new people coming into the region, there's no doubt that it will probably be a bigger school in years to come and I think in the planning and in the design they're taking account of that, but these will be really good", he said.

"We've got $4.2 billion dollars with spending, over 120 new or upgraded schools, $747 million dollars going on school maintenance; and that is one of my absolute priorities across the hunter that we get into that." 

Construction for the project is set to get underway mid next year and will be completed in early 2020.

Nulkaba Public School Cessnock

Man Stabbed in Merewether

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are investigating after a man was stabbed in the neck and torso at Merewether last night.

At about 11:30pm, the 27-year-old was involved in a physical struggle with another man on Ulick Street.

He was stabbed several times in the neck, chest and arms during the incident.

After returning to his car, he managed to call a friend who drove him to the John Hunter Hospital.

It's believed he's in a stable condition.

Earlier:

A man is in a stable condition in hospital after he was allegedly stabbed in Merewether last night.

Police were called to Ulick Street  at 11:30pm following reports there was an altercation between two men which left one of them, a 27-year-old, with stab wounds.

A crime scene was set up this morning and police are investigating.

Woman Killed in Wallsend Overnight

BY JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE:

A woman has tragically died after being hit by a car in Wallsend.

The 21-year-old was walking on west along Minmi Road with two male friends just after 11pm last night when she was struck by a Holden Astra Sedan.

She was treated at the scene and then rushed to the John Hunter Hospital with serious head injuries but sadly couldn't be saved.

One of her friends received a minor leg injury but didn't require further treatment.

The 18-year-old driver of the car is assisting police with their inquiries.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

EARLIER: 

A pedestrian has tragically died after being hit by a car in Wallsend overnight.

Two people, a man and a woman, were walking along Minmi Road just after 11pm last night when the woman was hit by a car.

The 21-year-old was taken to the John Hunter Hospital but sadly she couldn't be saved.

The driver of the car, a male, was taken to hospital as well for mandatory blood and urine testing.

Investigations are continuing.

Fire Destroys old Squash Courts in Wallsend

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Fire has destroyed the old Tennis and Squash Centre in Wallsend overnight.

17 calls to Triple 000 prompted emergency services call out to Council Street at 8:55pm.

They arrived to find fire had engulfed the building and partially collapsed one side; crews had to call for back-up and in the end six trucks were on scene.

50 people had to be evacuated from the Coles Supermarket on Cowper Street while crews extinguished the blaze. Crews also protected a property on one side of the blaze which came close to catching alight.

The fire was finally extinguished at 2:20am this morning, and one truck stayed on the scene ensuring the blaze doesn't flare up again.

The structure was completely destroyed.

Investigations are continuing into how the blaze started.

Image Smd Industries Facebook.

Image Smd Industries Facebook.

$750k for Dixon Park SLSC

BY MATT JOHNSTON

A partnership between the New South Wales government, Newcastle City Council, and the Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club (DPSLSC) will see a raft of improvements for the club and its amenities on the Bathers Way walk.

Scot MacDonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, announced the $350,000 grant this morning alongside Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who added $250,000 from council. The remaining $150,000 will come from funds raised by the DPSLSC itself.

DPSLSC President Paul Murray said the club has seen a growth in membership and popularity as a venue since the opening of the Bathers Way coastal path. However, the renewed use of the site highlighted the 40-year-old amenities that are on offer.

Updates at the site are limited to the ground floor, where the changerooms and bathrooms will be upgraded and made more accessible for those with disabilities. A kitchen will be installed the increase the range of activities available at the venue.

Council will also be using this as an opportunity to create new storage areas for equipment.

Both Paul Murray and Scot MacDonald were pride to be to revitalising "iconic" elements of Newcastle's coastline. Modernising the facilities is key, given that a women's changeroom was overlooked in the original building plans 40 years ago.

Nuatali Nelmes she's happy to be contributing to new facilities which make sport more accessible and attractive to women.

Picture: Newcastle City Council

Salamander Bay Residents Benefit from $5 million Revitalisation

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A $5-million dollar new bus interchange at Salamander Bay has today been opened to the public.

The works were completed just in time for Christmas by contractor Daracon on behalf of Port Stephens Council.

The project sees the completion of a new road called Terminus Parade and traffic lights at Bagnall Beach Road.

A taxi rank and shared pathways have also been created, in a move Council hopes will attract shoppers to the Bay's retail precinct.

BREAKING! Wanted Man Arrested after Terrifying Pursuit in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE and LAUREN FREEMANTLE

UPDATE

Police have a wanted man in custody after a lengthy pursuit in the Hunter this morning.

Officers allegedly started to chase a 22-year-old man, who was driving a Mitsubishi Sedan on the Hunter Expressway near Heddon Greta after receiving word of his whereabouts just after 10am and pursued him west, before turning around and heading east on the wrong side of the road.

He stopped and a police car pulled up behind him and before taking off again he allegedly rammed the police car, a Ford Falcon Sedan, which caused the airbags to deploy leaving the two police officers inside with minor injuries. The police car was written off.

The chase continued on the M1 Pacific Motorway to Freemans Waterhole. It's also believed at this point there was a female passenger in the wanted man's car and she jumped out.

The 22-year-old kept going and then stopped again, carjacking another vehicle. The driver of the hijacked car, which is believed to be an Audi, jumped out and is uninjured.

Not long later, police managed to arrest him when he stopped for a third time near Sparks Road and he's been taken into custody.

Investigations are continuing.

EARLIER 11am:

A man is in custody after a police pursuit across the Hunter this morning.

A car was pursued by police first on Newcastle Link Road at Edgeworth, and then onto the Hunter Expressway near Singleton.

The vehicle has now been stopped by police, and investigations are continuing.

Paul from Cessnock was on the road at the time and told 2NURFM News all he could do was quickly move out of the way and hope for the best.

"I moved over quickly to keep right away from him and he just went flying past. It was just awful, very awful. One was very powerless."

EARLIER:

There have been reports of a car driving on the wrong side of the Hunter Expressway - heading towards Singleton in the southbound lane driving north.

Witnesses say they saw the car driving erratically near the Kurri Kurri exit before police attended the scene.

We'll have more details as they come to hand.

Raid on Hunter House Uncovers Cannabis Set-up

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police have uncovered a large hydroponic cannabis set-up near Cessnock in the Hunter.

At about 10:30pm on Monday night police stopped a Blue Ford Sedan XR6 on Middle Road heading towards Paxton near Cessnock. Police searched the car and allegedly found an amount of cash.

The 50-year-old driver was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.

Police then applied for a search warrant for a property on Middle Road at Paxton.

During raid on the home police allegedly found a hydroponic setup in the rear shed where nine cannabis plants were being grown.

Police say they also found an indoor setup with more cannabis plants, about $3,000 cash which they say is believed to be the proceeds of crime, cannabis leaf throughout the premises, and small resealable bags believed to have contained around 600 grams of methamphetamine.

Police seized all of the items and interviewed a 46-year-old man believed to be the occupant of the home.

He was handed a court attendance notice for cultivating prohibited plants.

He faces Cessnock Local Court next month.

Kurri Kurri Drive-By Shooting Thought to Be Bikie Gang Related

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police have charged a man with firearm offenses for an alleged drive-by shooting in Kurri Kurri earlier this year.

Projectiles were fired into a vehicle and a dwelling in Greta Street at about 1:50am on October 15 - a mother and three children were reportedly asleep in the home at the time. 

Police from the Central Hunter Local Area Command found a partially burnt out Mitsubishi Magna not far from the incident on the same night.

Following extensive inquiries police arrested a 21-year-old man at Tuggerah yesterday and charged him over the incident.

He was charged with fire firearm at dwelling and fire firearm at other than dwelling disregarding safety.

Police believe the incident may have been bikie gang related (OMCG). The man is believed to be a nominee for the Finks.

The 21-year-old will appear at Wyong Local Court today.


EARLIER

Drive-By Shooting At Kurri Kurri

Man on the Run Caught in Warners Bay

BY JESSICA ROUSE

After being on the run since earlier this year, police have finally tracked down a Warners Bay man who was allegedly involved in several police pursuits.

Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command were tipped off to the whereabouts of the man by a stolen vehicle parked on Hillsborough Road yesterday.

After further inquiries, and with the assistance of the police dog, officers forced entry into a nearby motel room.

They found three people in the room including the 32-year-old man they were after and two other women.

Officers executed a search warrant and will allege they seized quantities of illegal drugs and more than $1,000 in cash.

The 32-year-old man was arrested and charged with break, enter & steal, predatory driving (x 2), drive conveyance without consent of owner (x 2), police pursuit (x 2), goods in custody (x 2), possess prohibited drug, possess equipment to administer prohibited drug and possess housebreaking implements.

He was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

The two women were also arrested without incident - A 25-year-old was issued a court attendance notice for possess prohibited drug and will appear in court next year. The other woman, a 35-year-old, was charged with be carried in conveyance and possess prohibited drug.

She was granted bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on January 10, 2018.

Darby Street venue targeted for Liquor license breaches

BY JARROD MELMETH

Soho on Darby in Newcastle can no longer serve drinks without meals after the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) found its mode of operation was resulting in anti-social behaviour including alcohol-related violence.

Following an investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW, ILGA has revoked the restaurant’s Primary Service Authorisation which allows alcohol to be served without meals provided the business’s primary purpose remains a restaurant.

NSW police reports showed there had been nine assaults and five patrons charged with offensive behaviour at the venue between July 2015 and August 2016.

In its findings, ILGA said NSW Police had observed numerous times that the vast majority of patrons were on the first floor of the venue, with DJ entertainment, no tables and chairs and few if any patrons consuming a meal.

No staff could be seen in the kitchen and staff said only a limited menu was available.

Liquor & Gaming NSW’s Director of Compliance Operations, Sean Goodchild, said the case highlighted the need for venues with Primary Service Authorisations to ensure they don’t operate as nightclubs or bars.

“We have investigated a number of recent cases where restaurants have effectively morphed into nightclubs or bars which have far higher risks of alcohol-related harms including violence, anti-social behaviour and disturbance.

“Businesses that fail to run in accordance with their responsible service obligations and licence conditions can expect to be investigated and face serious penalties," Mr Goodchild said.

ILGA’s decision took effect on 18 December.

Hunter MP's want Return and Earn fast-tracked.

BY JARROD MELMETH

The lack of Return and Earn collection points in the Hunter has prompted calls from the State Opposition for the government to fast-track the rollout of the scheme.

Three weeks after the launch of the scheme, the Hunter region has 11 of the 300 statewide collection points, which residents say has resulted in long queues and machines being out of service because they are too full.

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said piles of rubbish has been accumulating around the machines as they become out of order or too full.

"We certainly do need to, when we roll out these machines, be mindful of the fact that people will be waiting to utilise them, that they are accessible for people with disabilities and, that people do not leave rubbish behind. There needs be bins and other things provided with extra collections being made for the removal of the rubbish as well.

"Unfortunately, while it is a wonderful scheme some of the minor issues have not been thought out yet. They need to to make it comfortable and convenient for the community," Ms Hornery said.

Ms Hornery said she had also written to the Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton asking for machines to be installed at Stockland Wallsend and Stockland Glendale.

It was announced earlier today that the NSW Government has partnered with Coles which Ms Upton said will "mean more locations for people to return their empty containers and receive their refund.”

Photo: 2GB Sydney.

Job Growth in Newcastle without the Mining Boom

BY JESSICA ROUSE

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the Hunter's job growth isn't thanks to a mining boom, but rather her government's infrastructure spend in the region.

The State Government's $650 million investment in the city for infastructure has doubled the number of jobs throughout the region.

The latest stats from the Hunter Research Foundation Centre mirror the numbers showing the Hunter had an annual growth of 7.4 per cent when it comes to full time jobs in the region.

Gladys Berejiklian says in the past 2 1/2 years alone 37,000 jobs have been created.

"We are for the first time having a boom in Newcastle and the Hunter without a mining boom. This is the first time Newcastle has been able to stand on its own without going through a mining boom. I'm so proud of that,"

"This is the first time in Newcastle's history where Newcastle hasn't had to depend on the mining boo to get ahead."

Premier Gladys Berejiklian in Newcastle yesterday. Image David Threlfo Twitter.

 "We've seen at least $2 billion in private investment coming off the back of the government's contribution and that's resulting in a whole range of construction jobs, engineering, tradies, it's hard to find people to work for us up here because there's so much going on which a good challenge to have," said Premier Berejiklian.

The Premier also said the big infrastructure spend has triggered big events in the region such as the inaugural Newcastle 500 Supercars event in November and big sporting games which is all only going to increase as the city moves into the future.

"We're really thrilled that that's what holds the future of Newcastle. It's a multiplicity of jobs, multiple sectors growing and that's what we want to see. I don't want to see people have to jump on a train every morning and travel long distances because they want to get the job of their dreams,"

"I want people to get the jobs of their dreams in Newcastle, and that's the future we're building," said Premier Berejiklian.

EARLIER:

It's all About Building for the Future: Premier Berejiklian Thrilled with Newcastle Interchange

Funding Boost for Knights Centre of Excellence

BY TYNAN SALAMONE. 

The Newcastle Knights are expected to have a $20 million Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadow by November 2019. 

The Knights were one of five NRL clubs to be provided funds from the NSW Government, receiving $10 million, the most of any club. 

As a condition of the ownership deal struck between the Wests Leagues Club and the NRL in July, Wests will match the grant dollar-for-dollar. 

Wests and Knights chief executive Phil Gardner believes the development of the centre is vital to the future of sport in Newcastle. 

"I don't think we can overstate how important it is to the region. It is a huge commitment from the Wests Group and a legacy for the town. We don't think there is a better place for us to invest money.

"We'll have one home finally. It'll be a home for the Knights, a home for the community and a home for other sports as well," he said. 

Construction is expected to start in the middle of next year. 

TOTAL FIRE BAN in place for the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Fire crews will be on high alert in the Hunter today with a TOTAL FIRE BAN in place for the region.

The mercury will soar to 43 degrees in Wallsend, and it'll even be 40 degrees in Newcastle throughout much of the day.

The fire conditions are rated as being Severe due to the hot and dry conditions - the advice from the Rural Fire Service today is to follow your bush survival plan if you need to and remain vigilant.

Ausgrid has cancelled some planned maintenance works across the region.

Works planned for Hexham, Singleton, Pokolbin and Woodville won't be going ahead today. Maintenance planned for Muscle Creek, Aberdeen, Sandy hollow, Keinbah, Myuna Bay and Wakefield will continue, but be shorter than planned so power can be restored by midday.

Cessnock Gaol Officer Charged after Smuggling Contraband into Facility

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It's alleged that a Cessnock Correctional Centre officer not once, not twice, but at least ten times took contraband into the goal throughout this year.

Police have charged a 29-year-old Corrective Services employee after a drug dog operation on Monday (December 18, 2017) uncovered drugs in the officer's wallet.

The man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was interviewed.

Police allege this isn't the first time the officer had taken contraband into the facility - he's been accused of bringing various types of contraband in on ten other occasions and exchanging the contraband for cash.

The 29-year-old has been charged with two counts of agent corruptly receive benefit, bring drugs into place of detention and two counts of unlawfully deliver or attempt to deliver anything to inmate.

The officer has been suspended from duty, and was granted conditional bail to appear in Cessnock Local Court on January 24, 2018.

Koalas Left Vulnerable Under New State Legislation

BY LAUREN KEMPE

The topic of Port Stephens' koala population has been thrown back and forth in political debate over the last few days.

The NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee listed the species as 'endangered' earlier this year but released their final determination for koalas to remain classified as 'vulnerable' due to recent state biodiversity conservation legislation.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington, says the state government's new conservation laws negate the area's population from being listed as endangered in the future.

'It beggars the belief that the new laws effectively prohibits our local koala population from being listed as endangered. It's not that they aren't endangered anymore, it's just that this government has been so irresponsible, as to remove the ability to be officially called 'endangered'.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has fought back today saying the government has done no such thing, and a soon-to-be conducted audit should reveal the species' numbers across NSW.

'We've invested $10 million to increase the presence of koalas across the state, and we haven't changed the status, we're making the status equal with how the Commonwealth defines it.

'Enough research hasn't been done in the past to see how many koalas we do have across the state, and we're now putting in the funding to find that out.'

President of Port Stephens Koalas Carmel Northwood says the species needs to be protected.

'[Koalas] can no longer be listed as endangered in the future because of the legislation. If a certain species is in trouble, you should be able to identify that, but it seems you can't do that anymore.'

The Scientific Committee has confirmed that under the new laws, koalas in New South Wales cannot be re-classified as endangered, even if the population is found to have decreased.

Image Credit: https://weheartit.com/entry/198103206 

Funding Cuts for Newcastle University

BY LAUREN KEMPE

The University of Newcastle will see significant cuts to funding proceeding the release of the federal government's mid-year economic statement.

The MYEFO report revealed $2.1 billion in cuts to universities, a cap on university places, and a $10, 000 drop in the HECS repayment threshold.

Treasurer Scott Morrison says a third of degrees are never completed, a quarter of loans never repaid and funding has grown over the last five years.

However, Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon believes the government is pilfering from UON students to fund tax cuts for big businesses. 

'The government has capped the number of university places available. These cuts will see students miss out on university places, and ultimately compromise the quality of teaching and research that universities are able to offer.

'It's a very different financial climate to what universities were like in the previous generation. There are few if any students that aren't working multiple jobs as it is in order to keep themselves at university.'

Universities Australia says the Commonwealth Grants scheme freeze will give fewer people the chance to pursue a higher education.

Image Credit: http://www.theborneopost.com/2017/12/17/university-of-newcastle-focuses-on-work-integrated-learning-approach/

It's all About Building for the Future: Premier Berejiklian Thrilled with Newcastle Interchange

BY JESSICA ROUSE

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she's absolutely thrilled with the Newcastle Interchange and the progress the light rail project is making.

The Premier is in Newcastle today to present the political outlook for the Hunter at the Property Council's final lunch of the year, and while she was here she also inspected the progress on the $650 million-plus investment the government has made in Revitalising Newcastle.

Since the Revitalising Newcastle program started, the city's population has grown by 4.6 per cent and employment has increased as well, up 9 per cent.

Private investment has jumped too, with the project triggering $2 billion.

Revitalising Newcastle's Michael Cassell, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot
MacDonald, and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Premier Berejiklian said despite all of the hassles along the way, she's thrilled the government stuck to their guns and delivered.

"I remember people were complaining to me about why are you building the light rail and now people are saying we want an increased network, we want you to further increase the network so I remember at the time getting absolute criticism for announcing the light rail project,"

"I'm glad we stuck to our guns. It's going to be fantastic for Newcastle , but also the broader region. This is all about building for the future."

"I've learnt one thing about Newcastle, there is a minority of people that don't want to see things change because they've got vested interests, the vast majority of people want to see Newcastle move ahead and that's who we're batting for, those people who are invested in the future, invested in giving kids a go here in Newcastle and making sure Newcastle has the opportunity to become an even greater city - it is a great place already to live and work."

The Premier defended the cost of the light rail project after reports today suggested it was double the cost of similar projects across the state.

"There's no point taking down all of the wires from the heavy rail if you weren't going to do this, and I've heard some unfair criticism about the light rail project costing a bit more than other projects, that's because other projects have wire at the top of them like Canberra. We've chosen to make this wireless because we're preparing this for the future," said Premier Berejiklian.   

Image David Threlfo Twitter.

Cessnock City Council Launches Campaign to Target Illegal Dumping

BY CAOIMHE MACCARTHY

In an effort to tackle illegal dumping across the region, Cessnock City Council has teamed with local sporting personalities to launch a 12 month 'Better not mess with Cessnock' campaign.

Illegal dumping is the unwarranted disposal of waste in areas other than approved management facilities. There were 377 incidents recorded in the Cessnock Local Government Area last year alone.

Local sporting personalities including Speeding Racing Champion, Kiona Sunterton, Kurri Kurri Bulldogs', Brock Gilmour, Ladies League Tag's, Leanne Polglase, and Cessnock Goanna's, Patrick Jurd will be the faces of the campaign.

Over the next 12 months the campaign will see advertisements on the back of local buses, Council's garbage trucks, ads in the Cessnock Advertiser, and a social media campaign across the Council's Facebook page.

Cessnock Waste Management Centre's Sustainability Officer, Karinda Stone, says the local faces will help bring further attention to the issue of illegal dumping in the area.

"It's about educating and informing people so they're aware that it is a big issue and recognise that it's not the right thing to do with our waste", she says, "We really need to be disposing of it properly".

Cessnock City Mayor Councillor Bob Pynsent commended the local sports stars on their involvement in the campaign and hopes locals will take note of the main message.

"There is absolutely no excuse to mess with Cessnock," he says, "I can assure people that the fines are far worse than the fees at the Cessnock Waste Management Centre".

The year-long campaign was made possible with a $102,118 Illegal Dumping, Clean Up and Prevention grant from the Environment Protection Authority.

Council is urging everyone to report cases of illegal dumping by calling 131 555 or reporting online at ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au.

Image supplied.

Keep Cool, We're in for a Scorcher

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Today is set to be an absolute scorcher in the Hunter and we're being reminded to not only keep ourselves cool, but our pets as well.

With the mercury tipped to hit 42 degrees in Wallsend and about the same in Singleton, local vets are reminding us to make sure we leave plenty of water around, see to it that there's plenty of shade for our pets to hide under and not exercise our pets, particularly dogs, during the hottest parts of the day if at all.

Director of the Newcastle Animal Referral and Emergency Centre and 2NURFM pet vet Dr David Tabrett said dogs in particular pant to try and keep cool, which requires lots of water.

"And that requires a lot of moisture to be available so its always important to have a lot of cool, fresh water sources available just in case they kick one over, it's important to make sure they've got a couple."

"We don't appreciate how quickly they can get overheated and I've had that experience with my dog and I'm an experienced vet of 30 years, where I've mi-judged the timing and she became overheated very quickly. So just be ever aware of your dogs behaviour changes or if they get gastrointestinal problems that certainly would be a sign," said David.

Summer is one of the most deadly times of the year for our pets, and new stats show 39 per cent of Australians are unaware of the signs that their dogs are suffering from heat exhaustion or dehydration.

David said it really doesn't take much for your dog to overheat in the scorching temperatures we get throughout the Hunter region.

"And that can take a mild exercise or for instance dogs with pushed in faces they don't tolerate heat very well. So the symptoms we would see are gastro-intestinal problems first of all, breathing problems and in some cases it can progress to neurological disease such as coma, convulsions and death."

If your pet's behaviour does change, or you notice they are suffering from heat stroke, contact your vet immediately.

The hot conditions have prompted paramedics to remind us to stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water.

Intensive Care Paramedic Alan Morrison said if your not feeling well, just get out of the sun.

"If you notice yourself suffering from some heat stress, take steps to cool yourself down with some fanning, maybe a damp cloth and getting out of the sun and into the shade."

Woman Winched off Cruise Ship after Suffering Stroke

BY JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE:

The Rescue Helicopter has winched a 40-year-old woman off the Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship after she suffered a stroke.

The chopper was called to rendezvous with the ship 50 nautical miles off Port Macquarie at about 10:30 this morning.

The crew stabilised the passenger before flying her to the John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.

EARLIER:

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter has transported a woman to the John Hunter Hospital after she had a fall in her home near Coffs Harbour.

The 65-year-old woman was initially taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital last night after she hit her head when she fell at her home.

She suffered head and back injuries and had to be stabilised by a specialist team from the John Hunter before arriving in Newcastle at 8:30 this morning.

Meanwhile

The helicopter is now headed out to a cruise ship 50 nautical miles off Port Macquaire following reports a passenger is seriously ill.

Caves Beach Phone Tower Approved

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A controversial pone tower proposal for Caves Beach has been approved by Lake Macquarie Council.

Furious residents stormed out of council's meeting last night when the tower was unexpectedly approved.

Residents were expecting the application for the Telstra tower on Scenic Drive to be deferred until next year after Councillors visited the site and made the recommendation to defer.

Residents are concerned the tower could pose a serious threat to their health because it's so close to their homes, from radio frequency electromagnetic energy.

Investigations Ramp Up into Historical Child Abuse in Lake Macquarie

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police have released images of people they wish to speak to in relation to child abuse offenses in Lake Macquarie.

Detectives from Strike Force Therese say the images were taken at a licensed premises at Catherine Hill Bay in July 2015 and show two men, and two women.

The individuals in the photos are being urged to contact the Hunter office of the Child Abuse Unit.

Strike Force Therese was set up by detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad to investigate historical child abuse offenses that occurred in the Lake Macquarie area in 2015.

Police believe the people depicted in the images could help with their investigations.

Anyone who has any information, or recognises the people in the photos are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.